"Read three long passages and answer 40 questions. The time limit is 60 minutes."
When you hear this description of the IELTS Reading test, you might think it's similar to other standardized tests you've taken. However, many beginners experience a rude awakening when they try it for the first time, finding that time runs out while they are still in the middle of the second passage.
The IELTS Reading test is an exam that pushes not just your vocabulary, but also your information processing speed to the absolute limit.
In this article, based on the expertise of ELT, where a former IELTS examiner works, we will explain the test structure, the differences between the Academic and General modules, and provide reading tips to help beginners finish within the time limit.
What You'll Learn in This Article
- Test Overview: Time, number of questions, and the 'answer transfer time' trap that differs from the Listening test
- By Module: Differences in passage level and scoring criteria between Academic and General
- The Challenge: Understanding the 'True / False / Not Given' question type that many non-native speakers find difficult
- Study Method: The technique of 'scanning' without reading the entire text
1. Overview of the IELTS Reading Test
First, let's understand the basics. The Reading test is a single 60-minute session.
[Table 1] IELTS Reading Test Overview
Item | Details |
Test Time | 60 minutes |
Number of Questions | 40 questions (1 point per question) |
Structure | 3 sections (Passage 1, 2, 3) |
Word Count | Total approx. 2,150–2,750 words |
Answer Format | Multiple choice, gap-fill, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, etc. |
A Warning from a Former Examiner (Important):
The Listening test includes 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet, but the Reading test does not have this transfer time. You must complete writing your answers on the answer sheet within the 60 minutes. A common mistake for beginners is writing answers on the question paper but running out of time to transfer them.
2. What's the Difference Between Academic and General Training?
The content of the Reading test changes completely depending on the module (test type) you take.
Academic (for studying abroad): 3 Long, Academic Passages
- Content: Specialized articles from scientific journals, history, sociology, natural sciences, etc.
- Structure: Three long passages (approx. 700–900 words each).
- Difficulty: The vocabulary level is high and includes abstract concepts.
Examples: "The history of groundwater management in Australia," "The function of bee neurobiology"
General Training (for immigration/work): Everyday Contexts
- Content: Advertisements, brochures, company policies, general interest magazine articles.
- Structure:
- Section 1: Multiple short texts like ads or notices
- Section 2: Around two work-related documents (job descriptions, manuals, etc.)
- Section 3: One long, general interest passage
- Difficulty: The vocabulary is at an everyday level and easier, but the scoring criteria (band score conversion) are stricter.
The Scoring Conversion Trap:
The number of correct answers needed to get a "Band 6.0" is as follows:
- Academic: 23 out of 40 correct answers are sufficient.
- General: 30 out of 40 correct answers are required.
While the General Training passages are easier to read, it's a high-stakes test where fewer mistakes are tolerated.
3. The Tricky Question Type That Troubles Many Test-Takers
IELTS has unique question types beyond standard multiple choice (A, B, C, D). This is the one that confuses beginners the most.
True / False / Not Given
You must determine the relationship between the information in the passage and the statement in the question.
- TRUE (YES): The statement agrees with the information in the text.
- FALSE (NO): The statement contradicts the information in the text (the opposite is stated).
- NOT GIVEN: The information is not found in the text.
Tip for Success:
It can be challenging to confidently decide that something "is not written." If a statement seems false based on common sense but is not mentioned in the text, the correct answer is Not Given. You must not use your own knowledge or make assumptions.
4. A 3-Step Study Method for Beginners
Here is a training process recommended by a former examiner to solve the problem of "not enough time."
Step 1: Build Your "IELTS-Specific" Vocabulary
IELTS has its own set of frequently used vocabulary. Especially if you are taking the Academic module, in addition to general vocabulary lists, you must learn academic verbs and nouns (e.g., verify, implication, distinct) or you won't even be able to understand the questions.
Step 2: Master "Skimming" and "Scanning"
It's impossible to read 2,500 words in detail in 60 minutes. Even native speakers don't read every single word.
- Skimming: Reading quickly to get the general idea or 'gist' of the passage.
- Scanning: Moving your eyes quickly over the text for the sole purpose of finding keywords from the questions (like numbers, proper nouns, etc.).
Step 3: Make a Habit of Reading the Questions First
If you read the passage before the questions, you will inevitably forget the details and have to read it again.
"Read the questions" → "Memorize the keywords" → "Search for them in the passage"
Stick to this order (the "searchlight" strategy).
For Those Who Think, "I Can Read It, But I Can't Get the Right Answer"
Reading is often considered a subject that's easy to study on your own, but test-takers whose scores stagnate around Band 6.0 often have something in common.
They understand the meaning of the words but lose points on logical traps (like Not Given questions).
The ELT Approach
At ELT, our native instructors thoroughly explain the logic (the thought process) behind "why a particular answer is correct."
- Identifying Paraphrasing: We train you to spot 'paraphrased pairs,' such as when "changed significantly" in the passage becomes "major alteration" in the question.
- Judging Not Given: We teach you the same distinction between 'what is stated' and 'what is not stated' that native readers use.
"I've memorized the vocabulary, but my score isn't improving." "I just can't grasp the difference between Not Given and False."
If this sounds like you, consider getting guidance from a professional.
