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IELTS Reading Preparation 2024: Tips, Material, Practice Test

IELTS Reading Preparation 2024: Tips, Material, Practice Test

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 18, 2024 11:09 AM IST | #IELTS

One of the most important and difficult modules of IELTS is the IELTS reading test and scoring high bands in this has become a difficult task for many candidates. IELTS reading tips to score band 9 is one commonly researched topic and today we shall be sharing the IELTS reading preparation tips. We are sure after reading this article, you will be able to raise your IELTS reading band score if you smartly use the IELTS reading preparation tips.

IELTS reading band score

While the candidates prepare for IELTS, the following IELTS reading self study tips and tricks should be kept in mind:

  • You will be given scores (Bands) according to the number of correct answers that you write/type.

  • No negative marking is done so if you are not sure of an answer, do attempt it with a guesswork.

  • Your band scores are calculated on the number of correct answers that you give.

  • Spelling and grammar have to be correct else the answers will be considered to be wrong.


Band ScoreSkill LevelDescription
9Expert user

Fully operational command of the language: uses language appropriately, accurately, and fluently with complete understanding.

8Very good user

Fully operational command with occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well, though may misunderstand in unfamiliar situations.

7Good user

Operational command with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations. Handles complex language and detailed reasoning effectively.

6Competent user

Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and misunderstandings. Can use fairly complex language, especially in familiar contexts.

5Modest user

Partial command, copes with overall meaning but likely makes many mistakes. Can handle basic communication within own field.

4Limited user

Basic competence limited to familiar situations. Frequent problems in understanding and expression, unable to use complex language.

3Extremely limited user

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Communication often breaks down.

2Intermittent user

No real communication except for basic information using isolated words or short phrases in familiar contexts. Great difficulty with spoken and written English.

1Non-user

Essentially no ability beyond a few isolated words.

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Extracted from - IELTS.org. Copyright © 2023 by IETS

Skills required for IELTS reading module

  • Searching and underlying the keywords

  • Looking for synonyms, descriptions, and expressions

  • Reading speed

  • Understanding specific information

IELTS 2024 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
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Strategies for scoring high in the IELTS reading module: IELTS reading tips for band 9

To score high bands in the IELTS reading section, one must have perfect knowledge of the different types of questions asked in the the IELTS reading module and the best ways to attempt the questions. We will now discuss the different types of questions and the ways to solve them so that they help you like your IELTS preparation tips and tricks.

Matching heading type of question: IELTS reading practice tips and tricks

  • In this type of question, you are asked to title each paragraph of the passage. The list of headings is given in the options and you need to select correctly matching each paragraph information.

  • This question type sometimes seems to be the most difficult one to attempt for so many students. The main reason is that most of the options given to select as headings seem to be similar.

  • Also, the options given for the selection are often more than the number of paragraphs.

  • The question type looks like the given picture below and is resourced from an authenticated Cambridge book 2, Academic reading TEST 1-

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Questions 14-18

Reading passage 2 has six paragraphs B-F from the list of headings below

Choose the most suitable headings for paragraphs B-Ffrom the list of headings below. Write the appropriate numbers (i-ix) in boxes 14-18 on your answer sheet.

NB There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use them all

List of Headings

i Ottawa International Conference on Health Promotion

ii Holistic approach to health

iii The primary importance of environmental factors

iv Healthy lifestyles approach to health

v Changes in concepts of health in Western society

vi Prevention of discases and illness

vii Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion

viii Definition of health in medical terms

ix Socio-ecological view of health

14 Paragraph B

15 Paragraph C

16 Paragraph D

17 Paragraph E

18 Paragraph

For you to gain excellence in this, please click on the given link and practice the same set of questions

IELTS tips and tricks to attempt - matching heading question type

  • This should be the first type of question you attempt in the IELTS reading module, because if you attempt this, you will most likely read the entire passage and this will make it easier for you to attempt the other type of questions in the passage more easily.

  • The very first tip that you should try here is to read the entire paragraph for meaning, mind it, it should not be skimming, after you read analyze the gist of the paragraph.

  • Retain the gist in your mind and match it with the list of headings using the elimination method.

  • The elimination method makes you read all the options and helps you think if the option has any such related information matching the passage.

  • In case, you feel that this tip does not work for you, then we now have a second trick for you.

  • Read the first, second, and last sentences of the paragraph very carefully, you will be in a position to understand the information that is there in the paragraph.

  • Try to identify the keywords within each heading, keywords are the words that will particularly not have any synonym or will be the main surrounding word.

  • Try to look for synonyms or words having similar kind of meanings or phrases so that you can rule out the correct answer.

For you to gain excellence in this, please click on the given link and practice the same set of questions

The next type of question is Matching In formation to paragraph and the given IELTS preparation tips will help you ace the exam and score high bands:

Matching information to paragraphs: IELTS reading preparation tips

  • This type of question assesses your ability to analyze the inner information that is given in the paragraph.

  • You will normally be asked to find specific details like a summary, a description of some fact, or a noun, and make a comparison between two aspects.

  • Let's look at how this question type is presented, the given picture is resourced from Cambridge book 5, Academic Reading Test 2

Questions 14-19

Reading Passage 2 has nine paragraphs, A-I.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter A-I in boxes 14-19 on your answer sheet.

14 a biological explanation of the teacher-subject’s behaviour

15 the explanation Milgram gave the teacher-subjects for the experiment

16 the identity of the pupils

17 the expected statistical outcome

18 the general aim of sociobiological study

19 the way Milgram persuaded the teacher-subjects to continue

IELTS tips and tricks to attempt matching information type of questions:

  • This type of question usually has one or sometimes even two pieces of information given in the same paragraph.

  • You should be using the Annotation technique to attempt this.

  • In the annotation technique, you are required to read the paragraph carefully and understand the synonyms wherever used. To do this while you read highlight all the nouns using a square bracket, all quantitative terms using a circle, and underline all the descriptions related to both nouns and the numbers.

  • This should be followed by mentioning the gist of the paragraph at its end.

  • Now, quickly use the elimination method, and read all the options given in the question to select the right information matching the paragraph.

  • While you use the elimination method, keep in mind the synonyms and antonyms that come your way.

  • This question type develops your skill of paraphrasing which is very helpful in your writing section as well.

  • You also develop your vocabulary as you read a lot of content in the reading section.

Multiple choice type of question:

  • In this type of question, a question is given to you followed by three to four options to select the right answer.

  • It is quite easy to attempt and looks like this, the image is resourced from Cambridge book- 5, Academic reading test 2

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Write your answers in boxes 20-22 on your answer sheet.

20 The teacher-subjects were told that they were testing whether

A a 450 -volt shock was dangerous.

B punishment helps learning.

C the pupils were honest.

D they were suited to teaching.

21 The teacher-subjects were instructed to

A stop when a pupil asked them to.

B denounce pupils who made mistakes.

C reduce the shock level after a correct answer.

D give punishment according to a rule.

22 Before the experiment took place the psychiatrists

A believed that a shock of 150 volts was too dangerous.

B failed to agree on how the teacher-subjects would respond to instructions.

C underestimated the teacher-subjects' willingness to comply with experimental procedure.

D thought that many of the teacher-subjects would administer a shock of 450 volts.

Strategies to solve multiple choice type of questions - IELTS preparation tips and tricks

  • Read the instructions given properly.

  • Read the question statement and the given options and try to guess the answer.

  • Underline the keywords

  • Start reading the passage carefully to find the relevant information matching the options

  • While you underline the keywords, it will help you locate the answer correctly in the passage.

Summary completion type of question:

  • This type of question is just like attempting the fill in the blanks based on what you have read in the text.

  • You will get a summary in the form of a paragraph with some words missing and you are required to fill the same.

  • You will be given a list of words to fill the gaps.

  • The only task is that the summary will have all the information given in the passage with synonyms and paraphrased words and sentences. You should be able to relate the information correctly.

  • The question type comes in varied ways shown below and this image is taken from an authenticated Cambridge book 5, Academic Reading Test 1, Cambridge Book 2, academic Reading Test 2 , Cambridge Book 4 Academic Reading Test 1

Type 1 :

Complete the summary.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 4-7 on your answer sheet.

In 1764 Dr Johnson accepted the contract to produce a dictionary. Having rented a garret, he took on a number of 4 ________ , who stood at a long central desk. Johnson did not have a 5 _______ available to him, but eventually produced definitions of in excess of 40,000 words written down in 80 large notebooks On publication, the Dictionary was immediately hailed in many European countries as a landmark. According to his biographer, James Boswell, Johnson's principal achievement was to bring 6_________ o the English language. As a reward for his hard work, he was granted a 7 ______ by the king.

Type 2:

Questions 14-17

Complete each of the following statements (Questions 14-17) with words taken from Reading Passage 2.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS FOR each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 14-17 on your answer sheet.

14 Language problems may come to the attention of the public when they have ........................................., such as fatal accidents or social problems.

15 Evidence of the extent of the language barrier has been gained from ........................................ of materials used by scientists such as books and periodicals.

16 An example of British linguistic insularity is the use of English for materials such as

17 An example of a part of the world where people may have difficulty in negotiating English is ..................................................

Type 3:

Complete the summary below using words from the box.

Write your answers in boxes 33-39 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any word more than once.

In the experiment described in Part 2, a set of word 33 ______ was used to investigate whether blind and sighted people perceived the symbolism in abstract 34. ______ in the same way. Subjects were asked which word fitted best with a circle and which with a square. From the 35 ______ volunteers, everyone thought a circle fitted 'soft' while a square fitted 'hard'. However, only ______51 ______ of the 36 ______ volunteers assigned a circle to 37 . ______ When the test was later repeated with 38 . ______ volunteers, it was found that they made 39 ______ choices.


associations blind deep hard

hundred identical pairs shapes

sighted similar shallow soft

words


Complete the summary below using words from the box.

Write your answers in boxes 33-39 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any word more than once.

In the experiment described in Part 2, a set of word 33...... was used to investigate whether blind and sighted people perceived the symbolism in abstract 34. ______ in the same way. Subjects were asked which word fitted best with a circle and which with a square. From the 35 ______ volunteers, everyone thought a circle fitted 'soft' while a square fitted 'hard'. However, only ______51 ______ of the 36 . ______ volunteers assigned a circle to 37 . ______ When the test was later repeated with 38. ______ volunteers, it was found that they made 39 ______ choices

associations blind deep hard

hundred identical pairs shapes

sighted similar shallow soft

words

It is clearly visible in all three types that reading instructions of the question is the most important part as you are given different ways of answering, either in one word or two words and more or just selecting the right word.

Strategies to Solve Summary-Based Questions - IELTS Reading Tips for Fill in the blanks

  • Read the instructions carefully

  • Skim the entire summary ignoring the gaps.

  • You will have a rough picture of what is discussed in the summary in your mind.

  • Try to guess if the answer could be a noun, number, or a descriptive word.

  • Underline the keywords surrounding the gaps/blanks.

  • Start reading the passage and remember that you will find the information in a paraphrased manner.

  • Most of the answers in this category are in sequence so you do not have to struggle searching the answers.

Completion type of questions

These types of questions are also like filling the gaps and come in varied formats like note completion, flowchart completion, sentence completion, and table completion.

  • Note completion example:

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.

Blombos Cave discovery

Background

- location: South Africa

- the date digging began: 1 ___________

- Previous ancient objects found in this area

. 2 ___________

. 3 ___________

. 4 ___________

Recent findings

- a mixture containing a substance called 5 ________ (used to provide colour)

- equipment

- a range of additional 6 _____ including animal bone and chareoal


Conclusion

- in prehistoric times, humans knew basic 7



  • Table completion: Cambridge book 5, Academic Reading Test 3

Questions 38-40

Complete the table.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes ______38-40______ on your answer sheet.

Science written in the first half of the 17th century

Language used

Latin

English

Type of science

Original

38___________.

Examples

39___________

Encyclopaedias

Target audience

International scholars

40___________, but socially wider


Example Question

Questions 38-40

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet.

38 Von Frisch discovered the difference between dance types by changing the posil of the ______

39 The dance outside the hive points in the direction of the ______

40 The angle of the dance from the vertical shows the angle of the food from the

______

Sentence completion:

Question 33-40

Complete the flow-chart below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS trom the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 33-40 on your answer sheet.

The Production Process


?

The newspaper is compiled at the editorial headquarters by the journalists.


?


The final version of the text is 33 ____ to the printing centre.


?

The pages arrive by facsimile.

?

The pages are converted into 34

?

35 ____are made for use in the printing presses.

?

The LGVs are 36 ____by computer

?

The LGVs collect the reels of paper.

?

The reel is 38 _______

?

The reel is trimmed and prepared by the 39 __________

?

The reel is taken to the press.

The reel is taken to the 40 ____

Strategies to use for completion type of questions – enhancing the IELTS reading preparation

  • The most important part is to read the instructions carefully.

  • You need to strictly follow the word limit that is mentioned in the instructions.

  • Most of the questions here will be in sequence.

  • While you write the answer, the sentence should be grammatically and syntactically correct.

  • While you start reading the question statement, be cautious and guess if the answer can be a name, number, or description of the keywords that are used.

  • The keywords that surround the gaps will help you find the answer from the text.

  • Always focus on the meaning of the words, that means you should read the text carefully so that you are able to relate it to the meaning.

Classification type of questions - IELTS reading tips and tricks

In this type of question, you will have to sort the features into different categories. There are always three categories and you will have a list of statements as features to categories into the mentioned categories.

For example, the question will look like:

Questions 1- 9

Classily the foliowing statements as referting to

A Charle Moore

B Lews Wiliams

C Emily Cope

Wrile the appropriate letlers A, B or in boxes 1-9 on your answer sheet

1) Eritish people don't appreciate art because they don't see enough art around them all the time.

2) Eritish museums aim to appeal to popular tastes in art:

3) The average Englishman Ikes the works of Turner and Constable.

4) Britain, like every other country, has its own view of what art is.

5) In Britain, interest in art is mainly limited to traditional forms such as representational painting

6) British art has always been affected by other cultures

7) Galeries in other countries are of better quality than those in Britain.

8) People are not raised to appreciate art

9) The British have a limited knowledge of art

Strategies to solve classification type of questions

  • Always read the instructions carefully.

  • Remember that this type of question will not be in sequence.

  • While you read the passage, square bracket all the categories and underline the features of these categories.

  • Using the elimination method, reach the correct feature matching the underlined features in the passage for each category.

  • Remember that even if you do not understand any specific answer, do not hesitate to guess an answer as there is no negative marking.

Matching sentence ending question type - IELTS reading tips and tricks

In this type of question, you are expected to complete the sentence ending with the given list of options.

Although this type of question will always be in sequence, You might feel that all the given options have similar meanings. The question looks like the one given in the image and is taken from Cambridge book 7

Write the correct letter, A-J, in boxes 36-39 on your answer sheet.

36. Construction of footbridges, steps and handrails

37 Frequent breakdown of buses and trucks in Makete

38 The improvement of secondary roads and paths

39. The isolation of Makete for part of the year

A provided the people of Makete with experience in running bus and truck services.


B was especially successful in the northern part of the district.

C differed from earlier phases in that the community became less actively involved.


D improved paths used for transport up and down hillsides.

E was no longer a problem once the roads had been improved.

F cost less than locally made wheelbarrows.

G was done only at the request of local people who were willing to lend a hand.


H was at first considered by MIRTP to be affordable for the people of the district.


I hindered attempts to make the existing transport services more efficient.


J was thought to be the most important objective of Phase III.

Strategies to Solve Sentence Ending Questions - IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks

  • Read the question statements carefully and try to guess what the other half should be.

  • Carefully check the keyword and also underline any nouns, and numbers, and analyze if the other half relates to describing any of these.

  • After you read the question statement, analyze the keywords, now search the information in the passage from the keywords.

  • Always remember that the sentence has to be grammatically accurate.

IELTS reading preparation tips and tricks - True/False/Not Given - Yes/No/Not Given

These types of questions are the most tricky ones and are usually found to be very confusing by most students. However, today we shall make it very easy for you.

Strategies to solve True/False/Not Given type of questions - IELTS reading tips 2024

  • Read the instructions carefully and check if it is TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN questions or YES/NO/NOT given type of Questions.

  • Remember that if you write TRUE for YES or vice-versa the answer will be marked as wrong

  • Read the question statement and break it down into chunks, which means breaking it down into simpler forms so that you can understand the exact information.

  • Find the key idea in the text.

  • Look for modal verbs like could, might, or must, and focus on words like belief, thought, suggest, and claim, For example, it is thought that or many people believe that, mean different.

  • Check out words that qualify the statement. For example some, all, mainly, often, always, and occasionally. These words often change the meaning of the sentence, so you need to be very careful.

  • Also words like know, suggest, claim, and believe. For example the sentences, “the woman claimed to be a teacher” and “the woman is a teacher” mean they are different.

  • To find the correct answer, read the passage carefully and match the question statement properly.

  • Remember that you should focus on the synonyms and not the exact words.

  • Also, this question type has answers in sequence so do not waste time.

IELTS reading practice test with answers

Now that you have gone through the IELTS reading structure and related IELTS reading tips and tricks. For a better understanding. This IELTS reading practice test is taken from the official sample released by the IELTS exam conducting bodies.

Whale culture IELTS reading answers

A Most social scientists stubbornly resist the idea that animals have culture. Even such advanced cetacean mammals as whales and dolphins clearly don’t have art. literature, or architecture. But patient observation over many years has begun to reveal behaviors that can only have been learnt from other whales. And that, say whale biologists, constitutes culture.

B So far, humpback and killer whales provide the best evidence of culture in cetaceans, and the song of the male humpback is among the most striking examples. Humpback populations in different oceans sing different songs, but within the same ocean they all stick to the same one. However, during the breeding season the sounds change, as it appears that females are drawn to novel songs. One male might add an extra set of groans; another might drop a series of grunts. Soon all the other males have altered their own rendition to incorporate the changes until they are once again singing the same song. Since this occurs among thousands of whales spread across a vast part of the planet, the change cannot be in response to any factor in the animals’ environment. The latest version of the song can be learnt only from other whales - almost certainly by imitation.

C. Culture plays an even bigger part in the life of killer whales. Nowhere is this more obvious than along the north-west coast of America, where killer whales are split into two distinct populations - ‘residents’ and ‘transients’. They live in the same stretch of water, but they don’t mingle. In effect, they belong to two quite separate cultures. Residents live in stable groups, or ‘pods’, made up of two or three mothers and their offspring - perhaps 20 whales in all. Calves stay with their mothers throughout adulthood, and in many years of observation no one has ever seen a whale switch pods. Transients travel in smaller, more changeable groups of between three and six.

D. One of the most obvious distinctions between the transient and resident societies IS the way they impart information. Killer whales detect prey with a range of echo­locating clicks, but converse with a vocabulary of squeaks, whistles and whines. Transients have only a few such calls, and all transient societies share the same ones. Residents have a much more extensive repertoừe, and each family group has its own unique and distinctive set of calls. Despite regular interaction between them, each resident pod sticks firmly to its own dialect. Research shows these dialects are maintained for at least 40 years.

E. To qualify as part of killer whale culture, dialects must be learnt from other members of the pod. Animals with different dialects share the same waters, so the variations can’t be a product of the physical environment. “ And we can throw out the notion that the dialects are inherited,” says Lance Barrett-Lennard of the University of the British Columbia. He has spent the past seven years analyzing DNA from 270 whales. His paternity tests reveal that female killer whales invariably attract mates from outside their own pod - males with a very different dialects. If dialects were programmed by genetics, call patterns from both father and mother would be passed on the cafl. “A calf uses the calls of its maternal pod very precisely. There’s no input from the father,’ says Barrett-Lennard.

F. The question still remains - is this culture? It is, according to Frans de Waal of Emory University in Atlanta, who argues that culture is just another biological adaptation that has evolved in many creatures. One benefit of viewing culture in this way is that you can start to understand how and why it might have arisen in these creatures. Whales have several biological attributes that give them an advantage in social learning. Apart from their advanced mental abilities, they are adept at recognising sounds: ideal for communication in the marine environment. Many species spend years rearing their offspring, and live in small, stable, multi-generational societies, a social system that provides ample opportunity for teaching and learning.

G. But why have cetaceans evolved the ability to learn from other group members? Experts in whale biology believe that ecological factors and the need to adapt to sudden changes in the environment played a large part in the emergence of culture. Although the ocean is a relatively stable habitat in many ways, it is highly changeable in one crucial respect - the availability of food. One moment there might be a plentiful supply of fish, the next they’ve disappeared. When that happens, the past experience of the senior members of the group - and the ability to share this knowledge - is a huge asset. The dialects of killer whales allow members of the groups to identify each other, enabling them to share information about food hot spots. Among resident killer whales, it also allows females to avoid inbreeding by picking out a mate with a strange dialect from outside their pods, says Barrett-Lennard.

H. The importance of share information seems to have led to biological changes in at least some species of whale. Female killer whales, like humans, are very unusual in that they live up to a quarter of a century after they had their last offspring. This only makes sense if they have something useful to give their descendants. And what whale matriarchs offer is the most important thing of all - cultural knowledge, vital for the group’s survival, passed directly from one generation to the next.

Extracted from - IELTS Reading Practice Sets. Copyright © 2023 by IDP education, British Council and Cambridge Assessment English

Whale culture IELTS reading questions

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage? 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. Resident killer whales appear to remain with their maternal group for life

  2. Resident killer whales have a more restricted range of calls than transients.

  3. There is a vocabulary of sounds which is common to all transient killer whales

  4. Resident killer whales share the dialects of other resident communities living in the same waters.

  5. The dialects of transient killer whales remain constant over time

Questions 6-8

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer

Write your answers in boxes 6-8 on your answer sheet.

It has been observed that resident killer whales invariably live in fixed family groups, known as 6 _____ . Each of these has its own unique set of calls, despite close contact with other family groups. As the same areas of ocean contain many different groups with widely varying dialects, it is clear that these differences could not have emerged as a result of the whales' 7 _________.

.According to tests conducted by Lance Barrett-Lennard, a calf communicates exclusively with the dialect of the group to which its 8 ________ belongs. Barrett-Lennard also rejects the idea that the call patterns are inherited.

Questions 9-11

Choose THREE letters. A-F

Write the correct letters in boxes 9-11 on your answer sheet

Which THREE of the following features of whales are mentioned in the passage'?

A intelligence

B physical strength

C sensitivity to sound.

D prolonged life span

E lengthy period of fertility

F adaptability to a variety of foods

Questions 12-14

Reading Passage 3 has eight paragraphs, A-H

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 12-14 on your answer sheet.

12. an example of the kind of information passed by whales to each other

13. a reference to variations in communication styles between different cultures within one species

14. ways in which the skills of whales are favorable for the development of culture

Whale culture IELTS reading solutions

1. Answer: TRUE

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Refer to Paragraph C, which discusses the social structure of resident killer whales.

  2. Note that calves stay with their mothers throughout adulthood and no whale has ever been seen to switch pods.

  3. Conclude that the statement agrees with the information provided.

2. Answer: FALSE

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Read Paragraph D, which details the vocalizations of resident and transient killer whales.

  2. Identify that residents have a much more extensive repertoire of calls compared to transients.

  3. Determine that the statement contradicts the passage.

3. Answer: TRUE

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Refer again to Paragraph D.

  2. Note that it mentions all transient societies share the same few calls.

  3. Conclude that the statement agrees with the passage.

4. Answer: FALSE

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Look closely at Paragraph D.

  2. Observe that each resident pod has its own unique and distinctive set of calls and sticks to its own dialect despite interaction with other resident pods.

  3. Conclude that the statement contradicts the passage.

5. Answer: NOT GIVEN

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Review the entire passage, focusing on the information about transient killer whales.

  2. Notice that while the passage discusses the calls and communication of transient whales, it does not provide information about whether their dialects remain constant over time.

  3. Conclude that there is no information provided on this topic.

6. Answer: pods

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Refer to Paragraph C for information about the social structure of resident killer whales.

  2. Identify that resident killer whales live in stable groups known as "pods."

  3. Choose the term "pods" for the blank.

7. Answer: environment

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Review Paragraph E, which discusses the origin of the different dialects among resident killer whales.

  2. Note that the variations in dialects are not a product of the physical environment.

  3. Choose the term "environment" for the blank.

8. Answer: mother

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Examine Paragraph E, especially the part about Lance Barrett-Lennard's findings.

  2. Identify that a calf uses the calls of its maternal pod very precisely.

  3. Choose the term "mother" for the blank.

9 - 11. Answers: A, C, D

Process to attempt the solution:

A. intelligence

Refer to Paragraph F, which mentions whales' advanced mental abilities as part of their social learning capabilities.

Conclude that "intelligence" is mentioned in the passage.

C. sensitivity to sound

Examine Paragraph F, which states that whales are adept at recognizing sounds, ideal for communication in the marine environment.

Determine that "sensitivity to sound" is mentioned in the passage.

D. prolonged life span

Review Paragraph H, which discusses that female killer whales live up to a quarter of a century after having their last offspring, highlighting their prolonged life span.

Confirm that "prolonged life span" is mentioned in the passage.

12. Answer: H

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Review Paragraph H.

  2. Note that it discusses how female killer whales pass cultural knowledge vital for the group's survival from one generation to the next.

  3. Match this with the concept of information being passed among whales.

13. Answer: D

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Examine Paragraph D.

  2. Observe that it describes the differences in dialects between resident and transient killer whales and within different resident pods.

  3. Identify that this refers to variations in communication styles.

14. Answer: F

Process to attempt the solution:

  1. Read Paragraph F carefully.

  2. Note that it discusses the advanced mental abilities of whales, their adeptness at recognizing sounds, and their social structures which provide ample opportunity for teaching and learning.

  3. Conclude that this paragraph details how whales' skills are favorable for the development of culture.

IELTS reading section format and types of questions asked in the IELTS reading section

Question Type 1 – Multiple Choice

Overview

In Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), three options will be provided and the candidate will be asked to choose the right option from them.



There can be multiple right answers for one question and hence the candidate must read the directions carefully and answer based on it.

What skills are required?

This type of question tests many different reading skills including detailed comprehension of important points or an overall understanding of the key points of the conversation.

Question Type 2 – Identifying information (True/False/Not given)

Overview

In this type of question, the candidate would be given a statement and will be asked to asses it and answer if the provided information is true, false or if it is not provided in the passage. This is an important question set as it is frequently asked in the IELTS reading section.

What skills are required?

This type of question tests the attention to detail ability of the candidate.

Question Type 3 – Matching Information

Overview

In this type of question, the candidates have to match the information given in one column with the other. For each right marking, one score is awarded.

What skills are required?

This type of question assesses the ability of the candidates to scan the passage and find the right options from it. It also tests the analytical skills of the candidates which is essential for matching the information.

Question Type 4 – Matching Headings

Overview

In this type of question, the candidate will be given a set of headings and will be asked to match it with the statements given in the question.

What skills are required?

This type of question tests the ability of the candidates to identify the common topic of a paragraph (or section) and to identify the disparity between the main idea and a supporting idea.

Question Type 5 – Matching features

Overview

In this type of question, the candidate has to match a set of statements or parts of information to a list of choices provided in the question.

What skills are required?

This kind of question assesses the ability of the candidate to identify ideas and hypotheses as well as the links and interconnections between the facts in the text. To read a section of text more attentively for detail, the candidate must be able to quickly skim and scan it for the information they need.

Question Type 6 – Matching sentence endings

Overview

In this type of question, the candidates are given a part of the information and are asked to complete it by choosing one of the possible endings from the three options provided to them.

What skills are required?

The ability of the candidates to understand the main idea of a passage is tested in such question types.

Question Type 7 – Sentence Completion

Overview

In this type of question, the candidates are required to fill the gaps in questions given to them.

What skills are required?

This type of question tests the ability of the candidate to locate the specific asked in the question.

Question Type 8 – Summary/note/table/flow chart completion

Overview

In this type of question, the candidates are given a summary of a particular section of the text and are required to complete it using words taken from the text. The summary can be in the form of



A continuous text (called a summary’ in the instructions)




Several notes (called ‘notes’ in the instructions)




A Partially or fully emplty table (called ‘a table’ in the instructions)




A series of boxes or steps that are connected by arrows to show the flow of events, with some of the boxes or steps empty or partially empty (called a flow chart’ in the instructions).

What skills are required?

This kind of question assesses the comprehension abilities of the candidates

Question Type 9 – Diagram label completion

Overview

This kind of question requires the candidates to finish labelling a diagram. A description from the text served as the foundation for the diagram. The diagram could represent a particular kind of machinery, a section of a structure, or any other textual information that can be illustrated with images.

What skills are required?

This kind of question assesses the comprehension skills of the candidates using which they will be able to understand a text's in-depth description and their ability to connect it to details provided in a diagram. This is also one of the most asked questions in the IELTS reading section.

Question Type 10 – Short-answer questions

Overview

In this type of question, the candidates must answer questions about factual details in the passage. They must write their answers in words or numbers on the answer sheet ensuring that they adhere to the word limit set by the instructor.

What skills are tested?

This type of question tests the ability of the candidates to identify and comprehend particular information in the passage.

IELTS reading tips

The candidates can refer to the most essential tips for the IELTS Reading section to ensure a higher band score.

  • Quickly read through the passages to get a general sense of the content, main ideas, and structure. This can help the candidate to approach the questions with a better understanding. The candidates can make use of official reading materials such as the IDP IELTS reading practice tests or take up IELTS online reading practice to enhance their IELTS reading preparation.
  • Skimming involves rapidly going through the text to grasp the main ideas, while scanning involves quickly looking for specific information. The candidates must practice these techniques to enhance their speed and accuracy. Undertaking IELTS reading practice tests can help candidates elevate their skimming and scanning abilities.
  • While skimming and scanning are important, the candidates must make sure to read the questions and passages carefully to avoid misinterpretation. They must pay attention to details that might be crucial for answering questions. Giving a lot of IELTS exam reading practice tests and attempting a lot of questions of various difficulty levels can help the candidates improve their attention to detail.
  • When paraphrasing information from the text for the answers, the candidates must try to use their own words. This shows a good understanding of the material.
  • Since the candidates will be presented with texts of varying difficulty, they must familiarize themself with different types of texts, such as academic articles, newspaper articles, and informational passages. This will help them adapt to various writing styles. Enrolling in IELTS reading practice can help them with this.
  • Pay attention to instructions, especially regarding word limits. Some questions may require answers in a specific number of words, so the candidates must be sure to adhere to these guidelines.
  • If time permits, the candidates are advised to go back and review their answers. Check for any errors or areas where they might have misunderstood the question or the passage and have given wrong answers.

IELTS Preparation materials on all sections

Aspirants preparing for IELTS can study from the IELTS preparation material provided below. IELTS preparation books online can help students in ILETS preparation online. IELTS preparation pdf are available below :

Ebooks

Download Links

IELTS Reading Practice Books

IELTS Writing Practice Books


IELTS Speaking Practice Books


IELTS Listening Practice Books


IELTS Preparation Tips 2024 Book


IELTS and TOEFL Vocabulary Guide Book


Some Other Important IELTS Preparation Books:

Aspirants can practice the IELTS Reading from the following IELTS preparation material:

  1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

  1. Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio

  1. Official IELTS Practice Materials

IELTS practice Tests 2024

The importance of IELTS practice tests is that it predominantly determine the success of the candidate in the IELTS examination. Irrespective of the language prowess of a candidate, they should be equipped with adequate IELTS practice test preparation to ensure success in the examination.

IELTS reading Practice Tests

In the reading section of the IELTS examination, the candidates are asked various types of questions such as True/False/Not Given, finding the paragraph from which the information is taken, completing the notes and so on. To be able to answer these questions with ease, extensive reading practice is necessary.

IELTS reading Practice Sets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many total questions are there in the reading section?

There are 40 questions in total in the IELTS Reading Section. Apart from IELTS Reading, there are 3 other sections named as Writing, Listening and Speaking.

2. How many questions are there in each section of the IELTS reading module?

There are around 13-14 questions in each section of the IELTS reading module.

3. Is the reading section easy to attempt in a computer-based exam of IELTS?

Yes, of course, If you are able to manage the device, you will be able to attempt it easily. However, we recommend that you have hands-on practice before you take the actual exam.

4. Can we write on the Question paper of the IELTS exam?

Yes, you are free to use the question paper for the IELTS exam. You may use it to highlight the text the way you wish to.

5. How much time do we get to attempt the Reading section of the IELTS exam?

You will get exactly 60 minutes to attempt the reading section.

6. What is the format of reading in IELTS 2024?

As of May 2024, in the IELTS Reading section, the candidates are required to answer 40 questions that are divided into three passages. For each right answer, the candidates are awarded one band score making a maximum possible band score of 40. The types of questions asked in the IELTS Reading section include:

Multiple Choice Questions

True/False/Not Given Questions

Matching Questions

Sentence Completion Questions

Short Answer Questions Questions

Diagram/Label/Map Completion Questions

Summary Completion Questions

7. Are there any new changes in the IELTS pattern change in 2024?

No. As of May 2024, there are no new changes in the IELTS examination pattern or conducting bodies.

8. How to prepare for IELTS 2024?

To prepare for IELTS 2024, focus on practicing each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) regularly. Familiarize yourself with the test format and timing. Use the official IELTS practice materials and sample tests for realistic preparation. Lastly, consider joining study groups or taking online courses for additional support.

9. How can I practice for IELTS reading?

To practice for the IELTS reading section effectively, start by getting familiar with the types of texts used, like articles and newspapers. Work on reading faster and understanding what you read. Practice under timed conditions to get used to the test's pace. Also, learn more words and practice understanding their meanings from the context of the text. Lastly, practice different question types that appear on the test, like multiple-choice and matching headings. This practice will help you feel more ready for the reading section of the IELTS.

10. How can I get 9.0 in IELTS academic reading?

There are a few tips which help you to get 9.0 in IELTS academic reading which are as follows:
1) Effective time management.
2) Don’t read the complete paragraphs just read the questions, mark the keywords and then find similar keywords in the passage to answer the questions.
3) Don’t overthink during the test follow the intuitive decision-making approach.
4) Practice the sample test and learn from your mistakes to score well.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

Hello Student,

For the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam , which assesses international medical graduates for practice in Australia, the IELTS requirement is generally a minimum overall score of 7.0 , with no individual band score below 7.0 (in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Alternatively, the AMC also accepts equivalent scores from OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic :

  • OET : A grade of B in all four components.
  • TOEFL iBT : A minimum overall score of 94, with minimum scores of 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Writing, and 23 in Speaking.
  • PTE Academic : A minimum overall score of 65, with a minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill.

Meeting these requirements is essential to proceed with the AMC’s application and registration processes.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello

To be eligible for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams , candidates must demonstrate English .

AMC assessment process :

1. Accepted English Language Tests and Scores

IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) :

Overall band score : 7.0 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

PTE Academic ( Pearson Test of English Academic ) :

Overall score of 65 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

2. Validity of Test Scores

The test results must be no older than two years at the time of submitting your AMC application .

3. Preparation Tips for IELTS

Practice regularly : Build your language skills across all four components .

Take practice exams : practice can help improve speed and accuracy .

professional coaching if needed , specially for writing and speaking , which are often the most challenging part .

Use official IELTS resources : Cambridge IELTS books , online mock tests and other reliable materials can give you an accurate rating  .

4. Application Tips

Ensure that your English test scores are valid and meet the minimum requirements before applying .

Keep a copy of your scores as they may need to be provided to both the AMC and registration authority in Australia .

Hope this helps you .

All the best

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.


Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs.

The duration of IELTS coaching can vary depending on the intensity and structure of the program. Typically, coaching programs range from 4 to 12 weeks, with classes held several times a week. Intensive courses might last just 4-6 weeks, with daily sessions that cover all four test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Less intensive programs can extend up to 12 weeks, offering a more relaxed pace with classes a few times a week. Additionally, many coaching centers provide flexible schedules, including weekend batches and personalized one-on-one sessions, allowing students to choose a plan that best fits their needs and timelines. Hyderabad offers several reputable institutes for IELTS coaching (https://icclearning.com/under-graduate/) , catering to the diverse needs of aspiring test-takers. One standout option is Invicta Career Consultancy (ICC), renowned for its comprehensive IELTS coaching programs. ICC combines experienced faculty, personalized study plans, and rigorous practice sessions to equip students with the necessary skills for success in the IELTS exam. You can check them out

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