IELTS JOSHUA

           READING TEST OVERVIEW                               

There are three parts to the IELTS reading test. You are given 60 minutes in total, and just like all the other parts of the  IELTS test, it becomes more difficult as you continue. 

The Academic and General tests have different reading materials. You will be given the appropriate test that you are enrolled for.

 

Part 1 of the Reading test could be a text, or texts related to normal, everyday life.

 

Part 2 of the test will be a text or texts from authentic materials.

 

Part 3 will be a text about a subject of general interest.

 

There are different types of questions..

One common type of question is where you have two choose TRUE/FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.

Not given means there is no specific information about this in the text.

 

Another question type is the `short answer` type.

You may be asked to provide 3 words in your answer.. 3 words means 3 words.. 2 words, or 4 words would be wrong. 

 

Another question type is `complete the sentence`.

You must select the correct words from those provided.

 

Another question type is `multiple-choice`,

You have to choose from the list provided. 

 

Still another question type is `list matching`.

Did you really understand the text? This will really test your understanding. 

 

How about some strategies and tips ..? You will need them!

 

When you are given the reading passage, get a quick overview of the text by reading not only the title but also the subheadings. You should also read the text for gist, this means to get the main idea of the text by skim reading, being careful to read at a steady pace the first sentence of each paragraph.  

Next, read the questions carefully, and think about and circle, or highlight the key words in the questions ... this will help you focus when you go on to read the passage.

Go on to read the text at a pace that will let you understand, making notes if necessary on the test paper.

Now that you understand the reading passage, you are ready to answer. Going back to the questions which you have already highlighted, try to read and answer 2 questions at a time. This is a skill which needs practice but will greatly help you make quicker progress through the text.

Now that you have a good overall understanding of the text - you have highlighted the key words and are focussing on 2 questions - scan the text for the answers.

To scan means to look quickly through a text for specific information. This is something we do quite often ... for example if you want to find Maria`s phone number in your phone book, you quickly scan through all the letters, down to the letter M where you will find `Maria`... likewise, in the IELTS reading test you will get quicker, better results by effectively scanning. You shouldn`t need to move your eyes back and forth too much; if you hold the text further away than normal or lean back from the text, this will help you to scan and with practice you will become effective at this important time saving skill. 

 

In IELTS, time is your enemy.

40 questions in 60 minutes, – means you have 1 and a half minutes for each question – and so you should take even less than 1 and a half minutes for the easier questions  at the start.

 

Practice – get used to allowing yourself 1 and a half minutes maximum to answer a question – 

if you can't answer in that time go on to the next question. You can always return later to that question if you have some time at the end.

 

Points to remember;

• Get a quick overview of the reading passage, by reading the title/subheadings/first sentences.

• Highlight key words and ideas in the questions.

• Practice scanning and time controlled practice.

• Try to answer 2 questions at a time.

 

 

 

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