What is the format of the IELTS Reading test?

The IELTS Reading test lasts 60 minutes and includes 40 questions based on three reading passages. There is no extra time provided to transfer answers, so responses must be written directly on the answer sheet.

What should students do before starting the IELTS Reading test?

Students should carefully read the instructions and familiarize themselves with different question types. It is also important to understand that answers must be written directly on the answer sheet.

What is skimming in the IELTS Reading test?

Skimming is a technique used to quickly understand the general idea of a passage. It involves reading titles, headings, keywords, and the first sentence of each paragraph to get an overview of the content.

What is scanning in the IELTS Reading test?

Scanning is a technique used to find specific information such as names, dates, or numbers. It involves quickly looking through the text to locate particular details relevant to the question.

How should students use skimming and scanning together?

Students should first skim the passage to understand the general topic, then read questions carefully and scan the text to locate specific information before reading in detail.

What is intensive reading and why is it important?

Intensive reading involves carefully analyzing the text to understand details and locate exact answers. It is essential after skimming and scanning to accurately answer questions.

How can students improve their IELTS Reading score?

Students can improve their reading skills through regular practice, reading a wide variety of English materials, and consistently applying techniques like skimming, scanning, and intensive reading.

Why is it important to read questions carefully in the IELTS Reading test?

Reading questions carefully helps students understand what specific information they need to find, making it easier to scan the passage efficiently and locate correct answers.

Prepare for IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS reading test is a 60-minute test with 40 questions spread over three articles.

IELTS reading tips for students preparing for IELTS Academic or General Training test.

How to help test takers get ready for the IELTS reading test  

The IELTS reading test is a 60-minute test with 40 questions spread over three articles. This video covers the key features of the test and includes some useful tips for students planning to take the IELTS Academic reading test.

Getting started

It’s important for students taking the test to read the instructions carefully and to familiarise themselves with the different question types. Unlike with the IELTS listening test, you should write their answers straight onto the answer sheet as there is no additional time allowed for transferring answers.

A test taker preparing for IELTS exam using her laptop.

Skimming and scanning

Skimming and scanning are useful techniques that can help in the IELTS reading test.

When taking the IELTS reading test, you should first skim the article to quickly get a sense of the subject, paying attention to the title and any headings or diagrams. You should also read the first sentence of each paragraph to gain a sense of what’s covered.

It’s important to read each question carefully so that you are clear on what to look for. You can then scan for those details before you embark on intensive reading.

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Skimming

Skimming means looking over an article or paragraph to identify the key themes or general ideas. This includes paying attention to titles, subtitles, keywords and topic sentences. This can be thought of as a bird’s eye view.

scan

Scanning

Scanning means looking for specific information, such as a number, name or date. For example, if you need to know how much something costs, you can quickly run your eyes across an article looking for a currency indicator, such as a pound or dollar sign. This can be thought of as a bird swooping down on a specific detail.

These tips are also captured in our reading download

And remember, we also have other videos and supporting materials to help with the speaking, writing and listening sections of the IELTS test.

IELTS reading download (PDF, 0.25mb) Download file

Intensive reading

Intensive reading helps students to understand the details in an article.

Once skimming and scanning is complete, you can analyse the questions, carefully circling keywords and thinking of synonyms which may appear in the article. Skimming and scanning help with homing in on the right paragraphs, but intensive reading is still needed to find the specific answer to each question.

Young woman reading a book for IELTS exam while sitting outdoors in a park.

Time, practice and persistence

The best way to improve reading skills – and the chance of achieving a high score – is with regular practice. Those taking the IELTS reading test should read as wide a variety of material in the English language as possible.

These tips are all outlined in the video and also captured in our reading download. And remember, we also have other videos and supporting materials to help with the speaking, writing and listening sections of the IELTS test.