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IELTS · Reading

IELTS Reading: texts, questions and timing

Understand what changes between Academic and General Training, and how to read for evidence.

Professor Scott Mendoza

Time
60 min
Questions
40
Sections
3

The format, explained

Academic Reading

Three sections draw on texts suitable for a general academic audience. You do not need to be a specialist in each subject.

General Training Reading

The sections move from everyday information to workplace texts, then a longer general-interest text.

Question types

You may match headings or information, complete gaps, choose answers, or decide whether a statement agrees with the text. True/False/Not Given concerns information; Yes/No/Not Given concerns a writer’s views or claims.

Official format references

Where to start practising

  1. Find the part of the text that supports an answer. An answer that sounds sensible is not enough.
  2. Practise explaining why one option is wrong, using the text rather than your own background knowledge.
  3. Notice paraphrases: the question and passage can express the same idea with different words.

Common questions

Does Not Given mean the statement is false?

No. It means the text does not provide enough information to decide. A false statement contradicts the text.

Should I translate the entire passage?

A full translation is usually an inefficient practice habit for a timed reading task. Work towards recognising sentence relationships and locating the evidence directly in English.

Official format references

Format facts are based on these official sources. Check the provider’s current instructions before booking. The study advice is Professor Scott’s independent guidance.

Format reviewed:

Put the English into practice

Read & practise

Short lessons for related English foundations. These are not official exam questions or complete test simulations.

How to agree partly and explain your concern

Name the point you accept, then explain the part you see differently.

Read & practise

Comparatives with than: compare two options

Use faster than or more expensive than to explain one clear difference between two choices.

Read & practise

Join sentences with and, but and so

Choose a connector and use a comma between complete clauses.

Read & practise

Keep exploring

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