How to Prepare for IELTS Reading Test
How to Prepare for the IELTS Reading Test… When registering for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams, you’ll be required to pass through several tests. One of those tests is the IELTS reading test (IELTS Academic Reading test or IELTS General Training Reading test).
Your reading skill is one of the major IELTS Test assessment. In the reading skill section, You’ll be asked to read three different passages and respond to related questions in your IELTS Reading test.
The test consists of 3 texts and 40 questions which you have to answer within 60 minutes. Though the questions may look scientific, you won’t need any specialized vocabulary to answer them.
Contents
Purpose of the IELTS Reading Test
The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including how well you read for the general sense of a passage, read for the main ideas, read for detail, understand inferences and implied meaning, recognise a writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose, follow the development of an argument.
This is the case for whichever version of the IELTS test (academic or general training reading test) you are taking.
Timing of IELTS Reading Test
The IELTS Reading test takes 60 minutes. You are not allowed any extra time to transfer your answers, so write them directly on to your answer sheet.
You will need to manage your time during the test because you will not be told when to start or finish each section.
Three sections of the IELTS Reading Test
You will be given three different passages to read, each with accompanying questions. You can expect to read 2,150 – 2,750 words in total during your test.
RECOMMENDED:
- IELTS Academic Reading Practice Tests Samples (Download PDF)
- IELTS General Training Reading Practice Tests Samples (Download PDF)
How to Prepare for IELTS Reading Test
Many candidates who are taking part in the IELTS reading test often dread the test. Candidates start reading and the panic when they encounter words they don’t know or see that time is against them to go through the lengthy texts given.
But with enough preparation and practice, anyone can pass this test. Below are some tips on what you can do to prepare:
1. Master the Types of Questions
The IELTS reading test has 14 types of questions. This may be a lot for many candidates, but you can strategies and answer them correctly. You can check the full list of the types of questions for more explanation.
Most candidates have difficulties with the True, False, Not Given category where you’ll be asked to classify whether the statements given match, contradict or are not found in the passages. This will test how well you understand paraphrasing and looking for meaning.
2. Time Management
You need to learn proper time management when it comes to the IELTS reading test. A candidate who knows how to manage time has the upper hand. You should learn time management even before you enter the examination hall. practice timing yourself at home and at mock tests several times before your exam date.
3. Focus on the Questions
Most candidates spend time reading all the texts given without giving a thought to the questions. It is recommended that students should first start with reading the questions instead so that you’ll be able to spot which information you’ll need from the passages. Then, note down the information as you spot them.
If you read the passage, then read the questions and then head back to the passage to scan for the information, it will take a whole lot more time.
4. Be calm when you see unknown words
Certainly, you’ll find unknown words but stay calm. You might not know the meaning but you could figure out what it entails from the sentence. So, don’t panic when you come across unfamiliar words. Instead, scan the entire sentence for context and you should be able to comprehend the sentence.
5. Move on
Move on if you don’t have an answer to a particular question. Don’t waste time on one question and lose time on other questions (that you will most likely get right!). After all, you can always come back to these questions when you have time.
