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The General Training Reading test consists of three sections and 40 questions. It focuses on situations you might face in everyday life, work-related issues such as applying for a job, and topics of general interest. The extracts in each section are taken from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines.

Section 1 looks at your social survival skills. The questions relate back to short texts that are relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking country. These might be notices, advertisements or timetables.

Section 2 takes a closer look at your workplace survival skills. The texts here are taken from job descriptions, contracts, staff development and training manuals, as well as pay and workplace condition documents.

Section 3 contains a long and more complex text on a topic of general interest. Texts could be taken from newspapers, magazine or books.

The reading part of the IELTS test looks at how well you can understand main ideas, details, inferences and implied meaning. It also assesses your ability to follow the development of an argument, recognise a writer's opinion, attitudes and purpose.

Band scores

  • Overall band scores

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A quick look at True, False, Not given

True, False, Not Given is a tricky question in IELTS Reading. Let's take a closer look at a sample question and answer to learn answering this question type.

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Can you give us some practical tips to help read quicker and save time during the Reading test?

One of our IELTS Experts takes us through some quick tips to help you skim and save time in your IELTS Reading test.

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What is your best strategy for tackling the Reading test?

Find out how to tackle the Reading test in IELTS. Hear tips from our IELTS Expert, Don.

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IELTS tests

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IELTS General Training

Take IELTS General Training if you want to work, migrate, study or seek vocational training in an English-speaking country.

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IELTS General Training for UKVI

IELTS General Training is for those who want to work, migrate, study or seek vocational training in the United Kingdom..

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Progress Check for IELTS General Training

Take an official mock test for IELTS General Training. Get a feedback report with indicative band scores marked by qualified IELTS markers.

Book now Cost: 49.95 USD 49.95 USDThe cost varies by location. Contact your nearest test centre for an accurate price.
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IELTS preparation guide

Download our IELTS preparation guide and get familiar with the test format, test parts and questions you might encounter on test day.

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IELTS Masterclass

Join a free IELTS Masterclass today and get familiar with the test format, question types and learn how the IELTS test is marked.

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