In this page we will discuss about one of the parts of IELTS test which is IELTS Reading. It is said that this part is a little bit harder than the other parts of the test. Let’s discuss some information about this part.
Information of IELTS Reading
The length of the IELTS reading test is 60 minutes. But you will not get any extra time to transfer the answer to the answer sheet like you got at the listening test. It starts directly after the listening test which means you will not get any break between these two tests.
There are two different exam formats for IELTS Reading. One is the general training test and the other one is the academic test. You will choose which test you are going for at the time of registration.
There are three reading passages for both academic and general tests. Each passage of the academic test will be long. The passages are taken from the newspaper, magazines and books. The language of the passage is complicated, and they contain academic vocabulary. Diagrams, maps and so on.
The general training test takers will also get 3 passages. The first passage will be based on everyday English life and could contain some info on academic courses or services. The second passage will be on work issues. And the last one will be longer than other passages and difficult. This passage will focus on a topic of general interests.
There are 40 questions in total. One point for one correct answer but you will not get any negative point on your wrong answers. So, never leave a blank space on the answer sheet.
For the reading test time is so limited as the passage will be so long and there will be a range of vocabulary which will make it harder to find the correct answer. I recommend you to spend 20 minutes on each passage. But remember that, the last passage will be tough than others so maintain your time wisely.
You can write/underline/mark on the question paper as much as you want. But you cannot use any other kind of pen without a pencil/pen. The more underline you do, the easier it will be for you to find the answers. You can write the answers in capital letters so that it is easy to read your answers.
Reading Scoring (Academic)
| Correct Answer | Band Scores |
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 | 7 |
| 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-26 | 6 |
| 19-22 | 5.5 |
| 15-18 | 5 |
| 13-14 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 | 4 |
| 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 6-7 | 3 |
| 4-5 | 2.5 |
