Mastering the IELTS Reading Section

1. IELTS Reading Overview

The IELTS Reading section is a 60-minute test consisting of 40 questions. It assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and respond to texts from a variety of sources. There is no extra time for transferring answers—write directly on your answer sheet.

2. Academic vs General Reading

The format differs slightly depending on the module:

• Academic: Extracts from books, journals, or newspapers — more complex and analytical.
• General Training: Notices, advertisements, company handbooks — easier, everyday English.

3. IELTS Reading Question Types

• ✅ Multiple Choice
• ✅ Matching Headings
• ✅ True/False/Not Given
• ✅ Sentence Completion
• ✅ Diagram Labeling
• ✅ Summary/Table Completion

4. Reading Strategies for a High Band

• 🔍 Skim for main ideas, scan for keywords.
• 🖊️ Underline important names, numbers, and terms.
• ⏱️ Limit to 20 minutes per passage.
• ❌ Don’t leave blanks — no negative marking.
• 🧠 “Not Given” means the info isn’t clearly in the text — don’t overthink.
• 📖 Simulate real test conditions when practicing.

5. IELTS Band Score Table

Each correct answer equals one mark. Here's a rough mapping for Academic IELTS:

• 39–40 = Band 9
• 37–38 = Band 8.5
• 35–36 = Band 8
• 33–34 = Band 7.5
• 30–32 = Band 7

6. Recommended Practice Resources

• 🌐 IELTS.org – Official sample tests
• 📘 Zofico Practice Packs – Curated by experts
• 📚 Cambridge IELTS Series, Barron’s books
• 📱 IDP & British Council Apps
• 📰 Read The Guardian, NatGeo, academic blogs

7. Quick Success Tips

• ✅ Don’t read the whole passage — read smart.
• ✅ Look for paraphrased answers and synonyms.
• ✅ Focus on context and logical flow.
• ✅ Watch for trick answers in multiple choice.
• ✅ Neatly transfer answers within 60 minutes.