All About the IELTS Reading Section

IELTS stands for international English language testing system and it is a flagship test considered for assessing the English proficiency level of international students. The IELTS exam has mainly two modules/types namely IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The Speaking and Writing sections are the same in both versions of the IELTS exam. Having said that, there is a slight difference in the Listening and Reading sections of IELTS Advance and General Training respectively. In the blog given below, we have covered all crucial aspects of the IELTS Reading test.

IELTS Reading Test Format

The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions designed to assess a variety of reading abilities. Reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose are some common examples of these. As stated above as well, the IELTS Reading section and pattern is somewhat different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exam. Let’s discuss the test format for each type of the IELTS exam:

IELTS Academic Reading Test Format 

Paper format	3 reading passages are asked in the test with a variety of questions using several task types.
Duration	60 minutes
Number of questions	40
Task types	MCQs, identifying information, identifying the writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, and short-answer questions.
Sources	The texts are drawn from books, journals, periodicals, and newspapers and are intended for general readers. The subjects are all of the broad interest. They address subjects that are engaging, recognizably relevant, and understandable to exam takers beginning undergraduate or postgraduate studies or pursuing professional registration. The sections can be written in many forms, such as narrative, descriptive, or discursive/argumentative. A comprehensive logical argument may be found in at least one text. Nonverbal elements such as diagrams, graphs, or pictures may be included in texts. If technical words are used in the text, a basic glossary is supplied.
Marks	Each question is worth 1 mark
Negative Marking	No

IELTS General Training Reading Test Format 

Paper Format	There are three parts. Section 1 may include two or three short texts or a collection of shorter texts. Section 2 consists of two texts. Section 3 contains a single long text.
Number of questions	40
Duration	60 minutes
Task types	Multiple choice questions (MCQs), identifying information, identification of writer’s views/claims, matching the information, matching headings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, and short-answer type questions.
Sources	Advertisements, notices, timetables, staff development and training materials, job descriptions, newspapers, magazines, and fictional and non-fictional books.
Marks	Each question is of 1 mark
Negative marking	There is no negative marking

IELTS Reading Task Types 

Given below are different types of tasks that students will be asked to complete in the IELTS Reading section of the IELTS Academic and General Training exam: 

Task Type 1 – Multiple Choice

In this particular task of the IELTS Reading section, the test takers must select the best answer from four options (A, B, C, or D), or the best two answers from five options (A, B, C, D, or E), or the best three answers from seven options (A, B, C, D, E, F or G). On the answer sheet, test takers write the letter of the answer they selected.

The questions may involve completing a sentence, in which they are given the first part of a sentence and then choose the best alternative to complete it from the options, or they may involve complete questions, in which the test takers select the option that best answers the question.

Task Type 2 – Identifying Information

Test takers will be given a specific number of statements and are asked: ‘Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?’ Then the test takers are required to write ‘true’, ‘false’, or ‘not given’ in the boxes on their answer sheets for such types of questions.

There is a clear distinction between ‘false’ and ‘not given’. ‘False’ implies that the passage states the opposite of the statement in the question asked whereas ‘not given’ means that the given statement is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the information in the given passage.

Task Type 3 – Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims

In this task of the IELTS Reading section, the test takers will be given a series of statements and asked, ‘Do the following statements agree with the writer’s views/claims?’ They must fill in the boxes on their answer sheet with ‘yes’, ‘no,’ or ‘not given.’ It is critical to understand the distinction between ‘no’ and ‘not given.’ ‘No’ means that the views or claims of the writer clearly disagree with the given statement, i.e. the views of the writer are not in sync with the given statement whereas  ‘not given’ means that the view or claim is neither confirmed nor opposite to the given statement in the question.

Task Type 4 – Matching Information

In this particular task of the IELTS Reading section, the test takers are instructed to look for specific details, such as an example, a reason, a description, a comparison, a summary, or an explanation. They will not be required to locate information in every paragraph/section of the text, but there may be more than one piece of information that test takers must locate in a given paragraph/section.

Task Type 5 – Matching Headings

Test takers are given a list of headings, which are usually denoted by lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). The main idea of the paragraph or section of text will be referenced by a heading. Test takers must match the heading to the appropriate paragraphs or sections, which are alphabetically labeled. Test takers fill in the appropriate Roman numerals on their answer sheets. 

Task Type 6 – Matching Features

Test takers must match a series of statements or bits of information to a list of options. The options are a collection of textual features denoted by letters. For example, test takers may be asked to match different research findings to a list of researchers, or characteristics to age groups, events to historical periods, and so on. It is quite possible that some options will not be used, and that others may be used more than once.

Task Type 7 – Matching Sentence Endings

Test takers are given the first half of a sentence based on the text and are asked to complete the sentences with the given alternatives. Test takers write the letter they have chosen on the answer sheet. The order of the questions is in sync with the order of information in the passage.

Task Type 8 – Sentence Completion

Test takers complete sentences using a predetermined/specific number of words from the text. Responses must be recorded on the answer sheet. The instructions will specify how many words/numbers test takers are required to  include in their answers, such as ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER FROM THE PASSAGE,’ ‘ONE WORD ONLY,’ or ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.’Test takers would receive a failing grade if their answers exceed the word limit. The order of the questions is in sync with the order of information in the passage.

Task Type 9 – Summary, Note, Table, Flow-Chart Completion

Test takers are given a summary of a section of the text and are asked to fill in the blanks with information from the text. Rather than summarising the entire passage, the summary will usually focus on a specific section of it. The information is presented in the form of several linked sentences of text (known as the summary) and several notes (referred to as notes).

Task Type 10 – Diagram Label Completion

The test-takers in this particular task of the IELTS Reading section must fill labels on a diagram corresponding to a text description. The instructions will specify how many words/numbers test takers should provide in their responses, such as ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER FROM THE PASSAGE,’ ‘ONE WORD ONLY,’ or ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.’ If test takers write more than the number of words requested, they will receive a failing grade. Numbers can be written in both figures and words. Words that have been contracted will not be tested. Words that are hyphenated count as single words. The answers do not have to be given in the sequence given in the passage. They will, however, generally originate from a single portion rather than the full text. The diagram might be of a machine, elements of a structure, or any other thing that can be represented graphically. This task type is frequently used with texts that describe processes or are descriptive.

Task Type 11 – Short Answer Questions

Test takers in this particular task of the IELTS Reading section respond to questions that often pertain to factual information regarding specifics in the text. This is most likely to be utilized in conjunction with a text that provides a great deal of factual information and detail. On the response sheet, test takers must enter their answers in words or figures. Test takers must compose their replies using textual language. The instructions will specify how many words/numbers test takers should provide in their responses, such as ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER FROM THE PASSAGE,’ ‘ONE WORD ONLY,’ or ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.’ If test takers write more than the number of words requested, they will receive a failing grade. Numbers can be written in both figures and words. Contracted words are not evaluated. Words that are hyphenated count as single words. The questions are arranged in the same sequence as the material in the book.

Marking of IELTS Reading Section 

Both the IELTS Academic as well as the IELTS General Training Reading sections are graded by certified markers who are checked regularly to ensure dependability. Cambridge Assessment English analyses all answer sheets once they have been marked.

How to Improve IELTS Reading?

1. Don’t expect to understand every word in the exam: It is good to have a command of vocabulary for cracking the IELTS reading section but don’t panic if you are not aware of the meaning of some words. Always remember to have a look at the broader picture and understand the context.
2. Inculcate the habit of reading: IELTS passages can be monotonous at times and the ones who are habitual of reading find it pretty easy to read long IELTS passages.
3. Read instructions cautiously: Adhere to the instructions of the IELTS reading section as it will prevent low scores in the reading section.
4. Stay calm: At times, students may panic while attempting the IELTS reading section but the key to success is staying calm as it will help you in ensuring high focus during the exam.
5. Give mock tests: To ace the IELTS reading test, practice a good number of mocks as it will give you a hang of your time management pattern in the IELTS exam, and proper time management and practice is the key to success in the IELTS reading test.

Best IELTS Reading Books

Enlisted below are some of the best books that you might love to refer to ace your IELTS Reading exam: 

• Barron’s IELTS Superpack
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
• Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio
• Official IELTS Practice Materials
• Road to IELTS

This was all you needed to know about the IELTS Reading section. IELTS is that exam that bridges the gap for students who are willing to study abroad. Hence one must be fully prepared for exams like IELTS. Wondering how to ace the IELTS exam? Leverage Live is there to help you out. It’s a unique test preparation platform that offers online courses for IELTS, GMAT, GRE, SAT, and more. Enroll today to start preparing and fulfilling your study abroad dream.