The IELTS Reading Test consisted of 40 questions. A test taker will get 60 minutes to answer the 40 questions. The purpose of the IELTS Reading Test is to test a reader’s reading capacity.
The IELTS Reading Test is one of the toughest tests checking your English Language Proficiency level. It tests your ability to read English for both academic and general purposes.
IELTS Reading Test Exam Pattern
The Reading test consists of 3 passages. Each of the passages will take 20 minutes to complete. So, it will take 60 minutes to complete the entire Reading test.
However, as per the complexity and difficulty level of the questions, you can stipulate your own time at the IELTS Reading Test.
How to Identify Keywords in IELTS Reading Passages
To get a good score in the IELTS Reading Passage, you need to develop a keyword technique.
You can use these steps:
- Read the passages
- Underline the keywords
- Take note of keyword synonyms
- Skim and Scan the passage
- Write the answer
These are 5 easy steps you can follow to identify keywords in IELTS Reading Passages.
Effective IELTS Strategy You Need to Adopt
To approach the Reading test as effectively as possible, you need to have a wise and effective strategy.
Here are some pointers for time management throughout the IELTS Reading test:
How to skim and scan the Passages effectively:
- You need to skim the text immediately, it will help you to get a general concept about the topic. This needs to be done before you start answering the questions.
- While answering, you need to focus more on title, headings, subheadings and first and last phrases of each paragraph.
- The main points of the passage should be highlighted using names, dates, figures and concepts.
- Only five minutes will be required to skim the passage.
Read the Questions:
- After reading the passage quickly, thoroughly examine the questions and make sure you understand what they are asking.
- You need to note what types of questions have been asked. Whether it is multiple choice, true or false, matching headers or something else.
Scan for Answers:
- When you have completed reading the questions, start scanning answers in the passage. Utilise the synonyms or keywords to find the relevant parts of the passage that contain the answers.
- You need to pay attention to any clues that can eliminate wrong options or confirm correct answers.
- Scanning for answers should take you at most 10 minutes.
Write Your Answers:
- You should directly write your answers on your response sheet after finding them in the passage.
- You can write your answers first on a piece of paper and then transfer it to save your time.
- You must carefully read and adhere to the instructions given.
- Write your responses using the appropriate grammar and spelling. Take only five minutes to answer.
How to Answer Different Types of IELTS Reading Questions?
To answer and score better on the IELTS Reading test, you can apply the below-written strategies.
- First, you need to read the question.
- Second, you need to scan the passage to understand the gist of the passage.
- Third, find the text’s key passages then mark the section that contains the answer to your query.
- Fourth, without skipping any sentences, thoroughly read the passage.
- Fifth, as you read the passage, underline the key phrases. You may find the answer there.
- Sixth, to get the sentence’s meaning, read the chapter again.
- Seventh, to discover the right response to the question, carefully consider all the available information.
How to Manage Stress and Stay focused during the IELTS reading test?
These 2 steps, you can follow to manage your stress while staying focused.
Create a study schedule for the IELTS reading test section. Maintain study sessions of 30 to 60 minutes to maintain your concentration level. Try to take breaks in between your study sessions.
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Apply Techniques to Stay Calm
Although, the IELTS Reading test is a tough test to pass if you apply a few techniques then you can pass the exam seamlessly.
- The first point is mistakes are inevitable. So, you need to be mentally prepared for it.
- You can apply breathing techniques to keep yourself calm.
- Exercise regularly to be both physically and mentally fit.
These 2 steps you can follow to manage your stress and stay focused.
How to Use a Timer Effectively During the IELTS Reading Test?
Using a timer is definitely helpful for managing the time effectively for the IELTS Reading test. It is very helpful to make you habituated regarding how to finish the IELTS Reading Test within the predefined time. The timer will give you a complete record of how much time you are taking to read the passages and answer them.
Final Thoughts
The IELTS Reading test is a crucial part of the entire IELTS test. It assesses the test taker’s capability and how well the test taker is reading and understanding the passages. The reading test actually checks your capacity for how well you can skim, scan and analyse complex texts.
The IELTS reading test actually measures the test giver’s quality of how well he can read English.
