Each type of IELTS Reading test will challenge different reading comprehension skills and require separate strategies. Readers can learn more about how to do each type of IELTS Reading test and practice instructions in the article below.
IELTS Reading Format Overview
You have 60 minutes to read three Reading passages and complete 40 questions.
The Reading section evaluates your ability to:
Understand main ideas and supporting details
Use skimming and scanning techniques
Identify writer opinions, attitudes and purposes
For IELTS Academic, passages are about 1500 words each, increasing in difficulty. They are often drawn from academic journals, books or newspapers.
For IELTS General Training, passages come from daily sources like magazines, advertisements, notices, company manuals and instructions.
IELTS Reading Scoring Table
Academic Score (out of 40) | Band | General Training Score | Band |
39–40 | 9 | 40 | 9 |
37–38 | 8.5 | 39 | 8.5 |
35–36 | 8 | 38 | 8 |
33–34 | 7.5 | 36–37 | 7.5 |
30–32 | 7 | 34–35 | 7 |
27–29 | 6.5 | 32–33 | 6.5 |
23–26 | 6 | 30–31 | 6 |
20–22 | 5.5 | 27–29 | 5.5 |
16–19 | 5 | 23–26 | 5 |
13–15 | 4.5 | 19–22 | 4.5 |
10–12 | 4 | 15–18 | 4 |
7–9 | 3.5 | 12–14 | 3.5 |
5–6 | 3 | 8–11 | 3 |
3–4 | 2.5 | 5–7 | 2.5 |
Common Question Types & Strategies
1. Diagram Label Completion
What it involves: Fill in schematic labels using information from the passage.
Skills tested: Diagram interpretation, scanning, paraphrase recognition.
Strategy:
Read instructions and noted word limit.
Identify the type of label needed (noun, name, number).
Underline keywords.
Predict synonyms or paraphrases.
Scan passage to locate them.
Choose correct answer.
Tips:
Understand the overall diagram before reading.
Look for keyword synonyms.
Carefully note instructions like “Write no more than three words”.
2. Information Identification – True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
Purpose: Decide whether statements reflect information in the text.
Skills tested: Understanding writer opinions, detecting paraphrasing.
Strategy:
Read each statement carefully.
Underline keywords.
Scan passage to locate info.
Compare statement and text meaning.
Tips:
Watch for adverbs like “mainly”, “often”, “some” that affect accuracy.
Answers often appear in text order.
Do not guess: base your answer only on text.
3. Matching Features
What it requires: Match listed subjects to descriptions or features.
Testing: Skimming, scanning, recognizing structure and opinions.
Strategy:
Read statements, underline keywords.
Skim to locate relevant paragraphs.
Compare options and select matches.
Tips:
Read surrounding text for context.
Answers may not follow list order.
4. Matching Headings
Task: Match headings to paragraphs based on main idea.
Skills: Topic recognition, distinguishing primary and supporting ideas.
Strategy:
Read all headings and underline main words.
Skim passage to map headings.
Eliminate irrelevant headings.
Tips:
Attempt this type near the end after you grasp overall passage.
Watch for synonyms (e.g., “environmental” vs “green” or “nature”).
5. Matching Information
Task: Match details like reasons, examples or locations with passages.
Tested: Detail recognition, scanning, summarizing ability.
Strategy:
Read instructions and underline keywords.
Skim entire text to choose probable paragraphs.
Select and cross check your answers.
Tips:
Focus on keywords and paraphrases.
6. Matching Sentence Endings
Goal: Complete a sentence by choosing an appropriate ending.
Skills tested: Understanding meaning, scanning, paraphrase.
Strategy:
Read incomplete sentences and possible endings.
Locate keyword matches in order.
Select correct ending and verify in context.
Tips:
Pay attention to names, dates, numbers.
Read incomplete sentences before checking endings to save time.
7. Multiple Choice Questions
Requirement: Choose the best answer from options (A–D).
Skills tested: Scanning accuracy, deeper comprehension.
Strategy:
Underline keywords in question and options.
Scan for keywords in text.
Read around to verify context.
Eliminate definitely wrong options.
Tips:
If unsure, do process-of-elimination.
If under time pressure, guess intelligently: you still have a 25% chance.
8. Sentence Completion
Task: Fill in blanks within sentences using words from the text.
Skills tested: Grammar, scanning, paraphrase recognition.
Strategy:
Read instructions (e.g., “One word only”).
Determine correct word type (noun, adjective, etc.).
Underline keywords and scan text.
Insert answer.
Tips:
Paraphrasing skills and synonyms help identify correct word.
If instructions specify “from the text”, use exactly the original form.
Keep within specified word count.
9. Short‑Answer Questions
Task: Provide short responses within a word limit.
Skills tested: Precise detail recognition and concise grammar.
Strategy:
Read question and note word limit (e.g., “No more than three words and/or a number”).
Underline keywords.
Scan relevant paragraphs.
Write concise answer fitting the limit.
Study Plan and Tips
Build basics – Strengthen grammar and vocabulary before moving to full practice.
Skill drills – Focus on mastering reading, skimming, scanning, paraphrase recognition.
Timed mock tests – Practice full tests under exam conditions and review your mistakes.
Final Advice
Time management is critical—complete all 40 questions within 60 minutes.
Always respond only when you are confident in your answer.
Read instructions carefully to match word or format rules.
Develop strategies tailored to your personal learning style.
Use official practice materials such as Cambridge IELTS books for high authenticity.
Prepare early by combining strategy, practice, and vocabulary building. Explore IDP’s IELTS Prepare resources—seminars, practice courses and expert tips—to help you gain confidence and aim for your target score. When ready, register for IELTS with IDP today!
Good luck with your IELTS Reading journey!