IELTS Reading
Academic and General Training Explained
You don’t need to read every word to do well in the IELTS Reading Test. Instead, learn to locate answers quickly by developing your skimming and scanning skills, and practise different question type strategies to develop efficiency and confidence.
Here you’ll find a clear overview of the reading test format (Academic and General Training), and important test strategies, with links to our free reading courses. You can also book reading-focused one-to-one lessons for greater support and faster progress.
If you are also developing your listening skills, see our IELTS Listening hub.
How the IELTS Reading test works
The IELTS Reading Test has 40 questions and takes 60 minutes, with no extra transfer time. Your score is based on the number of correct answers.
Question types include True/False/Not Given, matching headings, multiple choice, summary completion, sentence completion, and matching information.
Academic vs General Training Reading
Academic Reading
This test contains three longer passages with academic-style topics. Aim to spend an equal 20 minutes on each passage. You will need to skim quickly and scan carefully, and avoid traps in question types like True/False/Not Given.
Being able to identify synonyms or paraphrases of key words will greatly help you answer accurately.
Free Reading Courses
General Training Reading
The General Test includes everyday texts at the start (such as notices, adverts, emails), and longer passages later. The test is split into 3 sections, though unlike the Academic Test there may be more than one text per section.
You will still need the same core skills: scanning, synonym/paraphrase awareness, and time management.
Free Reading Courses
What stays the same
Both versions of the test require skimming and scanning skills, understanding paraphrase, knowing question type strategies, and answering based on the text content rather than your assumptions.
We suggest you complete timed tests to first identify your strengths and weaknesses, then begin targeted practice.
Essential TipsEssential tips that improve your score
- Don’t read from start to finish. Learn to skim for gist and scan for detail.
- Underline key words. Then look for paraphrases, not always exact matches.
- Use evidence. Only choose an answer if you can point to the line that proves it.
- Time management. If you get stuck, skip and return later if you have time.
- Be careful of traps. Many wrong options are “almost true” but actually not supported by the passage.
The most effective ways to improve IELTS Reading
Option 1 – Self-study
Our free reading resources include a guided reading test course and a 17-lesson Reading Strategies course, suitable for both Academic and General Training students.
Go to Free Reading Courses
Option 2 – One-to-One Classes
Join one of our one-to-one classes for direct support if you keep running out of time, lose marks in the same question types, cannot confidently skim and scan or want a personalised syllabus for your current level and target band score.
View One-to-One Options
Free Reading Resources
Learn the techniques and gain confidence
Reading Strategies Course
Our popular 17-lesson Reading Strategies course (Academic + General) covers all the essentials.
Go to Course
Guided Reading Test
Be guided through a complete reading test from britishcouncil.org and learn important test-taking strategies.
Go to Guided Test
Who This IELTS Reading Guidance is for
This hub is designed for students who:
- run out of time before finishing the test
- find question types such as True/False/Not Given or matching headings difficult
- want proven strategies that work for any test
Not sure what to focus on next?
If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest:
- use the Reading Strategies course to learn foundational reading skills
- request a consultation with us to find out how our one-to-one classes can benefit you
