How to prepare for IELTS Reading Test

Get introduced to the IELTS Reading test with details about the assessment criteria, format of the exam, types of questions and more.
October 20, 2020 Yuno for Students

Understand the objective of testing Reading skills in IELTS

Do you have the ability to comprehend, paraphrase and interpret the information that you read? Do you have the ability to differentiate between necessary and supportive information? Can you skim-read the text given to you and scan it for detail? In IELTS Reading, You will have to answer 40 questions in 60 minutes. While doing so, you should be able to understand the overall purpose and opinion of the author, and extract information from the given text to complete notes, diagrams, tables, etc. Reading without comprehension of WHO, WHICH, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW is just reading. You must understand what you read and to understand what you read, you must have answers to these in your mind as you continue reading. So, read articles, journals, newspapers, and magazines keeping this in your mind.

How is the Reading Score calculated in the IELTS Reading Test?

The reading score is calculated according to the correct answers. If 50% – 55% of the answers are correct, the band awarded is between 5 and 5.5. So, how do we move beyond a Band of 5.5? In the IELTS reading passage, focus on the words that give you answers for WHO, WHICH, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE.

Do Active reading, not Passive.

Active reading happens when you read between the lines – you understand why a point has been given or why an example has been included or what the opinion of the author is. Whereas, in Passive reading, you just read everything without understanding the meaning in reference to context or the objective behind giving a particular detail.

Paraphrase what you read

There are different types of questions in the reading section. They can be answered well if you start paraphrasing what you skim-read – this means that you explain it in simple words to yourself. While paraphrasing, you use synonyms and at times you may even change the structure of the sentence. Hence while paraphrasing, you might find it difficult to replace some words. For this, work on your vocabulary. It is easier when someone gives you feedback for your paraphrase. The skill of paraphrasing will help you to answer different types of questions such as those in which you are supposed to fill in the blanks or the ones in which the sentence structure is changed in the questions. So, whether you read a newspaper or an article from any magazine, work on the skill of paraphrasing what you read.

What to paraphrase in IELTS Reading passages?

You get three passages in IELTS Reading and within one hour you are required to answer 40 questions based on these passages. Hence, Time Management plays a crucial role. You should know what to read and how to read to answer the questions correctly. If you can read faster, you can read the same content twice. This can be achieved only with the right practice. Don’t read word by word, instead read groups of words together. Paraphrase impact words, but do not lose track of time. The first step is to understand that there are different types of passages and different types of questions on those passages. Skim read fast – around 250 words per minute. Always leave around 25 minutes for the last passage. Remember, a question carries only one mark – do not spend too much time to find the answer to each question.

TIPS for understanding different types of IELTS passages to answer questions

1. Factual passages

These are related to advertisements, official documents, newspapers, etc. These facts are not debatable. 

  • Read the questions first and focus only on the information required while skim reading.
  • Verify the information by reading the sentence before it and after it.

2. Descriptive passages

An issue or a particular situation is explained without any subjective opinion. 

  • Skim-read the complete passage before reading the questions.
  • This type of passage may have facts and figures as a lot of details about the subject described are given.
  • You must verify the facts by matching information while answering the questions.

3. Argumentative Passages

The author presents his opinion about an issue and expresses his own viewpoint related to that issue. He may have an opinion for or against the issue presented in the passage. 

  • Skim read the passage.
  • Paraphrase the words used by the author to present his opinion about the issue.
  • Identify the words that express an opinion in favor or against the issue.

4. Analytical Passages

In analytical passages, the author presents an issue and discusses the pros and cons of that issue. 

  • Skim read the passage.
  • Understand the scope of each paragraph separately.
  • Make a note of points in favor and against.
  • Pay attention to what is written before and after the words of contradiction.

5. Discursive Passages

Discursive passages may present arguments for or against a particular theory. 

  • Skim read the passage.
  • Look for the words of contradiction to understand different opinions and views.
  • Understand the tone of the author through the words the author uses. The choice of positive, negative, or neutral words that a writer uses indicates the writer’s overall tone. 
  • Paraphrase the words in the questions and the matching information in the passage.

Sections in IELTS General Reading

IELTS General Reading consists of three different sections and there are 40 questions based on the passages given in the three sections. The difficulty level increases with each section, so you should keep more time for the last section. Section 1: It has two or three short texts or several shorter ones on everyday life. Section 2: It has two texts related to the workplace. Section 3: There is one long discursive text. This is the most difficult of all.

Types of passages in the IELTS Academic Reading Test

The IELTS Academic Reading test consists of three sections – each section has one text. They are authentic texts and are taken from newspapers, books, journals, and magazines. Therefore, if you are in the habit of reading newspapers and magazines, you will be able to comprehend the passages without much difficulty. These texts may also contain non-verbal material such as diagrams and graphs. For such questions, a glossary is provided for technical jargon.

IELTS Reading Practice Test

1. Match the headings

The paragraph is always about one idea. There is a topic sentence for that idea and the other sentences support that topic sentence. The last sentence concludes the idea. For this type of question, first, skim-read the paragraph, second, read the headings given, and then match the heading with the idea of the paragraph.

IELTS Reading Sample Test

2. True, False, Not given’ or ‘Yes, No, and Not given’ questions

You are supposed to identify the information given in the passage. For this type of question, focus on Affirmative and Negative information. When we read about a process or a description of any kind, we find the sentences either affirmative or negative. Separate such information under two headings in your mind or on a piece of paper. This helps in answering questions that ask you to tell whether the given statements are “True, False, or Not Given. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

3. Sentence completion questions

Such questions paraphrase the words and ideas given in the passage. You must read the text that is given before and after the words you identify while scanning the passage for your answer. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

4. Notes/ Flow-chart or diagram completion questions

You must highlight different points while reading the passage. You can be asked to complete the flowchart/ notes or diagram based on the information given in one or two paragraphs of the passage. The information for this type of question is located in just one or two paragraphs, but the answers do not mostly come in order. Identify the paragraphs where the information is given. You must use the correct form of the word to answer such questions. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

5. Multiple-choice questions

You must paraphrase the information given in the question. You have to choose the correct answer from three or four options given to you. Hence, if you paraphrase the question and options correctly, you can match them quickly. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

6. Matching Paragraph information questions

You must remember that all paragraphs may not be used. Therefore, paraphrase the information in the question and scan the passage for the matching paragraph. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

7. Summary completion questions

Answers are usually in order. Therefore, scan the passage for the information and choose the right word. Sometimes, the words are given in a box. The word must be grammatically correct – noun, adjective, adverb, etc. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

Plastic Pollution 

Aliens may be more like us than we think

8. Choosing the title question

You can choose the correct answer if you have understood what the passage is about. While skim reading the passage, always conjecture the main idea of the passage. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

9. Table completion questions

For this type of question, you must read the column headings in the table and scan the passage for information. Understand the details and also how many words you can use to complete the table. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

10. Short Answer Questions

For this type of question, you must paraphrase the vocabulary used in the question. Answers come in sequential order. Identify the words from the passage and also the type of words you need – noun, verb, adjective, etc.

IELTS Reading Sample Test

11. Matching sentence endings questions

In such questions, you have to complete the sentence by matching the two parts of the same sentence. For this, you must read both parts and paraphrase them. The completed sentence should be grammatically correct. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

12. List selection questions

Read through the list and scan the passage for information. Read through the questions and identify keywords. Paraphrase and verify the answer from the passage. The answers come in order. 

IELTS Reading Sample Test

Smartphone usage and increased risk of mobile phone addiction 

How are these questions assessed? 

Each question is worth one mark. Take practice tests on different types of questions to master all.

Know more about the IELTS preparation courses: 

  • Are all these group classes or will I get 1-to-1 instruction too?

Our instruction is divided between group classes and one-to-one. For conceptual topics, we generally deliver group classes but we use one-to-one sessions for writing feedback, speaking practice, and mock test feedback analysis. To compare exactly how many group and one-to-one sessions are there in each of our courses, refer to the IELTS Comprehensive Course page.

  • Are these courses specific to IELTS Academic or General?

Both types of test takers can enroll in any of the above courses. Since most of the content is similar to IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams, there will be common group classes. At the same time, trainers will ensure that there are separate classes whenever required. So you can enroll for any of these courses without worry whether you are preparing for the Academic or the General version of the IELTS exam.

  • Can I attend classes from my phone?

Yes, you can. Zoom works on all sorts of devices but we highly recommend that you attend classes from your PC (desktop or laptop) because the instructor would show you different things during the class and the mobile screen is too small to study well. However, we have several students who attend the classes on their mobile phones and are happy about it.

  • Can I get a discount?

We offer our courses at very low prices compared to the rest of the industry. So we don’t usually offer discounts. If you are someone who cannot afford to pay the full amount because you truly have financial constraints, please contact us at [email protected] 

  • Do I get a free demo of the live class?

Yes, you will be able to attend up to two demo classes, for free and then decide if you would like to enroll in the course.

  • Do I have to buy any books or course materials?

No, all course material will be provided to you by us. We will be sending you the book called, “The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Student’s Book With Answers With DVD ROM” to practice full-length mock tests. This book is part of the course fee. We will deliver the book to your doorstep during the second week of the course.

  • Do I have to use some special software?

We use Zoom software for our live classes. It’s free to use and works just like Skype. It works both on a PC as well as on mobile phones. If you haven’t installed it already, please install it from this link: https://zoom.us/support/download

  • Do you guarantee a particular band score?

Getting your target band score depends on your current level of English and the target you have in mind. We are the experts in IELTS training and what we guarantee is that you will not find a better quality, more rigorous course anywhere else. We cannot guarantee you any specific score but you will make a significant improvement in your score. Please check our student testimonials. Anyone who guarantees you a target score is lying to you.

  • How can I pay?

A payment link will be shared with you. You can pay online and securely by clicking on the payment link and using various modes of payment like credit cards, debit cards, Net Banking, UPI, and various wallets.

  • How do online classes work?

Today’s live video technology allows us to bring the best instructor right to your computer. Live online classes happen virtually, over the internet, with real instructors where you and the instructor are connected via live video. It’s like a video call but with more features required for a great learning experience. You can attend classes for free during the trial period to experience if they will work for you.

  • How many hours of self-study do I need to plan?

You should be able to spend about 1 hour to 90 minutes each day on self-study. All the self-study material will be provided to you by your trainer.

  • How will listening practice happen?

While our trainers will deliver group classes to explain what concepts are important to improve your listening skills, each learner will practice from tens of available listening practice tests. The tests are online and can be accessed at…. You will be asked to attempt several of these tests on a weekly basis.

  • How will you help with the Speaking module?

There will be sub-groups formed, of 3-4 learners each, to practice the speaking skill. There will be weekly speaking practice classes where each learner will be asked to speak on a specific topic and the trainer will give him/her feedback on how he/she can improve.

  • How will you help with the Writing module?

You will get writing assignments from the trainer that you will write in Google docs (Google docs are free to use. All you need is a free Gmail account). Once you write your assignment, the trainer will check your assignment and mark up improvements. The trainer will then schedule a 1-to-1 live class with you to discuss it further with tips and suggestions on how you can improve.

  • I don’t have a broadband connection at home. Will my mobile internet work?

Yes, these days mobile connections are great too, especially if you have a 4G (or an LTE) connection. You can also ‘tether’ (also called hotspot) your phone connection with your PC and attend classes on your PC. Learn about tethering on Android Learn about using iPhone as a hotspot 

  • What are the advantages of live online classes over in-person classes?
  1. You study from the comfort of your home
  2. You study from the best instructor
  3. There’s more interaction in classes
  4. You save time by not having to travel
  5. You meet other students who are from different parts of the world
  • What if I miss a class?

Well, studying from a real instructor means that you should attend all the classes so you don’t miss any concepts. However, if you still miss a class or two because of an unavoidable reason, you can watch the recordings, or request your instructor to re-do the class for you. We are happy to help whenever you need it.

  • What will the homework assignments be like?

There will be different homework assignments for each of the skills required. Example homework assignments will be like taking practice tests, watching videos, reading articles, and writing assignments based on topics given to you by the trainer.

  • Who do I get in touch with if I want to learn more about your courses?

Feel free to write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91-8847251466.

  • Will there be one-to-one help available?

Yes, while there will be daily group classes, there will be 1-to-1 classes available depending on your weak areas. For example, feedback about your writing assignments and speaking practice will often be in 1-to-1 classes.