IELTS Reading: Test Format, Scoring, Question types, & Tips

IELTS Reading Overview 

Well, to begin with, the IELTS Reading section is made up of 3 long texts with a total length of around 2150–2750 words. These texts usually come from journals, books, newspapers, magazines, and various other online resources and are generally related to the topics that you might face when studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate course abroad.

Further, you will get a total of 60 minutes, including transfer time, to complete this section. During this time, you will have to complete 40 questions, which can range from matching headings, identifying writers’ views, sentence completion, multiple choice, matching sentence endings, and diagram labelling.

In totality, the IELTS Reading tests four of your core reading skills: Reading comprehension, Skimming, Information scanning, and Reading for details. These are important for university study, work tasks, and everyday decision-making, as well as meeting visa or entry requirements.

IELTS Reading Test Format

The IELTS Reading format primarily consists of 14 different question types. Below is a breakdown of each:

IELTS Reading Question Types

Now, let’s take a look at all of the IELTS Reading question types in more detail below. Additionally, understand the best way to answer them and general reading tips for IELTS for each:

Multiple Choice Questions

In the multiple-choice questions of the IELTS Reading section, you will be presented with four different but possible answers to a question. Out of these, you have to choose one correct answer and write it on the answer sheet.

For this, you will have to understand the main idea or theme of the paragraph and use the skimming technique to find an answer quickly and efficiently. Also note that sometimes, the question can ask you to choose more than just one answer.

How to Answer:

1. Predict an answer in your own words before looking at the options to avoid being tricked.
2. Look for keywords in the reading passage for IELTS that match the options, especially synonyms.
3. Check each option against the text carefully; one subtle word can make it wrong.

Tips:

• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
• Watch for extreme words like “always” or “never” in the options.
• Pay attention if the question asks for more than one answer.

True / False / Not Given

The next question type is True / False / Not Given, where you will be given several different statements, and you have to indicate where you agree with them or not. In the answer sheet, you have to write:

• True: The statement matches the information.
• False: The statement contradicts the passage.
• Not Given: The information is not mentioned at all.

Moreover, this will check your reading comprehension skills and your ability to understand and interpret different facts.

How to Answer:

1. Highlight or underline keywords in the statement and locate them in the text.
2. Look for exact matches in meaning; ignore extra details in the statement.
3. When unsure, read the sentence before and after in the text to check context.

Tips:

• Stick to what is explicitly stated, don’t infer.
• Watch for keywords like “all,” “some,” or “never” that change meaning.
• Be careful with similar sentences; small differences matter.

Yes / No / Not Given

The Yes / No / Not Given type of question in the IELTS Reading is the same as True/False/Not Given. However, it majorly focuses on the opinion and attitude of the author instead of the facts. As this suggests, this question type will check how well you can understand opinions and ideas.

How to Answer:

1. Identify the author’s attitude or claim in the relevant sentence.
2. Compare the statement with the author’s exact opinion.
3. Use context clues from surrounding sentences to confirm the viewpoint.

Tips:

• Focus on opinion words like “believe,” “think,” and “suggest.”
• Don’t confuse facts with opinions.
• Check the tone of the sentence; sometimes it’s implied rather than direct.

Short-Answer Questions

Short-answer questions in the IELTS Reading require you to write answers to questions based on the factual details of the text. For this, you will be required to answer in a few words or numbers.

Moreover, you be given a word limit like ‘No More Than Three Words And/Or Numbers’. Failing to do so can result in losing marks.

How to Answer:

1. Rewrite the question in your own words to find the keywords in the passage.
2. Scan the text specifically for these keywords or synonyms.
3. Write your answer exactly as it appears, respecting the word limit.

Tips:

• Always follow the word limit in the instructions.
• Use keywords from the question to locate answers quickly.
• Check spelling and form carefully; mistakes can cost marks.

Matching Headings

In the matching headings question type of IELTS Reading, you will be given a list of different headings, which are numbered through Roman numerals. You have to match these headings with the correct section or the paragraphs, which will be numbered using different letters, for example, A, B, C, and D.

Also note that many times, there will be a larger number of headings as compared to the paragraphs/sections which won’t be a part of the task. Moreover, this will check whether you can understand what a paragraph is mainly about and tell the difference between the main idea and the supporting details.

How to Answer:

1. Skim each paragraph and summarise it in one short phrase in your mind.
2. Cross-check your mini-summary with the headings to find the closest match.
3. Don’t choose a heading just because it has a keyword; match the idea, not the words.

Tips:

• Focus on overall meaning, not small details.
• Eliminate headings that obviously don’t fit.
• Look for synonyms in the headings and paragraphs to match ideas.

Matching Information

In the Matching information question type, you will need to find specific information in the text. Further, the text will be divided into different paragraphs/sections and will be labelled as A, B, C, or D. For this, your main task is to match the correct information to the correct paragraph/section.

Moreover, this IELTS Reading question type will check how well you can scan the text quickly and find/locate details.

How to Answer:

1. Search for numbers, names, dates, or technical terms mentioned in the statement.
2. Scan the text paragraph by paragraph for these details.
3. Once found, check the surrounding sentence to confirm the match.

Tips:

1. Look for keywords or paraphrases in the text.
2. Don’t read the whole paragraph; scan first for the right info.
3. Keep track of paragraphs you’ve already used to avoid confusion.

Matching Features

Similar to the other “Matching” questions of the IELTS Reading format, the matching features question type will need you to match statements or various pieces of information to a list of options. These options are usually labelled as A, B, C, etc. An example of this includes “Matching descriptions of inventions to the people who invented them.”

Also note, there can be options which might not be used at all, along with some which can be used more than once. If repeating options is allowed, then “You may use any option more than once” will be mentioned in the instructions.

How to Answer:

1. Read the statement and highlight unique features that can be matched.
2. Search for these features in the options list and text simultaneously.
3. If options can be repeated, don’t rush; verify each carefully.

Tips:

• Check instructions carefully for repeating options.
• Compare similar options closely; details matter.
• Use keywords and context to find the correct match.

Matching Sentence Endings

In the matching sentence endings question type, you will be presented with the first half of a statement, which will be based on the information given in the text. Your job here is to choose which will be the best way to end the sentence by choosing from the list of possible ending options presented to you.

Similar to other questions, this question can also have more sentence endings than beginnings, so you won’t be using all of them.

How to Answer:

1. Try to complete the sentence in your head before looking at options.
2. Check each option to see which one fits both meaning and grammar.
3. Read the sentence with the chosen ending aloud in your mind to ensure it makes sense.

Tips:

• Check that the ending fits both meaning and grammar.
• Not all endings are used; ignore extras.
• Watch for subtle differences in wording between endings.

Sentence Completion

In the sentence completion of the IELTS Reading, you will be required to fill in the gaps in a set of sentences with the help of information directly from the reading passage. The questions usually appear in the same order as the information in the passage.

So if you answer Question 1, the answer to Question 2 will come later in the text. Most instructions ask you to use the exact words from the passage. Don’t change the word form or use synonyms unless the instructions say you can.

How to Answer:

1. Read the incomplete sentence and predict the missing word(s) in your own mind before checking the passage.
2. Scan the text for keywords from the sentence to locate the answer quickly.
3. Make sure the word fits grammatically and logically in the sentence.

Tips:

• Stick to exact words from the passage unless instructions allow changes.
• Pay close attention to singular/plural forms and verb tenses.
• Use context clues from surrounding words to confirm your answer.

Summary Completion

The summary completion question requires you to fill in gaps of a paraphrased summary text with the help of a list of words or the paragraph itself. Furthermore, there is also a word limit, which will be mentioned in the question instructions themselves. For this question, you must focus on keywords, synonyms, and grammatical fit to find details that match the text's main ideas.

How to Answer:

1. Read the summary and underline key words or ideas that indicate the missing information.
2. Look for synonyms or paraphrases in the passage that match these ideas.
3. Ensure your answer fits grammatically and matches the overall meaning of the summary.

Tips:

• Always follow the word limit given in the instructions.
• Focus on main ideas rather than small details.
• Check for consistent tense and number in your answers.

Table Completion

The table completion question of the IELTS Reading requires you to fill in the missing information in a table with the help of words from the reading passage. This also has a strict word limit, and failing to follow it can lead to loss of marks. Also, make sure not to change the word form or use your own synonyms unless it is specifically instructed.

How to Answer:

1. Understand the categories or headings in the table first.
2. Scan the passage for information that matches each heading or row.
3. Fill in answers that fit the table logically and grammatically.

Tips:

• Stick to the exact words from the passage unless told otherwise.
• Pay attention to units, numbers, and dates; they must match exactly.
• Double-check that each cell logically matches the row and column headings.

Flow-Chart Completion

Similar to the ones above, in the flow-chart completion, you will be required to fill in the gaps in a visual representation using words from the passage. Moreover, it can either ask you to choose the exact words from the reading passage for IELTS or pick the correct answer from a list of letters (A, B, C, etc.).

How to Answer:

1. Look at the sequence of steps in the flow chart and predict what is missing.
2. Scan the passage for steps or processes in the same order.
3. Ensure your answer fits both the process and the language in the flow chart.

Tips:

• Follow the instructions carefully for word limits or letter options.
• Watch the order of steps; answers must follow the sequence in the text.
• Check if the answer is a word from the passage or from a list of options.

Note Completion

In the note completion task of the IELTS Reading, you will be required to fill in the gaps of a set of notes with the help of information available in the text. These notes usually use headings and bullet points to summarise a part of the passage. If the instructions say “from the passage,” you must use the exact words from the text without changing spelling or word form (like singular/plural).

How to Answer:

1. Read the notes and headings to understand the context.
2. Scan the passage for information that matches each bullet point.
3. Make sure the wording fits grammatically with the notes.

Tips:

• Use exact words from the passage if the instructions say “from the passage.”
• Pay attention to singular/plural forms and spelling.
• Focus on keywords in headings and bullets to locate answers efficiently.

Diagram Labelling

Lastly, as the name suggests, the diagram labelling question will require you to label a diagram of a technical drawing, a design, or a visual representation of a natural process, based on information in the passage.

Also, note to always read the instructions carefully because the number of words or numbers you can use may vary. The instructions will show a limit, like “No More Than Two Words And/Or A Number.”

How to Answer:

1. Examine the diagram carefully and understand what each label represents.
2. Scan the passage for words or phrases that match the parts of the diagram.
3. Place the correct label in the appropriate location on the diagram.

Tips:

• Always follow the word or number limit in the instructions.
• Look for keywords, synonyms, and directional cues in the passage.
• Check that each label logically fits the part of the diagram it describes.

IELTS Reading Scoring Criteria

To get an 8+ IELTS Reading band score, you must understand how the Reading section is scored. Well, as already mentioned above, the IELTS Reading section has 40 questions. All of these are scored based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer gives you 1 mark, and an incorrect answer gives you no marks. Also, there are no penalties for wrong answers.

Your raw score (out of 40) is converted to a band score from 0 to 9. The conversion depends on whether you take the Academic or General Training test. For example, getting 30 out of 40 might give a Band 7 in Academic, but slightly different in General Training.

IELTS Reading Band Score Table

Here is an IELTS Reading band score conversion table for your reference:

Tips for Getting Band 8+ in IELTS Reading

Below are some practical strategies and IELTS reading tips that you can follow to achieve an 8+ IELTS reading band score. Take a look:

• Predict answers before looking at options: When it comes to multiple-choice or matching questions, you can try to think of the answer in your own words first. This will help prevent you from being tricked by distractors.
• Focus on keywords and synonyms: You can also try to train yourself to spot both exact words and paraphrases in the passage, as the exam often changes the wording.
• Practice skimming and scanning together: Practice with an IELTS reading mock test and make sure to skim for general meaning and then scan for specific details. Don’t do one without the other.
• Pay attention to grammar and word forms: Even if your answer has the right meaning, using the wrong singular/plural or verb tense can cost marks.
• Manage your time by question type: Spend less time on easier tasks and save more time for harder ones. For this, you can take multiple IELTS reading practice tests and track how long you spend on each task.
• Underline key phrases while reading: When scanning for answers, underline names, dates, numbers, or technical terms. This makes it easier to locate information quickly.

Conclusion

Summing up, getting a band 8+ in the IELTS Reading section is not just about reading fast. Instead, it is about reading smart. And for this, it is really important that you develop effective strategies such as skimming and scanning, understanding question types, managing your time efficiently, and practising regularly to build both accuracy and speed. If you need more help with your IELTS exam preparation, then it’s time you take Gradding’s IELTS online coaching, which can provide personalised guidance, expert tips, and structured practice sessions to help you maximise your score.

FAQs

1. How can I Improve My IELTS Reading Score?

The Best way to improve IELTS Reading score is by increasing your reading speed and reading a diverse range of materials like academic journals, newspapers (like the BBC or The Economist), and magazines for at least 30-40 minutes a day. You can also work on your skimming and scanning technique to find main ideas faster and more efficiently.

2. How Many Types of Questions are in IELTS Reading?

IELTS Reading has a total of 14 questions, all of which are designed to test different skills like understanding main ideas, identifying details, recognising opinions, and interpreting information. Some key question types include multiple-choice questions, True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, matching headings, matching information, and more.

3. What are the Most Common Mistakes in IELTS Reading?

Some common mistakes students make in IELTS Reading are:

• Reading every word instead of skimming and scanning
• Spending too much time on difficult questions
• Missing paraphrases where the question uses different words than the passage
• Not Identifying Keywords & Synonyms

4. Is There Any Negative Marking in IELTS Reading?

There is no negative marking in the IELTS Reading if your answer is wrong. You simply get 1 mark for each correct answer and 0 for every incorrect answer. You will also not be penalised for leaving an answer blank.

5. Are IELTS Reading Mock Tests Useful For Preparation?

Giving IELTS Reading mock tests is a great way to prepare for the reading section. They can help you familiarise yourself with the test format, time pressure, and understand the kind of questions you can get in the real exam.

6. How can I Manage Time in IELTS Reading?

The best way to manage your time in IELTS Reading is by dividing the total 60 minutes into roughly 20 minutes per passage. You can also adjust based on difficulty and aim for 15 mins (Passage 1), 20 mins (Passage 2), 25 mins (Passage 3).