IELTS Reading Basic Tips for Beginners (General & Academic)

 

IELTS Reading Basic Tips for Beginners (General & Academic)

The IELTS Reading test can seem challenging at first, but with the right strategies, you can improve your skills and score. Whether you're preparing for the General Training or Academic version, the format is similar: 40 questions, 3 sections, and 60 minutes—no extra time for transferring answers. Here are some basic tips to help beginners get started:

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1. Understand the Question Types

Familiarize yourself with the common question types:

• Multiple choice

• True/False/Not Given

• Matching headings

• Sentence completion

• Summary completion

• Matching names, information, or features

Tip: Practice each type so you know what to expect and how to approach them.

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2. Practice Skimming and Scanning

• Skimming: Quickly read the passage to get the main idea.

• Scanning: Look for specific words or details in the text.

These techniques save time and help you locate answers more efficiently.

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3. Don’t Read Every Word

You don’t need to understand every single word. Focus on the keywords in the question and find where they appear in the text.

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4. Read the Questions First

Always read the questions before the passage. This gives you a clear purpose and helps you know what to look for.

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5. Use Keywords

Underline or note important words in the question (names, dates, places, etc.). Look for similar words or paraphrases in the text.

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6. Watch Out for Traps

Be careful with words like always, never, only, or most—they often signal tricky True/False/Not Given questions.

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7. Manage Your Time

You have about 20 minutes per section. Don’t spend too long on one question. If you’re stuck, move on and come back later if there’s time.

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8. Spell Answers Correctly

Spelling counts! If your answer is spelled incorrectly, it will be marked wrong—even if the idea is right.

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9. Write Answers Clearly on the Answer Sheet

There's no extra time to transfer answers. Fill in the answer sheet as you go, and make sure your handwriting is clear.

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10. Practice Regularly

The more you practice, the more familiar you'll become with the format and question types. Use official IELTS practice materials whenever possible.

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By starting with these basics and building up your skills over time, you’ll feel more confident and better prepared for the IELTS Reading test.