The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised standardised test designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who wish to study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language of communication.

IELTS evaluates four core language skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — through practical, real-life tasks that reflect how English is used in academic, professional, and social settings. Test-takers receive a band score ranging from 0 to 9 for each skill, and the overall score is the average of these scores.

Regardless of whether you are undertaking the Academic or General Training version of the IELTS Reading Test, attaining proficiency in the reading section is imperative for enhancing your overall band score.

Types of IELTS

  1. IELTS Academic – For those applying to higher education or professional registration.
  2. IELTS General Training – For work experience, training programs, or migration purposes.

IELTS Reading Test: Difference between Academic & General Training

1. IELTS Academic Reading

The IELTS Reading tests one’s ability to understand by reading a particular piece of information. It tests one’s ability to grasp the opinion, ideas and point of view of the author and what message the author is implying through the passage. The IELTS reading comprises 40 questions. The duration of this test is 60 minutes. The IELTS academic reading consists of 3 sections and three paragraphs, which consist of an equal number of questions.

2. IELTS General Reading

This test generally consists of 3 sections and five forms of paragraphs and has 60 minutes. The first two may be subdivided into two parts. These are usually in a newspaper advertisement, brochure or perhaps information about a restaurant or a product. The questions in the first two sections are comparatively easier.

However, the third section is quite similar to an academic reading passage. Due to this, a general training reading is often considered easier than an academic reading, though it is not always the case.

Types of Questions You’ll Face

Both versions of IELTS include a mix of these question types:

  1. Multiple choice
  2. Matching headings
  3. Matching Information
  4. Matching sentence endings
  5. True/false/not given (or yes/no/not given)
  6. Sentence completion
  7. Summary completion
  8. Table completion
  9. Flow chart completion
  10. Diagram completion
  11. Short answer questions
  12. List of options
  13. Choosing a title and
  14. Matching features

Difference in Academic and General Training Reading

Feature Academic Reading General Training Reading
Purpose For higher education or professional registration For work experience or immigration
Text Types Extracts from journals, books, articles, reports Extracts from notices, ads, brochures, newspapers, and everyday topics
Language Level Formal, complex More practical and general
Difficulty Higher vocabulary and structure More straightforward language

IELTS Reading (Academic) Marking Schemes

For the academic reading test, which contains 40 questions, the IELTS academic reading band scores can be calculated using this table.

Band Score 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5
Score / 40  39-40  37-38  35-36  32-34 30-31  26-29  23-25 18-22 16-17 13-15  10-12  8-10 6-7

4-5

IELTS Reading (General) Marking Schemes

For the general reading test, which contains 40 questions, the IELTS general reading band scores can be calculated using this table.

Band Score 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5
Score / 40  40   39 38  37-36 35-34 33-32 31-30 29-27 26-23 22-19 18-15 14-12 11-8

7-6

Common Challenges in the IELTS Reading Test

Time Management: 60 minutes for 40 questions means less than 1.5 minutes per question!

Skimming & Scanning Confusion: Many struggle to locate specific answers quickly.

Misreading Questions: A small misinterpretation can lead to the wrong answer.

Unfamiliar Vocabulary: Especially in Academic Reading, complex terms can be intimidating.

Top Strategies to Master IELTS Reading

Achieving a high band score in the IELTS Reading test requires more than just reading skills — it demands strategy, speed, and smart time management. Below are proven techniques to help you perform at your best:

  1. Read with Purpose, Not for Knowledge: The goal of the IELTS Reading test is to find correct answers within the time limit, not to fully understand or memorise the content. If you have a strong reading speed, you can grasp the main idea quickly and locate answers efficiently.
  2. Use the Keyword Approach: When skimming through the passage, focus on keywords from the questions. Scan the text to find these keywords or their synonyms. This targeted reading helps increase your accuracy and speed in locating the correct answers.
  3. Skim for Main Ideas, Scan for Details: Skimming involves reading quickly to get the general idea of the passage. Scanning is used to find specific information such as names, dates, numbers, or phrases. Mastering both techniques is essential to avoid getting stuck on long paragraphs.
  4. Underline or Highlight Keywords: Mark important words in both the passage and the question. This helps you stay focused and makes it easier to spot the relevant section during scanning.
  5. Build Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary can significantly improve your comprehension. Read a variety of texts: newspapers, journals, articles. Note down unfamiliar words and revise them regularly. Learn synonyms and paraphrasing techniques, as IELTS often rephrases questions
  6. Practice Under Real Exam Conditions: Simulate the test by setting a timer for 60 minutes. This builds speed and helps you get used to the pressure of the actual exam. Track your accuracy and work on weak question types.
  7. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question: If a question is taking too long, move on and return to it later if time allows. Getting stuck wastes precious minutes and may affect your overall score.

Conclusion

Success in the IELTS Reading Test is not just about language proficiency — it’s about strategy, observation, and consistent practice. By applying the techniques shared above and using your existing knowledge of English, you can significantly improve your reading skills and boost your band score.

Remember, the IELTS Reading section is designed to assess how well you understand and interpret written information. The key lies in regular practice using IELTS Academic or General Training reading tests, depending on your goal. The more you practise, the better you’ll become at identifying key ideas, scanning for details, and understanding what the author intends to communicate.

While the IELTS Reading test may seem challenging at first, with focused preparation and the right approach, you can master it.

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