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IELTS Reading

IELTS Reading

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Aug 29, 2023 03:40 PM IST | #IELTS

IELTS Reading - The IELTS reading test is one of the components of the IELTS exam. The IELTS reading section is different in both IELTS general training reading and IELTS Academic. The duration of the IELTS reading task section is 60 minutes. The IELTS reading assesses the candidates skills like detailed reading, skimming, understanding arguments that are logical, and recognizing the writer's view, purpose, opinion, and attitude., etc. for a given written data or information. The general reading tests the candidates using reading passages from newspapers and magazines while the IELTS academic reading tests the candidate in academic concepts. Read the article to know more about the IELTS reading in terms of reading syllabus for IELTS exam, reading section pattern, scoring, sample questions, and reading passages, etc.

IELTS Reading Module Overview

Section Duration

60 minutes

Number of Question Types

11

No. of questions

40

Number of Long Passages

3

The IELTS Reading Test format

The IELTS syllabus and the IELTS test pattern for the reading section of the IELTS academic reading and IELTS general are different. The detailed information of the test format for General and academic are provided below.

IELTS Academic Reading - The reading section in academic consists o f 3 long passages extracted from books, magazines and newspapers. These IELTS reading texts would be appropriate for the candidates in academic backgrounds like university students and students who are registering for professional courses. The IELTS reading online passages are given in a variety of styles like narrative passage, descriptive passages, discursive passage and argumentative passage, etc. One of the three reading passage texts is logical type argument. The IELTS reading passages are not only written but also non verbal in the form of graphs, diagrams, tables, etc.

IELTS General Reading - The general reading test consists of 3 sections. The section 1 contains 2 to 3 short texts or several short texts, section 2 consists, section 3 consists of 1 long text. The three sections details are -

  • Section 1 - Focus on the texts related to social survival. Examples - notices, time tables, notices etc,

  • Section 2 - Focus on “workplace survival” concepts. For example -job descriptions, contracts, training materials and staff development etc.

  • Section 3 - Consists of text which are descriptive or narrative with general context from newspapers , books, magazines, etc.

IELTS Academic Reading Question Types

  • Multiple choice - There are 3 types in MCQ’s depending on the number of options test takers need to select the best one, two and three answers. The MCQ’s involve completing a sentence and answering the paragraph questions types.
  • Identifying information - From a given number of statements, the candidates have to identify whether the given statements which refer the passage are “true” or “false” or not given”
  • Identifying writer’s views/claims - From the given statement referring the passage, the candidate has to identify whether the statements agree with the writers views or claims by answering “Yes” or “No” or “ not given”
  • Matching information - The candidate has to scan the for the asked information from the reading passages. Rather than just headings, here candidates have to focus on the main information.
  • Matching headings - The candidate has to match the given headings to the given paragraphs.
  • Matching features - The given statements have to be matched with the given options but here there can be extra options which do not match any statement or else there can be options which match with more than one statement. In this IELTS reading question type the candidate ability to recognise relationships, opinions, theories and connection between facts
  • Matching Sentence Endings - The first half sentence in the question will be based on the text of the passage and options will be given to complete the statement. In this question type, the main idea understanding skills are assessed.
  • Sentence completion - Sentence must be completed as instructed. For example if the test takers are instructed“ no more than three words” then the candidate has to complete the sentence in three words. If more than 3 words are written then the candidate will lose the marks
  • Summary, note, table, flow chart completion - In this IELTS reading question type, the given summary texts or tables and flow charts which are incomplete must be completed.
  • Diagram Label Completion - The given labels of a diagram which relate to the text of the passage, must be completed as instructed.
  • Short-answer questions - The candidates have to answer the given questions related to paragraph in short length of word count instructed.
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IELTS Reading Academic score

The IELTS scores for reading are calculated in the form of bands 0 to 9. IELTS reading section consists of 40 questions, and each question carries 1 mark. These raw scores of IELTS Academic reading, out of the 40 marks are converted into IELTS reading bands of 0 to 9. The scoring for the IELTS academic and general training are graded on a same scale of 0 to 9 bands but the conversion rates from raw score to band score gets deferred.

Converted Raw scores to IELTS Reading bands for Academic

Raw score

Band score

2.3

4-5

3

6-7

3.5

9-8

4

12-10

4.5

14-13

5

15-18

5.5

19-22

6

26-23

6.5

29-27

7

30-32

7.5

34-33

8

36-35

8.5

38-37

9

40 -39

Converted Raw scores to IELTS Reading bands for General Training

Raw score

Band score

4

15

5

23

6

30

7

34

8

38


IELTS Reading Practice Test - One of the essential steps in preparing for the IELTS reading test is the IELTS speaking practice. Especially for the IELTS reading practice test, the official IELTS has provided the sample papers for the IELTS reading test online at https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/sample-test-questions#tab-2. In the IELTS reading mock test includes the IELTS general reading practice test as well as the IELTS academic reading practice test with answers in the form of PDF.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Is there any penalty in reading the IELTS reading?

If the answers written by candidates contain poor spelling  or grammar mistakes, the score will be penalised.

2. Is IELTS academic reading difficult or IELTS general reading ?

Generally academic reading contains difficult vocabulary or complexity. Whereas the IELTS general consists of more short sections which must be answered correctly in order to get a good band score.

3. Is it easy to score 9 bands in IELTS reading?

Yes, the IELTS reading test is easy to score more when compared to IELTS speaking and writing sections. 

4. Is the IELTS exam tough for the Indian people?

It depends on each and every individual. For students who have completed schooling in English, it can be a bit easier to attempt rather than for students who have done schooling in Hindi or any other regional languages.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.

As a first-year B.Com student planning to pursue an MBA abroad, it's ideal to take your IELTS exam about a year before you plan to apply to universities, as the scores are valid for two years. This timeline allows you to retake the exam if needed and ensures you have ample time to prepare your applications. For personalized guidance and support in preparing for the IELTS and planning your study abroad journey, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in assisting students with their overseas education goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Hello,

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

Thank you

The IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests serve different purposes, so their difficulty levels can vary depending on your strengths and background. The IELTS Academic is generally considered more challenging, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections. It focuses on language skills needed in an academic setting, including understanding complex texts and writing essays on abstract topics. The IELTS General, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use, such as for immigration or work purposes, and involves more practical tasks like writing letters and understanding basic articles. If you're comfortable with academic English, the Academic test might be manageable, but for most people, the General test is slightly easier due to its more straightforward content. Consider seeking guidance from educational career consultancies such as Invicta Career Consultancy (ICC). These consultancies evaluate your academic profile and career aspirations, helping identify suitable scholarships based on your qualifications and chosen field of study. They also provide support for exams like IELTS, GMAT, SAT, GTE, and more. ICC stands out by offering comprehensive assistance, including entrance exam training, help with SOP writing, and guidance in selecting suitable colleges. When exploring consultancy options, evaluate similar firms to find the one aligning best with your educational goals.

The IELTS results are typically released 13 days after the test date, but the exact time of release can vary depending on the test center. While some test centers might release results at noon on the 13th day, others might have different schedules. For specific guidance and precise information regarding the release of your IELTS results, it is advisable to contact your test center directly. Additionally, for personalized assistance and expert advice on navigating the IELTS process and studying abroad, you may consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored support based on your individual needs and goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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