What is an IELTS reading test?

The IELTS reading test is a reading comprehension test that measures your reading skills.

It will take 60 minutes. During this time, you will read and answer the questions. You’ll also need to write your answers on the answer sheet while you are doing the test, because, unlike the Listening Test, there is no extra transfer time given.

And make sure your answers must be spelled correctly and you must use correct grammar as you don’t have extra time.

Types of Test

The Reading Test is divided into three sections and each section has a reading text and 13 to 14 questions. In total, you have to answer 40 questions for the whole Reading Test.

You have the choice to start any section that you like.

Question Type

There are 10 possible question types and they are randomly used in the Reading Test. 

The question types are shown below:

  • multiple choice
  • short answer questions
  • sentence completion
  • notes, summary, or table/flow chart completion
  • labelling a diagram
  • choosing headings for paragraphs or sections of a text
  • locating information
  • identifying information, views and claims
  • classification
  • matching

 

The topics and types of text

The topics are different for each section. The texts would be of interest to an educated audience, but you don’t need to be an expert to understand them. The texts are taken from real publications like books, newspapers, and magazines. 

The style of text

  • The style of the text can vary from descriptive informative or argumentative.
  • The text may have an illustration or a graph.
  • The text can be up to about 900 words long.

Timing

you’ll need to keep an eye on the time.

You won’t be told when to start and end each section

Remember, read the instructions carefully. For example, pay attention to how many words you’re supposed to write; one, two or three?

Marking Criteria

it is marked and one point is given for each correct answer.

Remember, you will lose points for incorrect spelling or grammar, so be careful when you’re copying words from the reading text onto your answer sheet,

The total number of points is then converted into an IELTS band score for Reading, for example, 6.0 or 7.0. It’s also possible to be given a half band score, such as 5.5, or 6.5.