The topics are of general interest but related to an academic subject. They often deal with global issue, such as the environment, language, conversation, tourism, etc.
Will I be able to understand the passages?
Although the topics may seem unfamiliar to you, non of the passages will contain technical information or specialist vocabulary that is not explained or cannot be understood by an educated reader. Sometime, however, you will need to ignore unknown words or guess their meaning.
What sort of question will I get?
There are many different question types in the reading test. Often you have to choose the correct letter or write some words. If you have to write an answer, you will never have to use more then then three words and/or a number.
Will I get every question type in the test?
No. Each section of the test usually contain two or four question types, so in one complete reading test you could get a maximum of 12 different questions types. (Usually you will get about eight or nine.) Sometime the same question types occurs in more then one section of the test. Remember, you may get a mix of the reading question type in any section of the test.
Why are there different reading question types?
IELTS tests a range of reading skill that you need for study purposes. For example, if a passage has eight paragraphs, each with a clear theme, then you may get paragraph heading questions that test whether or not you can identify the main theme of each paragraph. If a passage contains a lot of detailed information, you may get sentence completion questions that ask you to find specific information.
These are the main skills that IELTS tests:
- reading quickly to get a general idea or find a particular word
- finding detailed or factual information
- understanding theme and main ideas
- identifying views, argument and claims
- identifying the overall theme of the passage.
What general approach should I take to the reading rest?
Do the section in the order they come. Read the title and sub-heading (if there is one) of each passage and use these to form an idea of what the passage is about. Then read quickly through the question and note what type the are. Read the passage quickly before you start doing the questions to see how the topic is developed and note the main ideas. Start with the first set of questions. When you go on to the second set of questions, you may have to go back to the start of the passage to find the answers.
How can I improve my score in the reading test?
You can help improved your score by making sure that you know what each question type tests and by having a general approach for each set of questions. The following pages divided into three sections, provide you with an Action Plan for each set of questions.
What else can I do to prepare for the reading test?
You should read as widely as you can and practise reading quickly to get the main idea. You should also familiarize yourself with ideas and vocabulary related to topics of global interest or concern.
How is the reading test marked?
There is one mark per question and this marks a total of 40 marks. Your mark is converted into a Band Score of between 1 and 9. You can get half bands in the reading test, e.g. 6.5
Is correct spelling important?
Your spelling must be correct and your handwriting must be clear. The answers must come from the reading passages, and you will lose marks if you copy words incorrectly, you should not use abbreviations unless the are in the passage, and you check plurals.