6 Ultimate Tips On How To Improve Reading Skills In IELTS

The reading component of the IELTS exam is the second part and follows immediately after the listening section. Test takers are allotted 60 minutes to complete three passages, which comprise a total of 40 questions.

Seems simple, right?

Well, it's not as easy as it appears! That's why students often seek ways to enhance their reading skills for the IELTS.

One of the main challenges students face when preparing for the IELTS reading section is comprehending the lengthy passages and accurately answering the questions within the one-hour time limit.

It's important to note that in the academic reading test, you can expect more challenging passages. Therefore, adequate practice is essential to excel in the reading exam.

Here's an overview of the IELTS reading section:

• Number of passages: 3
• Total number of questions: 40
• Test duration: 60 minutes

Many students have a common concern about time management in the IELTS reading section. This blog will provide an explanation and strategies to address this question.

Step 1: Enhance your reading speed by regularly practicing reading materials like newspapers, magazines, and journals. Slow reading speed can hinder your ability to complete the passages within the allotted time.

Step 2: Understand the pattern of the IELTS reading section. Familiarize yourself with the different types of questions and their requirements. This will help you approach the questions strategically and improve your scoring chances.

Step 3: Develop the skills of scanning and skimming. Scanning involves quickly searching for specific information in a paragraph, while skimming involves reading rapidly to get the overall idea of the passage. Practice these techniques to locate relevant information efficiently and save time.

Step 4: Avoid re-reading unnecessary parts. When faced with complex sentences or unfamiliar words, resist the urge to read them repeatedly. Instead, focus on understanding the main ideas and key information. Remember that you may be unable to recall every detail, so prioritize comprehension.

Step 5: Allocate your time wisely. Divide your time among the passages and questions. For example, you can allocate 15 minutes for the first passage and 20 minutes each for the second and third passages. This will leave you with some extra time to review your answers at the end. Following these steps can improve your reading skills and effectively tackle the IELTS reading section, ultimately increasing your chances of achieving a higher band score.

Step 6: Avoid the tendency to read unnecessary things repeatedly. While reading complex sentences or encountering unfamiliar words, we often have the habit of rereading them multiple times in an attempt to grasp their meaning. However, it's important to recognize that we may be unable to comprehend every detail in one reading.

Time management is crucial in the IELTS reading section. With only one hour to complete 40 questions, it's important to allocate your time wisely. Aim to spend approximately 20 minutes on each passage, allowing around 16-17 minutes for reading and answering questions and 3-4 minutes for reviewing and double-checking your answers. Effective time management is key to improving your reading skills in the IELTS exam.

Pay careful attention to the instructions provided. Neglecting to follow instructions can cost you easy marks. Take the time to understand the requirements of each question and follow them accordingly.

Avoid panic during the exam. Some questions may be more challenging than others, but it's important not to dwell on difficult questions for too long. If you can't find the answer, move on to the next question and come back to it later if you have time. Maintaining a calm and composed mindset will help you navigate through the exam more effectively.

Recognize that the IELTS reading test is also a vocabulary test. Familiarize yourself with synonyms and paraphrasing techniques to better understand the passages and identify the correct answers. Building a strong vocabulary will greatly enhance your reading skills.

Don't try to understand every single word in the passage. Reading for comprehension in the IELTS exam is about identifying key information and finding answers to specific questions. Focus on the words used in the questions and search for relevant information rather than getting caught up in understanding every word.

By implementing these additional tips, you can further enhance your reading skills in the IELTS exam and improve your overall performance.