The Ultimate IELTS Reading Test Practice Guide
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, has 4 sections- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Of all these sections, the one that is probably the least interesting for many is the IELTS Reading Test. But is that an excuse to not focus on it? No! It is as important as any other exam section. Get the basic information about the IELTS General Reading Test -
All About the IELTS General Reading Test
Understanding the IELTS General Reading Test is very important. The Reading Test in IELTS General Training checks your ability to comprehend, i.e., how well you understand and interpret the given texts of varied themes taken from different sources.
There are 3 sections to solve in the IELTS General Training Reading Test. Get an overview of each section by reading further -
IELTS General Reading Test Sections
Section 1
Section 1 has short texts that are about everyday topics. These texts might be notices, advertisements, or timetables. You need to find important information from them.
Section 2
Section 2 has two texts that are about work topics. From job descriptions and contracts to staff development and training materials, it can be anything.
Section 3
Section 3 has one long text that is about a topic that many people find interesting. The writing style of this text is descriptive, meaning it contains lots of details, and instructive, meaning it tells you how to do something. This text is longer and more complex than the texts in Sections 1 and 2. These texts are taken from newspapers, magazines, books, and online resources.
A robust preparation is required for you to excel in all three sections of the IELTS General Training Reading section.
IELTS General Reading Test Format
The IELTS General Training Reading Test format includes the time you will get to complete the test (inclusive of the minutes to transfer your answers to the sheet). Apart from that, it includes the number of questions and the types of questions you may face.
- IELTS Reading Test Timing - The total duration of the IELTS General Reading Test you get is only 60 minutes. From reading and understanding the texts to answering the questions, you will not get extra time- only the mentioned 1hr.
- Number of Questions - There are 40 questions in total, and in the three sections, you have approximately 13 to 14 questions in each one.
- Question Types - There are several types of questions in the IELTS General Reading Test. The number of questions asked will not be fixed for each type. They will vary.
Here's the list of the different types of IELTS General Reading Test Questions -
1. Multiple Choice Questions
2. Identifying Information (True, False, or Not given)
3. Identifying Writer's Views (Yes, No, or Not given)
4. Matching Information
5. Matching Headings
6. Matching Features
7. Matching Sentence Endings
8. Sentence Completion
9. Summary, Note, Table, or Flowchart Completion
10. Diagram Label Completion
11. Short Answer Questions
How to Prepare for the IELTS General Reading Test Properly?
The IELTS General Reading Test preparation shall begin with building an understanding of what the test is all about. It is to go through the test details, practice systematically and properly, and attempt as many question papers as you can because it is all about being prepared for the test day. Are you still confused? Don't worry; we have got you covered. We share some tips here that you can follow to ace the test with confidence.
- First, make sure you understand the IELTS General Training Test format (Reading section) and the types of questions you'll have in each section. We've already shared with you that piece of information above! Then, building your vocabulary and regularly practicing reading different types of texts are very important for improving your reading skills. More words and knowing their exact meanings will also help with synonyms and antonyms, which you may have as questions.
- As you will read long texts, you should have the skill to locate relevant details more efficiently during the test. Learn skimming and scanning techniques for the same.
- Like any other test, time management is the key, so during practice tests, give a specific amount of time to each reading test section and aim to complete it within the allotted time frame.
- After completing practice tests or exercises, do not forget to analyse your mistakes. It will help you to understand why you got some questions wrong. Overall, with these ielts preparation strategies, you can improve your performance in future practice sessions and the final test.
- Finally, make sure you are not distracted and practice answering questions under timed conditions. With these tips, you'll be well-prepared and confident on the IELTS General Reading test day.
By adhering to these guidelines and tactics, you can boost your performance in the IELTS General Reading Exam and strive towards attaining your targeted score- a high IELTS band score is likely to get you to your dream country. Our experts also say that to become a better reader and expand your knowledge, it's a good idea to read a variety of materials like books, magazines, newspapers, and online articles. When taking an exam, like IELTS or any other, it's important to stay calm and focused. To do this, manage your time wisely, carefully read instructions, and keep a steady pace. Keep in mind to practice regularly, remain resolute, and have faith in your capabilities. If you need professional coaching, Indus Immigration is the IELTS Coaching in Ahmedabad to help you prepare for the IELTS General Reading Test.