IELTS General Training Reading : Tips and Information

IELTS Reading exam is designed to evaluate your English reading skills. This module consists of 40 questions and is divided into 3 parts for both general and academic. The Academic and General reading exams are evaluated on the same level. However, IELTS General Reading passages are comparatively less complex than academic reading. 

Marking Criteria: 

Every correct answer carries 1 mark, and the score of 40 is converted into an IELTS band score. Also, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Individual section from each reading section is compiled to produce an overall reading score. The time allotted to complete the General reading test is 60 minutes. 

IELTS General Training Reading Sections

Section 1

This section consists of two or three passages taken from advertisements, sports center facilities, educational courses, work schemes, work conditions etc. 

Section 2

This section also consists of more than two to three passages taken from advertisements, sports center facilities, educational courses, work schemes, work conditions etc. 

Section 3

This section usually contains one passage that is a bit more lengthy and complex than the above two sections. This section’s passage is taken from various books, company handbooks, lectures, magazines, advertisements, etc. 

Each section of the IELTS General reading test consists of 13-14 questions and a total of 40 questions. 

There are different ypes of IELTS reading questions asked in each section of the IELTS General reading exam. A few of the questions are listed below:

• Sentence Completion Questions
• Short Answer Questions
• Summary Completion Questions
• Multiple-choice Questions
• Matching Heading Questions
• True/False Given/Not Given Questions
• Labeling a Diagram Question
• Matching Sentence Ending Questions
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Matching features Questions
• Writer’s view/claim Questions
• Note/Table/Flow Chart Questions 

Follow the below tips to score exceptionally well in IELTS General Reading Section

1. Understand the test format

Before you take the test, you must first understand the format of that test and look for information such as types of questions asked in the exam, time allotted to complete the test and examiner’s expectations. Well, there are a total of 14 different types of questions asked from various journals, magazines, company handbooks etc. The passages are usually up to 2400 words each. Read the instructions carefully and pay attention to the word limit. 

2. Learn and implement Time Management Skills

Time management skills help you take the test in minimum time. To effectively manage your time in the exam, always read the questions carefully before jumping to the passages. Understand what is being asked in the questions. Make sure not to use any of your prior knowledge to answer the questions. Most of the questions are designed to check your ability to understand the passage and locate information. Lastly, move to the next question if you struggle to find the answer in a minute or two. Come back to unanswered questions once you are through with all the questions.

3. Paraphrase and highlight the content

Paraphrase all the sentences; it will help you locate essential information and key terms to spot the answer. Once you find the information or keywords, highlight it and check if you can paraphrase the information. Enhance your grammar and vocabulary; it will help you come up with new terms and expressions while paraphrasing the text. Also, while reading the text, highlight all the complex keywords and understand its meaning. Read the whole sentence and understand what the sentence is trying to convey.

4. Follow the Skimming and Scanning technique.

Skimming is basically fast reading. It helps you understand the main idea of the text. Whereas scanning is a technique that helps you locate the necessary or specific information without going word by word. To implement this technique, you must first read the question and identify the key information required from your end. Practice and learn to spend less than 5 minutes skimming and scanning the text. It will amplify your ability to locate the details easily. While following these techniques, do not forget to read the information in detail, wherever required. Else you might not understand the text fully. 

5. Practice

Maintain a habit of practising sample papers every day. Practise reading as much as you can. It will help you increase your speed and accuracy. It will also help you get familiar with difficult terms and phrases. Make sure to study from authentic resources. Else it might leave you under or unprepared. 

See also:

• Tips to Improve IELTS Reading Skills
• True False Not Given IELTS Reading
• IELTS Reading recent actual test
• IELTS General Reading Practice Test
• IELTS past paper pdf