Time management in IELTS Reading – A key to get a high band score

Understanding the Importance of Time Management

In the IELTS Reading module, you will face three passages and have to answer 40 questions in just 60 minutes. This section tests your reading skills as well as your ability to read under time constraints. To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to complete all the questions while managing your time wisely.

Approach Each Section Differently

If you’re aiming for a high band score (like 8 or 9), you’ll need to allocate only about 50 minutes to answer the 40 questions. The remaining 10 minutes should be reserved for reviewing your answers. It’s also important to understand that each of the three sections in the IELTS Reading test is different, and each requires a unique approach. Let’s explore how to approach these sections effectively.

IELTS Academic vs. General Reading

The IELTS Academic and General Reading tests have a few key differences. The Academic passages are taken from journals, magazines, and newspapers, focusing on topics of general interest. As you progress from part 1 to part 3, the difficulty level increases.

In contrast, the IELTS General Reading passages are more practical, covering topics like work-related content, application procedures, and everyday life in an English-speaking country. While Part 3 in the General Reading test is challenging, the overall difficulty is considered lower than the Academic Reading section.

How to Tackle IELTS Reading Questions

• Preview the Questions First: Start by reading the questions before going through the passages. This will give you an idea of what information to focus on.
• Identify Keywords: While reading the passage, underline the key terms related to the questions. This will help you quickly locate the answers.
• Focus on the Introduction and Conclusion: These parts often provide important clues for answering questions. Move to the body paragraphs after skimming the intro and conclusion.
• Don’t Overthink: Limit yourself to 5 minutes per passage and avoid reading every word. Skim-read and focus on finding key information.
• Move On If You’re Stuck: If you’re unable to answer a question, move on to the next one and come back later if time permits.

Top Tips to Improve Time Management in IELTS Reading

Here are some expert tips to improve your time management and help you finish the IELTS Reading section on time.

• Practice with Long Passages: Practice reading 1000-1200-word articles, blogs, or other passages. Aim to complete them within 15 minutes.
• Build Your Knowledge Base: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of topics such as Nature, History, and Literature. This will help you understand the passages more quickly.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for quicker comprehension. Focus on academic and subject-specific terms.
• Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and formats in IELTS Reading to save time during the actual test.
• Don’t Get Stuck: If you’re stuck on a question, move on. Try to answer every question, and don’t spend too much time on any single one.
• Time Your Practice Sessions: Use a timer while practicing to simulate real test conditions. This will help you get used to managing your time effectively.
• Transfer Answers Efficiently: Make sure you have enough time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet without rushing.
• Stay Relaxed: Finish your test within 50 minutes, leaving the last 10 minutes to review your answers and check for any errors.

With consistent practice and by following these strategies, you can improve your time management skills and boost your IELTS Reading score.

Time management is critical to success in the IELTS Reading test. By following these strategies, you can approach each section more effectively, manage your time wisely, and increase your chances of achieving a high band score. Remember, practice is key!