IELTS Academic Reading: Mastering the Basics
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“Prepare for the IELTS Academic Reading test with strategies to navigate various question types & comprehend complex academic texts through reading techniques.“
IELTS Academic Reading is a test designed to assess how well you can read and understand academic texts. It's part of the IELTS Reading specifically aimed at students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in an English-speaking country.
Understanding the IELTS Academic Reading Test
Let's get down to understanding the basics of IELTS Academic Reading?
What is the IELTS Academic Reading Test?
The IELTS Academic Reading section assesses various reading comprehension skills through a timed test. Within 60 minutes, candidates must answer 40 questions based on three lengthy passages taken from contemporary academic sources like books, journals, and newspapers.
Components of the IELTS Academic Reading Test
With the IELTS Academic Reading Test consisting of three academic passages, the questions may require short answers, matching information, multiple-choice responses, identifying perspectives, completing summaries or diagrams. Candidates' performance is scored on a 0-9 band scale, assessing their ability to comprehend arguments, viewpoints, attitudes, and purposes within the passages.
Types of questions in Academic Reading
- Multiple Choice Questions
- True/False/Not given Questions
- Yes/No/Not given Questions
- Matching questions
- Matching Headings
- Matching information
- Matching Features
- Matching sentence endings
- Sentence completion
- Short-answer Questions
- Note Completion
- Table Completion
- Diagram Completion
- Summary Completion Questions
Multiple choice questions:
Work item: Choosing the correct answer from options given.
Question Pattern: This might be in the form of a question & answer type or a choosing a correct ending to a sentence type.
Tips for finding answers: These answers appear in chronological order according to the passage
Skills assessed:
- Basic understanding of the passage given.
- Paraphrasing skills
| Example 1:
Choose the correct letter A-D According to the passage, Monalisa is :
Example 2: Choose the correct letter A-D The percentage of water available in the human body is …………..
|
TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN questions
Work item: Identify if the question statements are TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN from the information in the passage.
Question Pattern: Tricky statements will be given.
Tips for finding answers: These answers may not appear in chronological order.
- If the statement is present in the article as it is then you need to mark it as true.
- If the statement is found to be the opposite of the sentence which is there then it should be marked as false.
- If the statement given in the question is not at all present in the article then it should be marked as not given. Do not spend a lot of time finding the sentence which is not there.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to pick out specific information from the passage.
- Understanding whether the question statement matches or contradicts the information given in the passage.
| Example:
In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this 1. We can decide what to dream. 2. Not all day dreams come true. 3. Daydreaming helps in formation of new ideas. 4. Day dreams may become dreams. 5. Issac Newton said that imagination is more important than knowledge |
Yes/No/Not given Questions
Work item: Identify if the question statements are YES, NO or NOT GIVEN from the information in the passage.
Question Pattern: Tricky statements will be given.
Tips for finding answers: These answers may not appear in chronological order.
- If the information in the statement is correct and relevant to the given passage, write YES.
- If the information in the statement differs from that information in the passage, which is incorrect, write NO.
- If the sentence has a piece of information that is not mentioned anywhere in the passage, write NOT GIVEN.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to pick out specific information from the passage.
- Understanding whether the question statement matches or contradicts the information given in the passage.
| Example:
In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write YES if the statement agrees with the information NO if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this 1. It is possible to live without consuming salt. 2. Sodium ions control body fluid levels. 3. Salt has only culinary uses. 4. Salt deficiency results in diseases. 5. Salt has been used as money. |
Matching questions
- Matching Headings:
Work item: You will be given a list of headings and asked to choose the right heading for paragraphs in a given passage.
Question Pattern: The paragraphs will be named as A,B,C,D and a list numbered in roman numerals will be given. The list will contain the gist about the paragraphs.
Tips for finding answers: To get the correct answer, you have to read the complete paragraph and not just stop with the first few lines of the paragraph. There will also be many other headings that are not related to any of the paragraphs given in the passage, in such cases, try to identify those types of headings too.
Skills assessed:
- Basic understanding of the content of each paragraph.
- Understanding of the central idea of the passage as well as the paragraphs.
| Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-viii, in boxes 16-18 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings i. A lack of consistent policy ii. Learning from experience iii. The greatest advantage iv. The role of research v. A unique material vi. An irrational anxiety vii. Avoiding the real challenges viii. A sign of things to come 14. Paragraph A 15. Paragraph B 16. Paragraph C 17. Paragraph D 18. Paragraph E |
- Matching Information:
Work item: Identifying which section of the passage contains the information given in the question statement.
Question Pattern: These questionshave a list which contains information taken from the paragraphs. You are asked to find out the paragraph from which the information is taken.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question may be tricky because the information given might not be in exact words as given in the paragraph instead it will be paraphrased so you need to read the paragraph to understand the meaning/idea behind it to answer these questions.
Skills assessed:
- Paraphrasing abilities
- Ability to find information from the passage
| Answer the following questions by choosing the correct responses A–C.
Questions:
Information to match:
|
- Matching Features:
Work item: Matching the features with the information in the text.
Question Pattern: There will be a list of items in the box and you need to match these items by reading and understanding some sentences in the passages. The list may be of the name of people or cities. For example, If there is a name of a person in the box of items then the question may be to match the sentence with the person who said them.
Tips for finding answers: Like other types of match questions, some of the items mentioned may not be available in the passage. So, to save time read the passage before answering each question.
Skills assessed:
- Paraphrasing abilities
- Ability to find information from the passage
| Use the information in the text to match the People listed (1-3) with the Observations (i-vii).
People
Observationsi. Americans use their jaw more to enunciate ii. Immigrants acquire physiognomical features common among the Indigenous population iii. Facial expression and physical features arc hereditary iv. Lifestyle affects physiognomy v. Americans have a broadened jaw vi. The appearance of his friends had changed since they moved to the United States vii. The change of countenance was unremarkable |
- d) Matching Sentence Endings
Work item: Ability to complete the given sentences by choosing the correct endings from a given list.
Question Pattern: In this type of question, you need to connect two halves of the sentences. The first half of the sentence will be already given. You need to find out which is the appropriate ending for the sentence from the list given.
Tips for finding answers: While choosing from the list you need to keep the following things in mind:
- There should not be any grammatical errors in the sentence.
- The ending sentence chosen by you should make sense
- The sentence should have the same meaning as the sentence in the passage.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to predict endings by reading the sentences
- Grammar
| Complete each of the following statements with the best ending from the box below.
1. Linguists like Peter Austin believe that every language is unique. 2. Nick Evans suggests a community may resist attempts to save its language. 3. Many young researchers are interested in doing practical research 4. Chomsky supports work in descriptive linguistics
|
Sentence completion
Work item: Completing the sentences by filling in correct words from the passage.
Question Pattern: In sentence completion, you’ll be asked to fill in the blank spaces using the words given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: It is important to pay close attention to the instructions that are given in the question because in some instructions there will be a word limit mentioned and you may lose marks if you don’t follow it.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to locate specific information in the passage.
- Grammar
| Choose No More Than Two Words from the passage to complete the sentences.
1.The taste is a more extreme experience than the smell, and this is because of the strong pleasure relationship between ______and ______. 2. It is universally acknowledged that ___________ is the ultimate pleasurable sensation. 3. The famous french writer______________ is widely known for using this idea in his work. 4. The words sugar, honey, sweetie, are used by lovers as terms of ___________. 5. In spite of gaining attraction for its sugary taste, no one is sure what exactly makes a ________________ sweet. |
Short answer questions
Work item: Ability to answer the questions using information provided.
Question Pattern: In short answer questions, you’ll have to take words from the given text to write the short answers.
Tips for finding answers: It is important to pay close attention to the instructions that are given in the question because in some instructions there will be a word limit mentioned and you may lose marks if you don’t follow it.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to skim the passage for information
- Ability to answer questions with the correct number of words.
| Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS, answer the following questions.
Write your answers in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet. 1. Which body provides information on global tourist numbers? 2. Who often gains financially from tourism in rural environments? 3. What do city entrepreneurs own in country areas? |
Note completion
Work item: Completing the notes by choosing appropriate words from a given passage.
Question Pattern:You will be asked to complete a set of notes based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to skim the passage for information
- Ability to answer questions with the correct number of words.
Complete the notes below.Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
|
Table completion
Work item: Completing the table by choosing appropriate words from a given passage.
Question Pattern:You will be asked to complete a table based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to comprehend details from the passage.
- Ability to locate the right words
| Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in blank spaces next to 17-19 on your answer sheet. |
| Mode of Vibration | Description |
| 1……………………… | moving repeatedly to the left and right |
| 2……………………… | up and down motion; like a wave |
| Torsional | resembling motions of a 3………………. |
Diagram completion
Work item: Completing the diagram by choosing appropriate words from a given passage.
Question Pattern:You will be asked to complete a diagram based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to locate information in the passage
- Ability to choose the right words
| Label the diagram below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer |
Summary completion
Work item: Completing the summary by filling in correct words from the passage.
Question Pattern: You will be asked to complete a summary based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:
- Ability to scan the passage for right words.
- Ability to understand ideas.
| Sample 1: Filling blanks with words from the passage
Complete the following summary. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in blank spaces next to 1-6 on your answer sheet. Computers sit on every desk and are linked to one another, and in many cases to an 1.………. of other computers so that messages can be passed to and fro. Now correspondence between individuals goes from 2…... and cannot be accessed by colleagues. And yet it seems that, just as work is 3…... individuals more and more, organizations are recognizing the advantages of ‘team-work’. |
| Sample 2: Filling blanks with words from the box
Complete the following summary. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the box for each answer. Write your answers in blank spaces next to 1-6 on your answer sheet. The problem of physical access to buildings has now been 1………………………………by technology. Messages are 2………………………………with passwords not allowing 3…………………………to read someone else’s messages. But, while individuals are becoming increasingly 4……………………………..socially by the way, they do their job, at the same time more value is being put on 5 …………………………………. However, e-mail and voice-mail have led to 6…………………………………opportunities for person-to-person communication.
|
Preparing for the IELTS Academic Reading Test
Now that we know about the IELTS Academic Reading, let's learn how to prepare for it.
How to Prepare for the IELTS Academic Reading Test?
To prepare effectively for the IELTS Academic Reading Test, follow these steps:
- Build vocabulary by reading academic journals, books, and newspapers regularly.
- Practice locating key information, main ideas, details, and drawing inferences from passages.
- Develop skills like skimming, scanning, making notes, and time management.
- Understand various question types like multiple-choice, matching headings, sentence completion, etc.
- Take timed mock tests to simulate real exam conditions and identify weaknesses.
- Analyze answers and learn from mistakes after each practice test.
- Stay updated on current affairs and global issues covered in IELTS passages.
Consistent practice, expanding vocabulary, and honing specific reading strategies are crucial for scoring high on the IELTS academic reading test.
Effective Strategies for IELTS Academic Reading
Before learning the IELTS academic reading tricks, understanding the motive behind the reading questions is necessary:
- Identifying the author’s opinion
- Following the key/main argument
- Identifying the author’s purpose
- Completing a summary, table, or a diagram
- Difference between the central idea and supporting ideas
Here are some effective strategies for the IELTS Academic Reading:
- Skim and Scan: Quickly skim passages for main ideas and scan for specific details to save time.
- Practice Regularly: Consistently practice with official IELTS materials to familiarize yourself with the test format.
- Enhance Vocabulary: Strengthen your vocabulary by reading a variety of academic texts and noting down unfamiliar words.
- Manage Time Wisely: Allocate time for each passage and question set to ensure completion within the given timeframe.
- Prioritize Questions: Start with easier questions to gain momentum and tackle more challenging ones later.
- Focus on Keywords: Identify keywords in questions and use them to locate relevant information in the passages.
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices and increase your chances of selecting the correct option.
- Use Context Clues: Use context clues within the passage to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
- Skim Questions First: Quickly skim through the questions before reading the passage to understand what information you need to locate.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a positive mindset during the test and trust in your preparation and abilities.
By using these strategies, you can approach the IELTS Academic Reading section with confidence and effectively tackle its challenges.
Scoring in the IELTS Academic Reading Test
Understanding IELTS Academic Reading Scores
Scoring in the IELTS Academic Reading Test is based on your ability to comprehend passages, identify key information, and provide accurate answers within the allocated time, resulting in a band score ranging from 0 to 9. The following table illustrates the correlation between the number of correct answers and the corresponding band scores.
IELTS Academic Reading Scores
| Correct Answers | Band scores |
|---|---|
| 40-39 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 2.5 |
Tips for Achieving High Scores in IELTS Academic Reading
To achieve high scores in the IELTS Academic Reading section, you can follow the tips mentioned below:
- Improve reading speed
- Practice skimming and scanning techniques
- Familiarize with the test format
- Build vocabulary
- Manage time effectively
- Regularly review and analyze mistakes
Advanced Techniques for IELTS Academic Reading
Here are some advanced techniques to ace IELTS Academic Reading passages:
Skimming and Scanning Techniques:
- Go beyond basic reading - Identify the main idea and structure quickly to save time.
- Target keywords linked to question types to pinpoint relevant information.
Time Management Strategies:
- Plan your approach - Allocate time for each passage based on difficulty.
- Don't get stuck - Move on if you're struggling and come back later if time permits.
Developing Vocabulary Skills:
- Focus on academic terms relevant to your field of study.
- Use flashcards and online resources to actively learn and retain new vocabulary.
Misunderstanding Questions:
- Read questions carefully - Identify keywords and understand what they're asking.
- Don't assume - The answer might not be phrased exactly as in the passage.
Skipping Instructions:
- Instructions are crucial - They define what type of answer you're looking for (e.g., single word, short answer).
- Skipping them can lead to wasted time and incorrect answers.
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Tests
Prepare for the IELTS Academic Reading section with practice tests featuring real exam questions. Enhance your skills and assess your readiness for the test with detailed answer keys provided after each practice test.
| Direct Link | IELTS Academic Reading tests |
Below are top performing IELTS academic reading topics:
| In Praise Of Amateurs IELTS Reading Answers | The True Cost Of Food Reading Answers | Climate Change And The Inuit Reading Answers |
IELTS Academic Reading FAQs
Q: How many passages are there in the IELTS Academic Reading test?
A: There are 3 passages in the test, each on a different academic topic.
Q: How long do I have to complete the IELTS Academic Reading test?
A: You'll be given 60 minutes to read the passages and answer all the questions.
Q: Is the IELTS Academic Reading test harder than reading actual academic texts?
A: Not necessarily. The difficulty depends on your experience with academic reading materials. The test assesses your ability to handle complex academic texts, so the closer your background is to that, the easier you might find it.
Q: Is reading the same for Academic and General IELTS?
A: No, the reading section in Academic IELTS is different. It focuses on your ability to understand complex ideas, follow arguments, and answer specific questions about the passages. General IELTS reading might involve more general topics and a wider variety of question types.
Practice IELTS Academic Reading Based on Question Types
- Reading Multiple Choice Questions
- True/False/Not Given
- Yes/No/Not Given
- Reading Sentence Completion
- Reading Summary Completion
- Reading Table Completion
- Reading Matching Headings
- Reading Matching features
- Reading Diagram Completion
- Reading Matching Sentence endings
- Reading Short Answer Questions
Practice IELTS Academic Reading based on question types
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