IELTS Reading Test: How to Prepare for IELTS Reading Section?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS), is a globally recognized English language test that evaluates the language proficiency among non-native English speakers who want to study, work and migrate to English-speaking countries. There are two types of IELTS examinations: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Applicants are tested on four sections: writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills in the English language. 

Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer. The Academic and General Training Reading Tests are graded to the same level. Question formats are the same in both Academic and General Training, but the text styles are different for Academic and General Training. The IELTS Reading test is designed to test reading skills among non-native English speakers. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose. The English language proficiency of the test takers is evaluated based on vocabulary, reading fluency, writing skills, and grammar. 

 

IELTS Reading Test: Everything you need to know

• The IELTS Reading Section has 40 questions to be answered in a total of 60 minutes. Time management is an important thing, or else applicants will not be able to complete the test. Reading time is the main limitation, and applicants must practice more to complete the section within the time allotted.
• The Reading Section has three reading passages. The passages in the reading section will be set at increasing difficulty levels, which means the second passage will be more difficult than the first one. Take less time for the easier ones.
• Before preparing for IELTS Reading, aim for a score and design your preparation based on that. Every brand needs a different level of dedication and hard work.
• IELTS has two parts, Academic and General Training. If you are taking the test to study abroad, IELTS Academic is the right one. For immigration and work purposes, IELTS General Training will be sufficient.
• The types of questions in the reading section for both IELTS Academic and General Training will be the same. However, the texts will be different.
• Applicants preparing for IELTS General Training should focus on topics that are used in their daily lives. While for IELTS Academic, applicants need to focus more on the syllabus and academic topics related to study.
• IELTS Reading is more of a vocabulary test than reading. The section tests and evaluates the candidates based on vocabulary, grammar, reading skills, purpose, opinion, and punctuation.
• The IELTS Reading section has multiple-choice, short answers, summary completion, matching sentences, sentence completion, true or false statements, labeling a diagram, and matching information to paragraphs. Applicants need to practice all of these question types, as the paper will have all of the question patterns as stated.
• In the reading section, there is no negative marking. Applicants will not lose marks for incorrect answers. The reading band will be calculated based on the total number of correct answers. The band score ranges from 0-9.

Important Resources to Read About IELTS:

How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching	Causes and Effects of Obesity IELTS Essay	Business and Money IELTS Essay
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism IELTS Essay	How to Write Conclusion in Writing Task 2	Art is Considered an Important Part of a Society IELTS Essay
Is Computer Based IELTS Easier	How to Prepare for Computer Based IELTS	IELTS Slot Booking
How to Check IELTS Revaluation Results	How to Get IELTS Certificate	How to Download IELTS Score Card

Difference between IELTS Academic and General Training Reading Test

The IELTS test is divided into two types, based on purpose and content. The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training examinations assess English language proficiency. Applicants preparing for IELTS Reading must know the basic differences to prepare well for the test. 

IELTS Academic	IELTS General Training
The IELTS Academic module is taken by applicants who are willing to study abroad. It is taken by high school, undergraduate and postgraduate students to study abroad.	The IELTS General Training examination is taken by those applying to study below degree level and are willing to work, immigrate, and settle down in English-speaking countries.
The IELTS Academic section is more challenging.	IELTS General Training is less challenging as compared to IELTS Academic.
The IELTS Academic test is designed with extracts from study modules and academic topics related to study. The texts are based on academic topics and study-related modules of past degrees and upcoming courses.	The IELTS General Training examination is designed with extracts from daily life and day-to-day affairs. The texts are related to the topics that the applicants must know while living in an English-speaking environment.
Academic reading texts are taken from books, journals, newspapers, magazines, and websites that cover academic topics.	General Training examination texts are taken from books, newspapers, and online resources that are related to general topics.
Academic Reading test-takers will have 3 long extracts in the test.	General Training test-takers need to read a combination of both long and short extracts.

Read More About IELTS:

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic	IELTS Last Minute Tips	IELTS Academic Reading
IELTS Speaking Test format	How IELTS Exam is Conducted	Indian Education System Essay
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1	IELTS Academic Exam	IELTS General Writing Tips Task 2
MBA in Germany Without IELTS	How to Improve IELTS Score from 6.5 to 7	IELTS Speaking Tips

 

Here Are Some Important IELTS Reading Answers Topics

SET 1

Crop Growing Skyscrapers | Dyslexia | Mental Gymnastics | Eco Tourism | The Meaning And Power Of Smell | This Marvelous Invention | An Introduction To Film Sound | Green Wave Washes Over Mainstream Shopping | Reducing The Effects Of Climate Change | The Benefits Of Being Bilingual | The Development Of Plastic | The Development Of Museums | The History Of Salt | The Psychology Of Innovation | The Story Of Silk| The History Of Glass | Biological Control Of Pests | Collecting As A Hobby | The Birth Of Scientific English | Moles Happy As Homes Go Underground | Flawed Beauty The Problem With Toughened Glass | The Need To Belong | New Agriculture In Oregon Us |

SET 2

A Song On The Brain | Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men | How To Spot A Liar | Gifted Children And Learning | What Do Whales Feel ? | Making Every Drop Count | The Intersection Of Health Sciences And Geography | Alternative Medicine In Australia | Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process | The Life And Work Of Marie Curie | Striking Back At Lightning With Lasers IELTS | The Context Meaning And Scope Of Tourism | A Spark A Flint IELTS Reading Answers | The Concept Of Role Theory Reading Answers | Micro Enterprise Credit For Street Youth Reading Answers | When Evolution Runs Backwards IELTS | The Impact Of Wilderness Tourism IELTS Reading Answers |

SET 3

The Truth About The Environment Reading Answers | The Rocket From East To West Reading Answers | Glass Capturing The Dance Of Light | Population Movements And Genetics Reading Answers | The Megafires Of California Reading Answers | Information Theory The Big Idea Sample Reading Answers | The Department Of Ethnography IELTS Reading Answers | Green Virtues Of Green Sand Reading Answers | The Rufous Hare Wallaby Reading Answers | Advantages Of Public Transport IELTS Reading Answers | Tracing The History Of The Tortoise IELTS Reading Test | Beyond The Blue Horizon | In Praise of Amateurs | William Gilbert And Magnetism | A Song On The Brain | Greying Population Stays In The Pink |

SET 4

The Nature Of Genius | The True Cost of Food | Australia Convict Colonies | New Rules For The Paper Game IELTS Reading Answers | Types Of Societies Reading Answers | Dawn Of The Robots | Unmasking Skin Reading Answers | Making Time For Science IELTS Reading Answers | Zoo Conservation Programmes IELTS Reading Answers | The Scientific Method Reading Answers | Disappearing Delta IELTS Reading Answers | Animal Camouflage | Amateur Naturalists Reading Answers | Emigration To The Us Reading Answers | Honey Bees in Trouble | Global Warming Reading Answers | Light Pollution Reading Answers | Cleaner, Abundant Fuels Attracting Record Investment | Space Travel And Health Reading Answers |

SET 5

The Robots Are Coming IELTS Reading Answer | Science In Space | Rapid Police Response IELTS Reading Answers | Endangered Languages Ielts Reading Answers | Literacy In Freedonia's Prisons | Nature And Nurture IELTS Reading Answers | Titan Of Technology IELTS Reading Answers | Flooding And Its Impact IELTS Reading Answers | Alzheimer'S Disease IELTS Reading Answers | Tertiary Comparison Guide IELTS Reading Answers | Coinage In Ancient Greece | Australia'S Lost Giants IELTS Reading Answers | Designed To Last IELTS Reading Answers | The Water Crisis | Urban Planning In Singapore IELTS Reading Answers | Call Anywhere In The State IELTS Reading Answers |

SET 6

Waterside A Study In Suburban Development IELTS Reading Answer | The Gulf Stream And Global Warming | Land Of The Rising Sum Reading Answer | A Neuroscientist Shows How To Think Differently Reading Answers IELTS Sample | Pulling Strings To Build Pyramids Reading | The Scientific Method Reading Answers | Music And The Emotions IELTS Reading Answers | Spoken Corpus Comes To Life Reading Answers