top of page

4. Reading

An overview of the reading test with tips and strategies

4. Reading

The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand and interpret written texts in English. Here's an overview of the IELTS Reading test format and key aspects:

Test Format:

The academic test consists of three sections, each containing a different type of text and set of questions.
There are 40 questions in total.
You have 60 minutes to complete the entire test.

Types of Texts:

The texts can vary in content and may include articles, excerpts from books, newspapers, magazines, or online resources.
Topics can range from general interest to academic subjects, depending on the module (Academic or General Training).

Types of Questions:

Various question types assess different reading skills, such as multiple-choice, matching headings, completing sentences, True/False/Not Given, matching information, and more.
Questions may test your ability to locate specific information, identify main ideas, understand opinions, or infer meaning from the text.

Skills Assessed:

Understanding Main Ideas: Identifying the main themes or central ideas of a passage.
Detail Comprehension: Grasping specific information or details within the text.
Inference: Drawing conclusions or making deductions based on information given in the passage.
Skimming and Scanning: Using these techniques to quickly locate information within the text.
Strategies for Success:

Skim the text quickly to understand the general topic, structure, and key points.
Scan for specific details when answering questions.
Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate where the answers might be located.
Manage your time effectively to ensure you can answer all questions within the given time limit.
Answering Techniques:

Read the instructions and questions carefully to understand what is required for each task.
Be mindful of the word limit and the number of words allowed for each answer.
Use your understanding of the text to answer the questions rather than relying solely on personal opinions or prior knowledge.


Preparing for the IELTS Reading test involves practicing with various types of texts and questions, improving reading speed and comprehension, and familiarizing yourself with different question formats. Developing strategies to efficiently locate information and answer questions accurately within the time limit is crucial for success

bottom of page