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- What Does the IELTS Academic Reading Test Involve?
- Components of the IELTS Academic Reading Test?
- Types of Questions in the IELTS Academic Reading Test
- Preparing for the IELTS Academic Reading Test
- How to Prepare for the IELTS Academic Reading Test?
- Effective Strategies for IELTS Academic Reading
- Scoring in the IELTS Academic Reading Test
- Tips for Achieving High Scores in IELTS Academic Reading
- Advanced Techniques for IELTS Academic Reading
Let’s dive into the basics of the IELTS Academic Reading Test so you know exactly what to expect.
What Does the IELTS Academic Reading Test Involve?
In this section, you’ll be assessed on a variety of reading comprehension skills. You’ll have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions based on three lengthy passages taken from contemporary academic sources such as books, journals, and newspapers.
Components of the IELTS Academic Reading Test?
The test consists of three academic passages, and the questions can cover a range of formats, including short answers, multiple-choice questions, matching information, and even completing summaries or diagrams. You’ll be scored on a 0-9 band scale, based on your ability to understand and interpret arguments, viewpoints, attitudes, and the overall purpose of the passages.
Types of Questions in the IELTS Academic Reading Test
Here are the various types of questions you can expect in the IELTS Academic Reading section:1. Multiple choice questions:
Work item: Choosing the correct answer from options given.
Question Pattern: This might be in the form of a question & answer type or choosing a correct ending to a sentence type. Tips for finding answers: These answers appear in chronological order according to the passage. Skills assessed:- Basic understanding of the passage given.
- Paraphrasing skills.
Example 1:
Choose the correct letter A-D
According to the passage, the Eiffel Tower is :
- A modern structure built in the 20th century
- A symbol of Paris
- A temporary exhibition
- A work of art
Example 2:
Choose the correct letter A-D
The average temperature in the desert is usually:
- 30-40°C
- 45-50°C
- 10-15°C
- 60°C
2. TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN questions
Work item: Identify if the question statements are TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN from the information in the passage.
Question Pattern : Tricky statements will be given.
Tips for finding answers: These answers may not appear in chronological order.
If the statement is present in the article as it is, mark it as TRUE.
If the statement is found to be the opposite, mark it as FALSE.
If the statement is not mentioned, mark it as NOT GIVEN. Do not waste time looking for a sentence that isn’t there.
Skills assessed:- Ability to pick out specific information from the passage.
- Understanding whether the statement matches or contradicts the passage.
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- The Great Wall of China was originally built as a tourist attraction.
- Many people believe that the internet has made communication faster.
- All animals in the zoo are fed three times a day.
- Some people find it difficult to learn new languages as adults.
- The idea that plants can communicate with each other is still debated by scientists.
3. Yes/No/Not given Questions
Work item: Identify if the question statements are YES, NO or NOT GIVEN from the information in the passage.
Question Pattern: Tricky statements will be given.
Tips for finding answers: These answers may not appear in chronological order.
If the information is correct and relevant to the passage, write YES.
If the information contradicts the passage, write NO.
If the information is not mentioned, write NOT GIVEN.
Skills assessed:- Ability to pick out specific information from the passage.
- Understanding whether the statement matches or contradicts the passage.
- YES if the statement agrees with the information
- NO if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- There is no need to consume water to stay hydrated.
- Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
- All plants need direct sunlight to grow.
- Air pollution is a leading cause of respiratory issues.
- Some scientists believe that time travel may one day be possible.
4. Matching questions
a. Matching Headings:
Work item: Choose the right heading for paragraphs in a given passage.
Question Pattern: The paragraphs will be named as A, B, C, D and a list of headings in roman numerals will be provided.
Tips for finding answers: Read the complete paragraph, do not stop after the first few lines. Identify headings that are not related as well.
Skills assessed:- Understanding of the central idea of the passage and paragraphs.
- Basic understanding of each paragraph’s content.
- i. The impact of climate change on agriculture
- ii. The history and cultural significance of chess
- iii. Advances in renewable energy technologies
- iv. The future of artificial intelligence
- v. Exploring the benefits of meditation
- vi. Understanding the importance of emotional intelligence
- vii. Overcoming obstacles in personal growth
- viii. The significance of space exploration
- Paragraph A
- Paragraph B
- Paragraph C
- Paragraph D
- Paragraph E
b. Matching Information:
Work item: Identifying which section of the passage contains the information given in the question statement.
Question Pattern: These questions have a list which contains information taken from the paragraphs. You are asked to find out the paragraph from which the information is taken.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question may be tricky because the information given might not be in exact words as given in the paragraph instead it will be paraphrased so you need to read the paragraph to understand the meaning/idea behind it to answer these questions.
Skills assessed:- Paraphrasing abilities
- Ability to find information from the passage
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct responses A–C.
Questions:- The role of social media in politics
- Impact of deforestation on biodiversity
- Health benefits of a vegetarian diet
Information to match:
- The loss of diverse species due to habitat destruction.
- Reduced risk of heart disease and improved digestion.
- Increased influence of online platforms in shaping political opinions.
c. Matching Features:
Work item: Matching the features with the information in the text.
Question Pattern: There will be a list of items in the box and you need to match these items by reading and understanding some sentences in the passages. The list may be of the name of people or cities. For example, If there is a name of a person in the box of items then the question may be to match the sentence with the person who said them.
Tips for finding answers: Like other types of match questions, some of the items mentioned may not be available in the passage. So, to save time read the passage before answering each question.
Skills assessed:- Paraphrasing abilities
- Ability to find information from the passage
Use the information in the text to match the People listed (1-3) with the Observations (i-vii).
People:
- Harris
- Thompson
- Mitchell
Observations:
- i. The city experienced rapid growth due to its strong economy.
- ii. He noticed a significant increase in local tourism after the festival.
- iii. She mentioned that her family had lived in the area for generations.
- iv. The economy was heavily reliant on industries that promoted environmental sustainability.
- v. The university’s research on renewable energy attracted international attention.
- vi. People in the area were particularly friendly and welcoming.
- vii. He commented on how much the cultural landscape had changed over the years.
d. Matching Sentence Endings
Work item: Ability to complete the given sentences by choosing the correct endings from a given list.
Question Pattern: In this type of question, you need to connect two halves of the sentences. The first half of the sentence will be already given. You need to find out which is the appropriate ending for the sentence from the list given.
Tips for finding answers: While choosing from the list you need to keep the following things in mind:
- There should not be any grammatical errors in the sentence.
- The ending sentence chosen by you should make sense.
- The sentence should have the same meaning as the sentence in the passage.
- Ability to predict endings by reading the sentences
- Grammar
Complete each of the following statements with the best ending from the box below.
- The rise in global temperatures is mainly attributed to human activity,
- Researchers argue that early childhood education plays a vital role in cognitive development,
- The new technological advancements have revolutionized communication,
- While some cities thrive with rapid growth, others face severe challenges,
Endings:
- i. making it easier for people to connect regardless of location.
- ii. with evidence suggesting that children exposed to learning early on perform better academically.
- iii. particularly in regions where infrastructure is underdeveloped.
- iv. indicating that changes in the environment can be directly linked to industrialization.
5. Sentence Completion
Work item: Completing the sentences by filling in correct words from the passage.
Question Pattern: In sentence completion, you’ll be asked to fill in the blank spaces using the words given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: It is important to pay close attention to the instructions that are given in the question because in some instructions there will be a word limit mentioned and you may lose marks if you don’t follow it.
Skills assessed:- Ability to locate specific information in the passage.
- Grammar
Choose No More Than Two Words from the passage to complete the sentences.
- 1. Studies show that the key to staying motivated is a combination of ___________ and ___________.
- 2. Many people consider ___________ the most challenging aspect of any job.
- 3. The renowned psychologist ___________ focused on the concept of human resilience in his research.
- 4. The ancient philosophers used terms like ___________ to refer to the pursuit of happiness.
- 5. Despite being well-loved for its taste, no one has yet determined the exact cause of ___________ in the brain.
6. Short Answer Questions
Work item: Ability to answer the questions using information provided.
Question Pattern: In short answer questions, you’ll have to take words from the given text to write the short answers.
Tips for finding answers: It is important to pay close attention to the instructions that are given in the question because in some instructions there will be a word limit mentioned and you may lose marks if you don’t follow it.
Skills assessed:- Ability to skim the passage for information
- Ability to answer questions with the correct number of words.
Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS, answer the following questions.
- 1. Which organization monitors changes in global weather patterns?
- 2. Who benefits the most from sustainable farming practices?
- 3. What type of accommodation do visitors prefer in coastal regions?
7. Note Completion
Work item: Completing the notes by choosing appropriate words from a given passage.
Question Pattern: You will be asked to complete a set of notes based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:- Ability to skim the passage for information
- Ability to answer questions with the correct number of words.
Complete the notes below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Brazil – the famous landmark known as ____________ attracts millions of tourists annually.
- Japan – when visiting, it is important to be aware of ___________ during cultural events.
- Iceland – the country is known for its stunning ____________ formations that draw travelers.
8. Table Completion
Work item: Completing the table by choosing appropriate words from a given passage.
Question Pattern: You will be asked to complete a table based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:- Ability to comprehend details from the passage.
- Ability to locate the right words
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in blank spaces next to 17-19 on your answer sheet.
| Mode of Vibration | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. ___________ | moving repeatedly to the left and right |
| 2. ___________ | up and down motion; similar to a wave |
| 3. Torsional | resembling motions of a ___________ |
9. Diagram Completion
Work item: Completing the diagram by choosing appropriate words from a given passage.
Question Pattern: You will be asked to complete a diagram based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:- Ability to locate information in the passage
- Ability to choose the right words
10. Summary Completion
Work item: Completing the summary by filling in correct words from the passage.
Question Pattern: You will be asked to complete a summary based on the information given in the text.
Tips for finding answers: Sometimes the question will be to write a short answer and sometimes you’ll have to choose from the list of answers given. Usually, these kinds of questions will only be based on one part of the passage, so you won’t have to read the whole passage to fill in the important information.
Skills assessed:- Ability to scan the passage for right words.
- Ability to understand ideas.
Sample 1: Filling blanks with words from the passage
Complete the following summary. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in blank spaces next to 1-6 on your answer sheet.- Computers are now an essential part of most offices and are connected to a large 1.__________ network, allowing messages to be shared. Communication now takes place mostly via 2.__________ and is usually kept private from others. Although technology is 3.__________ individuals, many businesses are beginning to realize the value of working as part of a 4.__________ to achieve better results.
Sample 2: Filling blanks with words from the box
Complete the following summary. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the box for each answer. Write your answers in blank spaces next to 1-6 on your answer sheet.- The challenge of accessibility to public spaces has been largely 1.__________ through technology. Digital messages are now 2.__________ using unique codes that prevent 3.__________ from accessing others’ communications. While individuals are becoming increasingly 4.__________ in their tasks, businesses are giving more attention to 5.__________ cooperation. However, online communication has led to a rise in 6.__________ for face-to-face interactions.
Preparing for the IELTS Academic Reading Test
A brief overview explaining the purpose of the IELTS Academic Reading Test and the significance of preparing for it.
How to Prepare for the IELTS Academic Reading Test?
A structured guide on how to prepare effectively for the IELTS Reading Test:
- Build vocabulary: By reading academic journals, books, and newspapers.
- Practice key skills: Like skimming, scanning, and time management.
- Understand question types: Multiple-choice, matching headings, sentence completion, etc.
- Take timed mock tests: To simulate real exam conditions and identify weaknesses.
- Analyze answers: Learn from mistakes after each practice test.
- Stay updated: With current affairs and global issues covered in IELTS passages.
Effective Strategies for IELTS Academic Reading
Specific strategies and tips to maximize success in the test:
- Skim and Scan: Quickly read for the main ideas and specific details.
- Practice Regularly: Use official IELTS materials to get familiar with the format.
- Enhance Vocabulary: Focus on academic texts and note unfamiliar words.
- Manage Time Wisely: Allocate time appropriately for each passage and question set.
- Prioritize Questions: Tackle easier questions first, then move to more challenging ones.
- Focus on Keywords: Use them to locate relevant information quickly.
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: Narrow down options to improve accuracy.
- Use Context Clues: For unfamiliar words or phrases.
- Skim Questions First: Understand what to locate before reading the passage.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Trust your preparation during the test.
Scoring in the IELTS Academic Reading Test
Understanding IELTS Academic Reading Scores
Scoring in the IELTS Academic Reading Test is based on your ability to comprehend passages, identify key information, and provide accurate answers within the allocated time, resulting in a band score ranging from 0 to 9. The following table illustrates the correlation between the number of correct answers and the corresponding band scores.
| Correct Answers | Band scores |
|---|---|
| 40-39 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 2.5 |
Tips for Achieving High Scores in IELTS Academic Reading
- Improve reading speed
- Practice skimming and scanning techniques
- Familiarize with the test format
- Build vocabulary
- Manage time effectively
- Regularly review and analyze mistakes
Advanced Techniques for IELTS Academic Reading
In-depth strategies for more advanced preparation:
- Skimming and Scanning Techniques: Go beyond basic reading and identify key ideas and structure quickly.
- Time Management Strategies: Plan the approach for each passage and don’t get stuck on difficult ones.
- Developing Vocabulary: Focus on academic terms and use resources like flashcards.
- Misunderstanding Questions: Carefully read questions and avoid assumptions.
- Skipping Instructions: Follow instructions as they define what the answer should look like.
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