The IELTS Reading Test is a key part of the IELTS exam, evaluating a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English. Lasting 60 minutes, it includes 40 questions across three sections, each with a different text type, such as articles, reports, or narratives, often drawn from academic, scientific, or social contexts. The Academic version features more complex texts, while the General Training version includes everyday materials like advertisements or letters. In this page we will focus on the academic side. Question types range from multiple-choice to matching headings, true/false/not given, and sentence completion. Scores are on a 0-9 band scale, with each correct answer contributing to the final score. This test assesses skills like skimming, scanning, and grasping main ideas, crucial for academic or professional success in English-speaking settings.

Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.

Format: The IELTS Reading Test consists of three sections with a total of 40 questions. 

General Instructions:

• Do not open this question paper until you are told to do so.

• Write your name and candidate number in the spaces provided at the top of the answer sheet.

• Read the instructions for each section of the test carefully.

• Answer all questions.

• Write your answers on the separate answer sheet provided. Do not write your answers in the test booklet.

• At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and the answer sheet.

Test Format:

• The Reading Test consists of 3 sections (Academic) or 3 sections with shorter texts (General Training).

• You have 60 minutes to complete the test, including transferring your answers to the answer sheet.

• There are 40 questions in total.

• Each question carries 1 mark.

Specific Instructions:

1.  Read the passages carefully and answer the questions that follow. Some questions may require you to select the correct answer, complete a summary, match information, or provide short answers.

2.  Write your answers in pencil on the answer sheet. Ensure your answers are clear and legible.

3.  Spelling and grammar are important. Write the exact word(s) required, as incorrect spelling will not be awarded marks.

4.  For multiple-choice questions, select the correct letter (A, B, C, or D) and write it on the answer sheet.

5.  For questions requiring words or numbers, do not exceed the word limit stated (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS").

6.  For True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given questions, write the full word ("True", "False", "Not Given" or "Yes", "No", "Not Given") on the answer sheet.

7. Check your answers before transferring them to the answer sheet, as no extra time will be given for this.

Important Notes:

• Manage your time carefully. It is recommended to spend about 20 minutes on each section.

• You may write notes or underline on the question paper, but these will not be marked.

• If you are unsure about an answer, make your best guess. No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.

• Ensure all answers are transferred to the answer sheet before the end of the test.

Description: Candidates complete a summary, note, table, flow-chart using words from the passage or provided word bank.

Skills Tested:  summarizing key points and identifying relevent information. 

Example:  "Complete the summary: The new policy aims to reduce_________by implementing ______."

1. It's a vocabulary test, not just a reading test: The key to answering the questions is knowing the synonyms of the words. That will help you understand the questions and what they need. So, to improve that, you need to read daily on different topics. 

2. It's not required to understand the whole paragraph: Even professors can't understand everything. The solution for this is to use the guessing technique by the context. 

3. Read actively, not passively: Reading actively means that you read for a purpose, like improving vocabulary, grammar, or increasing your speed skill. However, reading passively means that you are reading without any engagement or much thought.  

4. Practice slow and fast:  Take your time by practising  at first, then try to reduce the time for solving the questions. 

5. Practice on the Real Test from Cambridge Test Books:  I linked all the materials you need for the test down below🔽.

6. Work on your weaknesses!

7. Use the Skim and the Scanning technique: Use skim for getting the main idea of the paragraphs, and for scanning for looking for details from words, phrases. 

8. Use the Close reading: This strategy will help you to look for the answer around the spot you suspect it's correct.  

https://t.me/CambridgeIELTSpractice_tests (Telegram Channel)[Cambridge books versions from  10-19]

• Education: lecturer, tutorial, enrollment, curriculum, dissertation, seminar, scholarship, Syllabus, Pedagogy, Assessment, Seminar, Dissertation.

• Health & Medicine: appointment, prescription, diagnosis, vaccination, pharmacy, nutrition, therapy

• Travel & Tourism: itinerary, reservation, transit, excursion, customs, visa, accommodation

• Environment: ecosystem, conservation, pollution, sustainable, greenhouse, biodiversity, Deforestation 

• Business & Economics: Revenue, Profit margin, Inflation, Investment , Subsidiary, Merger, Dividend, Liability.

• Culture & Society: Custom, Heritage, Norm, Ethnicity, Urbanization, Migration, Secular.

Goal: Rapid improvement through focused practice and strategy mastery.

Daily Commitment: 2–3 hours/day, 6 days/week (1 day for rest or light review).

Key Focus: Build test familiarity, refine strategies, and address weaknesses.

Week 1: Diagnostic and Foundation

• Day 1–2: Diagnostic Test

  • Take a full IELTS practice test (use official Cambridge IELTS books or online resources like ielts.org).

  • Score it and identify your weakest section (e.g., Writing, Speaking).

  • Set specific goals (e.g., improve Writing Task 1 structure).

• Day 3–6: Skill-Building by Section

  • Listening (30 min/day):

    • Practice 1–2 parts of a Listening test daily (Cambridge IELTS or BBC podcasts).

    • Focus on question types (e.g., multiple choice, map labeling).

    • Strategy: Predict answers before listening; note keywords.

  • Reading (45 min/day):

    • Practice 1 passage/day (use official IELTS materials).

    • Focus on skimming for main ideas and scanning for details.

    • Strategy: Practice True/False/Not Given and matching headings.

    • Learn 10–15 academic vocabulary words/day (use apps like Anki).

  • Writing (45 min/day):

    • Task 1: Analyze 2–3 sample answers (Band 7+) for structure (e.g., introduction, overview, key trends).

    • Task 2: Learn essay structure (introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion).

    • Write 1 Task 1 or Task 2 response every 2 days; get feedback (use IELTS Liz or a tutor).

  • Speaking (30 min/day):

    • Practice Part 1 questions (e.g., hobbies, family) with a partner or record yourself.

    • Focus on fluency and coherence (use linking words like "moreover," "however").

    • Strategy: Expand answers with reasons and examples.

• Day 7: Rest or Review

  • Review vocabulary and weak areas; avoid heavy practice.

Week 2: Strategy and Practice

• Listening: Practice full Listening tests (1 every 2 days). Focus on avoiding distractors and improving note-taking.

• Reading: Complete 2 passages/day. Time yourself (20 min/passage). Practice summarizing paragraphs in your own words.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every 2 days.

  • Focus on complex sentences and cohesive devices (e.g., "due to," "in contrast").

  • Use a timer (40 min for Task 2, 20 min for Task 1).

• Speaking:

  • Practice Part 2 (2-min talk) daily; use sample cue cards from IELTS websites.

  • Work on pronunciation (stress, intonation) using YouTube channels like English Addict with Mr Steve.

• End of Week: Take a full practice test. Compare scores to Week 1. Adjust focus to weaker areas.

Week 3: Intensive Practice

• Listening: Practice 1 full test/day. Review wrong answers to understand mistakes.

• Reading: Complete a full Reading test (3 passages) every 2 days. Focus on speed and accuracy.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 daily. Get feedback from a teacher or online platforms like IELTS Writing Correction.

  • Memorize Band 7 vocabulary for common topics (e.g., education, environment).

• Speaking:

  • Simulate Parts 1–3 with a partner or tutor (use Zoom or language exchange apps like Tandem).

  • Record answers and self-assess for fluency, vocabulary, and grammar.

• Mid-Week: Take a practice test under timed conditions. Aim for Band 6.5–7 in each section.

Week 4: Final Prep and Polishing

• Day 1–4:

  • Take 1–2 full practice tests/day (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

  • Review answers thoroughly; focus on recurring errors.

  • Speaking: Practice with varied topics; aim for natural delivery.

  • Writing: Polish introductions and conclusions for clarity and impact.

• Day 5–6: Light Review

  • Review key strategies (e.g., skimming, time management).

  • Practice Speaking and Writing lightly to maintain confidence.

  • Revise vocabulary and common phrases.

• Day Before Test: Rest, review notes, and avoid heavy practice. Ensure you know the test format and logistics (e.g., ID, test center).

Resources:

• Cambridge IELTS Books (9–18).

• Websites: ieltsliz.com, ieltsonlinetests.com.

• Apps: IELTS Practice, Anki (vocabulary).

• YouTube: E2 IELTS, IELTS Simon.

Goal: Gradual skill improvement with ample practice and feedback.

Daily Commitment: 2–2.5 hours/day, 5–6 days/week.

Key Focus: Build a strong foundation, then intensify practice.

Weeks 1–2: Foundation and Assessment

• Diagnostic Test: Take a full practice test (Day 1). Analyze scores to prioritize weak sections.

• Listening:

  • Practice 1–2 sections/day (use IELTS materials or TED Talks for variety).

  • Focus on understanding accents and question types.

• Reading:

  • Practice 1 passage/day; focus on time management (15–20 min/passage).

  • Build vocabulary (10–15 words/day) for academic texts.

• Writing:

  • Study Band 7 sample answers for Task 1 and Task 2 (ieltsliz.com or Cambridge books).

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 per week; get feedback.

  • Learn grammar for complex sentences (e.g., relative clauses, conditionals).

• Speaking:

  • Practice Part 1 and Part 2 daily (use sample questions from ielts.org).

  • Focus on fluency and expanding answers.

  • Record yourself to improve pronunciation.

• End of Week 2: Take a practice test. Note progress and adjust focus.

Weeks 3–4: Skill Development

• Listening: Practice 1 full test every 2 days. Focus on predicting answers and avoiding traps.

• Reading: Complete 2 passages/day. Practice summarizing main ideas and identifying synonyms.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every 2 days.

  • Focus on coherence (e.g., logical paragraphing) and lexical resource (varied vocabulary).

  • Use a timer to mimic test conditions.

• Speaking:

  • Practice Parts 1–3 with a partner or tutor weekly.

  • Work on Part 3 (discussion questions) to develop complex ideas.

• End of Week 4: Full practice test. Aim for Band 6.5 in stronger sections.

Weeks 5–6: Intensive Practice

• Listening: Practice 1 full test/day. Review wrong answers to identify patterns.

• Reading: Complete a full Reading test every 2 days. Focus on speed (1 hour total).

• Writing:

  • Write daily (alternate Task 1 and Task 2).

  • Get feedback from a teacher or online service.

  • Memorize phrases for common essay types (e.g., opinion, discussion).

• Speaking:

  • Simulate full Speaking tests 2–3 times/week.

  • Focus on grammatical accuracy and range (e.g., use past, present, future tenses).

• End of Week 6: Full practice test. Aim for Band 7 in at least 2 sections.

Weeks 7–8: Final Prep

• Weeks 7:

  • Take 1 full practice test every 2 days (all sections).

  • Focus on polishing weak areas (e.g., Writing Task 1 overview, Speaking fluency).

  • Review vocabulary and strategies daily.

• Week 8:

  • Days 1–4: 1–2 full tests/day. Simulate test conditions (e.g., no distractions).

  • Days 5–6: Light review of notes, vocabulary, and sample answers.

  • Day Before Test: Rest, organize test-day logistics, and review key tips.

Resources: Same as 1-month plan, plus consider a tutor for Writing/Speaking feedback.

Goal: Steady progress with deep skill-building and extensive practice.

Daily Commitment: 1.5–2 hours/day, 5–6 days/week.

Key Focus: Long-term improvement, addressing weaknesses systematically.

Weeks 1–4: Foundation and Skill-Building

• Week 1: Diagnostic:

  • Take a full practice test. Identify strengths and weaknesses.

  • Set specific goals (e.g., improve Reading speed, Writing coherence).

• Listening:

  • Practice 1–2 sections/day (use IELTS materials or podcasts like BBC Learning English).

  • Focus on understanding question types and accents.

• Reading:

  • Practice 1 passage/day. Focus on skimming, scanning, and vocabulary.

  • Build a word bank (10 words/day) for academic topics.

• Writing:

  • Study Band 7+ sample answers for Task 1 and Task 2.

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 per week. Focus on structure and grammar.

  • Learn 1–2 grammar topics/week (e.g., passive voice, conditionals).

• Speaking:

  • Practice Part 1 and Part 2 daily (use sample questions).

  • Focus on fluency and basic vocabulary.

  • Record answers to assess pronunciation.

• End of Week 4: Take a practice test. Note improvements.

Weeks 5–8: Strategy and Practice

• Listening:

  • Practice 1 full test every 2–3 days.

  • Focus on predicting answers and managing time.

• Reading:

  • Complete 2 passages/day. Time yourself (15–20 min/passage).

  • Practice summarizing and identifying paraphrases.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every 2 days.

  • Focus on cohesion (e.g., linking words) and task response (e.g., addressing all parts of the question).

  • Get feedback weekly (tutor or online service).

• Speaking:

  • Practice full Speaking tests (Parts 1–3) twice weekly.

  • Work on Part 3 for complex answers and idea development.

  • Use apps like ELSA Speak for pronunciation.

• End of Week 8: Full practice test. Aim for Band 6.5 overall.

Weeks 9–12: Intensive Prep and Polishing

• Weeks 9–10:

  • Listening: 1 full test/day. Review errors to avoid traps.

  • Reading: Full test every 2 days. Focus on speed and accuracy.

  • Writing: Write daily (alternate tasks). Focus on Band 7 criteria (e.g., varied vocabulary, clear progression).

  • Speaking: Simulate tests 3 times/week. Focus on natural delivery and confidence.

• Week 11:

  • Take 1–2 full tests/day. Analyze mistakes thoroughly.

  • Review key strategies and vocabulary.

• Week 12:

  • Days 1–4: 1–2 full tests/day under timed conditions.

  • Days 5–6: Light review of weak areas, vocabulary, and test tips.

  • Day Before Test: Rest, prepare logistics, and review strategies.