If you’re preparing for the IELTS exam, you already know that the Reading section can be both challenging and time-pressured. Understanding its structure, mastering key strategies, and practicing regularly can make a major difference in your band score. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!
What is the IELTS reading section?
The IELTS Reading test assesses a wide range of reading skills, including:
- Reading for gist
- Reading for main ideas
- Reading for detail
- Skimming
- Understanding logical argument
- Recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose
There are two types of reading tests:
- IELTS Academic: For students applying to universities and professional registration.
- IELTS General Training: For those migrating to an English-speaking country or applying for work experience.
🔹 Both versions are 60 minutes long and have 40 questions.
Structure of the IELTS reading test
| Section | Academic | General Training |
| 1 | Passage from books, journals, magazines, newspapers | Extracts from notices, advertisements, timetables |
| 2 | More complex text related to work, research | Workplace-related texts |
| 3 | Longer, detailed academic article | A lengthy, complex general interest text |
Each passage is followed by a set of questions, and the difficulty generally increases with each section.
Types of questions you’ll encounter
You’ll face a variety of question types, such as:
- Multiple choice
- True/False/Not Given
- Matching headings
- Matching information
- Sentence completion
- Summary completion
- Short-answer questions
Each type tests different reading skills — so you must practice them individually!
Key strategies to ace IELTS reading
1. Manage your time wisely
You have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. Ideally:
- Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
- No extra time is given to transfer answers, so fill your answer sheet as you go.
2. Practice skimming and scanning
- Skimming: Quickly read to get the general idea.
- Scanning: Look for specific information without reading everything.
You don’t need to read every word!
3. Understand the instructions carefully
Small mistakes in following instructions can cost marks. For example:
- “Write no more than TWO words” — don’t write three!
4. Focus on keywords
Identify keywords in the question and locate them in the passage.
Tip: Sometimes synonyms (similar words) are used instead of exact keywords.
5. Stay calm with “not given”
Many students panic over True/False/Not Given questions. Remember:
- False: Opposite information is stated.
- Not Given: No clear information in the passage — don’t assume!
6. Build reading stamina
Practice reading long academic articles (e.g., National Geographic, BBC, The Guardian) to build speed and focus.
Common mistakes to avoid
Reading the entire passage word-for-word
Spending too much time on one question
Not checking spelling — wrong spelling = wrong answer
Ignoring instructions on word limits
Guessing wildly without checking the passage
Final tips before exam day
- Practice full mock tests under timed conditions.
- Familiarize yourself with British and Australian English spellings (e.g., “colour” vs “color”).
- If you don’t know an answer, make an educated guess — there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
- Review your mistakes after every practice test.
The IELTS reading section is not just about reading — it’s about reading smartly under pressure. With consistent practice, time management, and strong techniques, you can achieve a Band 7, 8, or even 9.
Start your practice with LEAP today — and make every minute count!
Mishal Iftikhar
Learning & Development Specialist
CEO at LEAP