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IELTS General Training preparation
IELTS General Training Reading

IELTS General Training Reading

Explore our extensive official preparation materials and learn from Experts to help you prepare for the IELTS General Training Reading test.

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Ask IELTS

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?

The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.

If you take IELTS on computer, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

What order will I complete the IELTS test in?

If you take IELTS on Computer, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.

If you take IELTS on Paper, you will do the tests in the following order: Writing, Reading and Listening. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

Can I bring in my own pen and paper into the IELTS test?

For both IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer, you will not  be able to bring your own paper into the test for security reasons. If you are sitting  IELTS on computer, we  will provide you with a pencil and paper.  You also receive paper for your Speaking  test to help you organise your thoughts as you speak with the examiner.  

Why are the topics in the Reading and Writing test so difficult?

Every IELTS test is carefully produced and tested to ensure a consistent level of difficulty across all the test versions. We want every IELTS test  taker to have their true English-language ability reflected in their results, which is why we offer so many free and paid tools to help you  practise and prepare.

Check out our preparation  tools for tips and advice so that you can be as prepared as possible for your test date.

What is your best strategy for tackling the Reading test?

It can depend on the question type, but also think about skimming and scanning. First, look at the headings, diagrams or glossary to get a quick idea of the article and its general meaning. Then look at the key words in the questions to help direct you to the right spot in the article. Also remember that if you know more words, it is easier to read.

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

Try skimming and scanning and focus on content words like nouns and verbs.