IELTS Reading Test Tips

1. To improve your performance in the Reading test you need to practise reading a variety of English texts. This will help you

develop the ability to read quickly

2. Read every question carefully first before reading the passages. This will make it easier for you to find the answers. Underline possible answers as you go.

3. When you come to reading the passage, read it quickly the first time in order to get a general idea of what it’s about.

Don’t worry about words you do not understand. Then read each question again to remind yourself which parts of the passage

you will need to read again in detail.

4. The Reading passages alwayscontain the information you need to answer the question. You won’t have to use your own

knowledge of a topic.

5. If you are copying words from a question or reading passage to use in your answer, remember that your spelling must

be accurate.

6. The Reading test may sometimes include questions that test your overall understanding of a passage. For example, the

question may ask what the topic of a particular passage is. Try underlining key words and ideas in each paragraph as you

read to help you understand the key message of each passage.

7. Circle or underline key words as you read. For example, if a reading passage contains many place names or dates, circle

them as you go along. This will make it easier to find these details later if they come up in any of the questions.

8. If you are asked to label a diagram, you will find the words you need in the text. Be sure to copy them carefully from the

text with the correct spelling.

9. If there are questions you cannot answer, leave them and move on to the next question. This will help you to stay calm and

positive. Go back to those questions at the end, if you have time.

10. Make sure you write down your answers for the Reading test on the answer sheet – not the question paper. There will be

no extra time to transfer your answers after the Reading test.