What is IELTS Reading?
If you are thinking of preparing IELTS exam, the exam that opens up endless opportunities; you must consider just how important is the reading test. This test assesses your ability to understand and analyze academic and non-academic text with the help of different question types. The reading test is the most tiring test type for students. This test also tests your patience and perseverance to a great extent. It is tricky to master, but with correct guidance, you can achieve your desired score.
Introduction to IELTS Reading
What is the IELTS Reading Test?
There are various types of IELTS tests, but Academic Training and General Training are two of the major modules. The Academic Reading test includes academically written passages; however, passages of General Reading tests are relatively simpler than Academic Reading tests. Despite that, the question types are similar.
You will have 60 minutes to complete this test. Moreover, in these 60 minutes, you must copy the answers to the answer sheet. You will not get an extra second out of kindness, pity, or empathy from the invigilators. The reading test does not mean you will be asked to read aloud a passage or a story. You will have to read a passage and based on those passages, you must answer 40 questions of different types; each question holds 1 mark.
What is the relevance of the Reading Test?
If you are going to English Speaking country as a student, you must be able to read learning resources from different sources. This test measures your ability to comprehend English vocabulary. If you are immigrating or going to work, the General Training Reading test measures your ability to read sign boards, vacancy announcements, and so on. On the basis of your band scores, your university or employer analyses your competence in English Language Proficiency.
The Different Question Types
There are different types of questions types. Actually, there are major 12 question types. A complete lesson on each question type is published in other posts on this blog. In this post, we will introduce briefly with each question type.
1. Multiple Choice Questions
On both academic and general reading tests, you may be asked these question types. There are generally three different types of multiple choice questions in IELTS Reading. In this question type, you will be asked a question and you will be given options. Among them, one, two, or three options can be correct based on the type of multiple-choice question type. The three different types of multiple choice questions in IELTS Reading are:
• choose one answer out of four options
• choose two answers out of five options
• choose three answers out of six options
The first one is the most common. In this question type either you will be asked to answer a question or complete a sentence.
Questions come in order of the information in the passage.
2. Matching Heading/ List of Heading
This is the most feared question type. You will be given a list of headings ranging between 5 to 8 heading in the form of a list and below that you will be given paragraph names such as Paragraph A, or Section 1. You will have to read the relative paragraph and choose a heading based on your understanding of the paragraph from the list of headings. Often there are more headings than number of paragraphs which can confuse you a lot. Only practice can help you.
Passages come in order, but the headings in the list are not in order.
3. True/False/Not Given Questions
This question seeks your ability to distinguish true, false, or not given statements. This question type also has two variations: yes/no/ not given and true/ false/ not given. The former requires you to find opinions while the latter requires you to find information. This is not a difficult question type but a tricky one.
The answers come in order of the information in the passage.
You will have to write ‘TRUE’ as the answer if the statement in the question matches the information in the passage. You will have to write ‘FLASE’ as the answer if the information in the statement is opposite to the information in the passage. Finally, you will have to write ‘not given’ if the idea in the statement does not completely match with the information in the passage.
Note that if you are asked to write true/ false in the instruction and you write yes/no, then all your answer is considered wrong and vice versa. Solving the Yes/ No/ Not Given question type also requires the same strategy, but here you need to look for opinions.
4. Summary Completion Questions
This question type requires you to complete a paragraph that has blanks in between the information in the paragraph. It involves one or two paragraphs from the passage. This question type also has two variations. One variation comes with a list of answers in the box below the question while the other does not have that list of words.
The answer may come in order of the information in the passage.
5. Sentence Completion Questions
This question is like filling in the blank. You will have to find the particular information given in the question in the passage and choose one, two, or three words from the passage and fill in the blank. Make sure you read the instruction where you will be notified about the number of words and numbers you can use.
Answers come in order of the information in the passage.
6. Paragraph Information Questions
This question type requires you to find and match the information given in the question with the information in the passage. Keywords play a major role to locate answers to this question type. The questions are not in the order of the paragraph; they can be anywhere in the passage and some paragraphs may contain information relating to two questions.
However, if you see an instruction “You may use one letter more than once”, then you can be sure that one or two of the paragraphs may contain information given in one or more questions. Solve this question simultaneously with another group of questions from the same passage. Not all paragraphs may be used.
Answers do not come in the order of the question.
7. Diagram Labeling
In this question, you will see a diagram and numbered blanks. You will have to find the particular paragraph or paragraphs where the description of the diagram or mechanism is given. Read that paragraph and match the information with the picture and name the parts.
Answers come in order most of the time.
8. Table and notes completion
These question types are different question types but the technique that solves the problem is similar. You will be given certain hint and you will see blank spaces. You should match the keywords in the question with the keywords in the paragraph and copy the word or words and/or numbers or numbers. Spellings play a vital role.
Answers come in order of the question/paragraph.
9. Matching Sentence Ending
Another most feared question type. Half of the information is given as the question and half of the information are given as the answer in the form of a list and you will have to choose the correct ending that matches the first part of the information given as the question. It is not necessary that you will see exact words, but you must be prepared for the paraphrased keywords.
The first part of the information (question) follows the order of the paragraph.
10. Flowchart Completion
This question type is looks like boxes linked by arrows. The question may not follow the chronology of the information in the passage. Therefore, you must find the section where the information relating to the question lies and read that paragraph and match the answers with the question's idea.
Answers do not always come in order; rarely, they are in order too.
11. List Selection
You will see a list of names, places, dates, or numbers below the question. You will have questions and you will have to match the information on the question with the list. There will be more options to choose from the list than the number of questions asked. The same option from the list may also match one or more questions.
Answers come in order of the passage.
12. Short Answer question
This is a rare question type. You will be asked one or two questions based on the passage and you will have to answer in one or two words. The question looks just like the question from your school textbook.
Answers come in order.
Tips for Success in IELTS Reading
Effective Time Management
The most important skill in the reading test is managing time and completing the task within 60 minutes. You will get an extra minute to copy the answers to your answer sheet. Always use a stopwatch to train you. Only using a stopwatch to practice just before the test is useless. Use it from the beginning. A mock test can help you to a great extent to manage time.
Improving Your Vocabulary
The reading test is a huge vocabulary test. If you do not know the meaning of the words, cannot figure out the synonyms and antonyms, and will be lost when the sentences are paraphrased; then understand that you are in great trouble. The best way to improve your knowledge of vocabulary is to keep a dictionary or a dictionary app beside you while practicing and using it to find meanings every time you are lost. Gradually, you will develop the skill to derive meaning without looking at the dictionary but understanding the context of the sentence.
Reviewing your mistakes
A student is a learner and it is famously said that people learn from their mistakes. After you complete one set of question during practice review your answer. For example, if you complete question 1-5, then turn the pages to answer key. Find the correct answer and if you have made any mistake, search the correct answer in the passage and find the answer to why you made that mistake. This will help you improve. Repeat the process after you complete 6-10.
Strategy to find answer
Each question type has its own strategy to be used. Do not use same strategy to solve different question types. For example, True/ False/ Not Given question type demands a different strategy than Paragraph Information question type. Also, you must develop your own strategy to solve reading question and not rely to others and use their strategy. Every person’s capability is different.
Dedication and perseverance
Reading test always tempts you to leave and do something else. However, you should have dedication to improve reading band scores. Of course it is difficult, but your dedication and perseverance will pay off. Do not give up. Take each difficulty as a challenge and develop a mindset to gain victory over that problem.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What is the best way to prepare for the IELTS Reading section?
Successful IELTS Reading section preparation includes a combination of reading practice resources, vocabulary building, and familiarization with the various question formats. It is critical to practice on a regular basis and to imitate test situations as much as feasible.
How is the IELTS Reading test scored?
<p> The IELTS Reading test is graded on a scale of 0 to 9, with half-band increments in between. The number of accurate answers you offer across all parts determines your overall score.</p>
INSERT academic and General Reading Score Image from Google here.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when taking the IELTS Reading test?
Typical pitfalls to avoid include failing to manage your time efficiently, failing to thoroughly read the instructions, and speeding through questions. It's also vital to avoid making assumptions based on your own knowledge or ideas and to solely answer questions based on the text's content.
Can I use a dictionary during the IELTS Reading test?
<p>No, you cannot use a dictionary during the IELTS Reading test. It is critical to prepare by expanding your vocabulary and practicing your reading abilities so that you can grasp the content without assistance.</p>