IELTS General Training Reading : Tips and Information

The IELTS Reading is designed to evaluate your English reading skills which consists of 40 questions and is divided into 3 sections for both General Training and Academic. However, the IELTS General Reading passages are comparatively less complex than Academic reading for which you can use the IELTS General Training Reading : Tips and Information. 

Remember that since there are different question types, you need to become familiar with each of them to get an idea of the specific strategy to be used. By diving into the information about the IELTS General Training Reading, you will be a step closer to get a higher band score in the IELTS exam.

Let’s get started!

IELTS General Training Reading Sections

Before looking at the tips and strategies, it is important to become familiar with the section pattern which you will encounter in the IELTS General Training Reading Module. The time allotted to complete the General reading test is 60 minutes.

The table below suggests the section division of the IELTS General Training Reading Module.

Marking Criteria for IELTS General Training Reading

Every correct answer carries 1 mark, and the score of 40 is converted into an IELTS Band Score. As there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, you can try and answer all the questions given. Individual sections from each reading section are compiled to produce an overall reading score. 

The table below depicts the conversion of the correct answers into a band score.

Types of Questions in IELTS General Training Reading

There are different types of questions asked in each section of the IELTS Reading exam which is similar for IELTS Academic and General Training. Each section of the IELTS General reading test consists of 13-14 questions and a total of 40 questions.  A few of the questions are listed below:

Tips in IELTS General Training Reading According to Question Type

Since there are different types of questions, one has to first become familiar with its type and specific strategies to be used. As you prepare, try to focus on practising specific question types before moving on with the full-length IELTS mock test. Let’s check out the do’s and dont’s for each question type.

1. Sentence Completion Questions

In IELTS Reading Sentence Completion, you need to fill in the blanks in a given sentence using words from the passage while maintaining grammatical accuracy. It is important to read the sentence carefully and predict the word which is missing in the sentence before looking at the passage and finalizing your answer. Avoid writing more words than allowed or changing the form of the word and focus on the instructions given.

2. Short Answer Questions

In IELTS Reading Short Answer, you have to answer specific questions using a limited number of words which are found in the passage. You need to locate the necessary keywords in the question first and then scan the passage for any related information. Remember that the answers must be direct and concise so try to avoid any unnecessary words which are out of context. 

3. Summary Completion Questions

For the IELTS Reading Summary Completion, you need to complete a summary with missing words by selecting from the passage or a given list since there are two types. In one question type, you need to follow the word limit given in the instructions while in the second type, you will be provided with a list of words. This question type assesses your ability to understand key information in a summarized format.

4. Multiple-choice Questions

In IELTS Reading Multiple-choice, you are required to choose the correct answer from given options while some questions may require selecting more than one correct option. This question type assesses your ability to understand the detailed comprehension and also to distinguish between similar options.

5. Matching Heading Questions

In IELTS Reading Matching Heading, you will be provided with a list of headings which you need to match to different paragraphs given in the passage. In this type of question, you need to identify the main idea in the passage but be careful of similar headings. Therefore, skim each paragraph and not just match the keywords.

6. True/False Given/Not Given Questions

In IELTS Reading True/False Given/Not Given, do not assume anything based on personal knowledge and focus on the passage only. Therefore, read the information carefully and do not assume the answer if you find a keyword. 

Since IELTS Reading Yes/No/Not Given is another type of question, you need to first read the instructions before you write the correct answer. Write True/Yes if the statement agrees with the passage, mention False if the statement contradicts the passage and answer Not Given if the passage does not mention the information.

7. Diagram Completion Questions

In IELTS Reading Diagram Completion, your task is to label its parts using information from the passage. By practising with this question type, you will enhance your ability to locate and understand descriptive details. 

8. Matching Sentence Ending Questions

As you attempt the IELTS Reading Matching Endings Questions, remember to read the first half of the sentence carefully and then try predicting the second half before looking at the options. It is important that the sentence would have to be grammatically correct where the meaning is according to the context. Therefore, avoid selecting the option by only looking at the similar words.

9. Matching features Questions

In IELTS Reading Matching Features Questions, you need to pay close attention to specific details such as names, places, etc. To answer the questions, use the scanning techniques and spot the information. However, it is necessary to read the instructions carefully since some features may be used more than once.

10. Note/Table/Flow Chart Questions

In the IELTS Reading Flowchart Completion, find the relevant keywords and understand the information provided. Remember that if you make mistakes in the spellings, you will not be getting the score. Also, focus on the overall structure and check the information in the passage to relate the same.

Strategies to Use in the IELTS General Training Reading for a Band 8+

Now that you have become familiar with the different question types, it is time to strategise to acquire a band 8+. Below are some of the tips which will help you score exceptionally well in IELTS General Reading Section and acquire a band 8+.

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 the 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 for IELTS Reading helps 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.

5. Practice

Maintain a habit of practising IELTS General Reading Practice Tests 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 or else it might leave you under or unprepared. 

Now that you are familiar with the IELTS General Training Reading question types and also the strategies to excel in the IELTS exam with a band 8+, start your journey today. Remember to note the areas of improvement and the question type where you are facing problems. By identifying these key factors, you are one step closer to your desired band scores.

Also Check : 

• IELTS Reading Tips And Techniques To Increase Your Reading Speed
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• 101 IELTS Academic Reading Past Test Papers with Answers PDF Download
• 15 Days' Practice for IELTS Reading PDF with Answers (General And Academic)
• IELTS Books to Use During IELTS Preparation in 2025