IELTS TIPS FOR READING – EXAMINER APPROVED

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INTRODUCTION

If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’re either preparing for IELTS yourself, or supporting someone who is going to sit the test. You know that preparation is the key to success in IELTS and you’re ready to put the time and effort into improving your English and perfecting your test technique. Whether your goal is to study, work or live in an English-speaking environment, this list of examiner approved test tips will help you to understand what examiners are looking for and provide helpful insights and reminders to help you do your best in the IELTS Reading test.



READING TEST FORMAT
Academic (60 minutes)
There are three sections, each containing one long text. The texts are all real and are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They are on academic topics of general interest which means you do not need any specialist knowledge to do well. The texts are appropriate to, and accessible to, candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. Texts range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. They may contain nonverbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms, then a simple glossary is provided.

General Training (60 minutes)

There are three sections.

• Section 1: contains two or three short factual texts, one of which may be composite (consisting of 6-8 short texts relatedby topic, e.g. hotel advertisements). Topics are relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking country.
• Section 2: contains two short factual texts focusing on work-related issues (e.g. applying for jobs, company policies, pay and conditions, workplace facilities, staff development and training).
• Section 3: contains one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest. You’ll be reading real passages taken from notices, adverts, company handbooks, official documents, books, magazines and newspapers.

READING TIPS
1. To improve your performance in the Reading test you need to practise reading a variety of English texts. This will help you develop the ability to read quickly, as is required under test conditions.

2. Read every question carefully first before reading the passages. This will make it easier for you to find the answers. Underline possible answers as you go.

3. When you come to reading the passage, read it quickly the first time in order to get a general idea of what it’s about. Don’t worry about words you do not understand. Then read each question again to remind yourself which parts of the passage you will need to read again in detail.

4. If you are copying words from a question or reading passage to use in your answer, remember that your
spelling must be accurate.

The Reading passages always contain the information you need to answer the question. You won’t have to use your own knowledge of a topic.

5. The Reading test may sometimes include questions which test your overall understanding of a passage. For example, the question may ask what the topic of a particular passage is. Try underlining key words and ideas in each paragraph as you read to help you understand the key message of each passage.




6. If you are asked to label a diagram, you will find the words you need in the text. Be sure to copy them carefully from the text with the correct spelling.
Circle or underline key words as you read. For example, if a reading passage contains many place names or dates, circle them as you go along. This will make it easier to find these details later, if they come up in any of the questions.

7. If there are questions you cannot answer, leave them and move on to the next 

question. This will help you to stay calm and positive. Go back to those questions at the end, if you have time.

Make sure you write down your answers for the Reading test on the answer sheet - not the question paper. There will be no extra time to transfer your answers after the Reading test