To mark World Book Day (23 April), we’re diving into the world of reading with our top suggestions for the IELTS Reading test.
We’ve gathered IELTS Reading tips from four experts to help you read more efficiently, manage your time and boost your confidence on test day.
Ready to get started?
Tip 1: Get to know the questions
Start by learning about the different question types in the IELTS Reading test, such as Matching Headings and True/False/Not Given questions.
“If you’re aware of all the different question types, and become more familiar with those, you can be more comfortable answering the questions.” - Rocco Nigro, IELTS Prepare by IDP vodcast host
While practice tests can help, Rocco also suggests doing some general reading every day to improve your reading speed.
Watch Rocco Nigro.
Tip 2: Give yourself a task to do
So, how can you use general reading to help you prepare for your test? IELTS content creator and former teacher Linda Alley suggests setting a task for yourself while reading if there are no comprehension questions.
“If you’re reading an article, you could summarise the main point in each paragraph...write one sentence to summarise each main point.” Linda Alley, IELTS Content Creator at IDP
This is a great way to check your understanding and prepare for Matching Headings questions in the IELTS Reading test where you’ll have to demonstrate similar skills.
Watch Linda Alley.
Tip 3: Boost your reading fluency
Just like in IELTS Speaking, fluency is also an important part of IELTS Reading. Andy Watts from E2 Test Prep shares her tip for reading accurately at an appropriate speed.
“The key to improving here [reading fluency] is to be practising the different types of reading skills that you need in the IELTS test.” Andy Watts, English Language Content Manager at E2 Test Prep
Andy recommends working on the following skills during your IELTS Reading preparation:
Skimming
This involves reading through a text quickly, not paying attention to every single word. It helps you get the main idea or gist of the reading passage.
Scanning
When you scan, you look quickly through a text to find specific information to answer a question. Examples might include the name of a person, or a place or a date.
Reading in detail
Other times you’ll need to read more slowly to get a clear understanding of what part of a text is talking about.
Practising these three skills and understanding when to use them will help you manage your time in the IELTS Reading test.
Watch Andy Watts.
Tip 4: Manage your time during the IELTS Reading test
IELTS Test Centre Expert Jess Christie also has some advice for time management on test day. She points out that the 40 questions in the IELTS Reading test are worth one mark each. This means they are all equal, regardless of difficulty.
“When you sit down for the Reading test, skim through the whole test. Try to identify which questions you might be more comfortable with. Start with those ones.” - Jess Christie, IELTS Test Centre Expert at IDP
This can boost your confidence and gives you more time when you come to the questions that you find more challenging.
Watch Jess Christie.
Reading is a skill you can always improve, and the key to staying motivated is finding a book genre you truly enjoy. Whether it’s autobiographies, travel guides, business books or thrillers, make reading a habit you look forward to.
This World Book Day, find a book you can’t put down and experience the many benefits of reading - including how it can help you succeed in your IELTS test.
If you’d like to hear more from our IELTS Experts, watch or listen to our video podcast IELTS Prepare by IDP. The ten-part series is available on our website, the IELTS by IDP app, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Looking for more IELTS Reading preparation materials? Visit our IELTS Prepare Hub.