The OET Reading sub-test structure

The IELTS Reading sub-test structure

  • IELTS Academic Reading – (60 minutes)

 

Section 1 – Least complex (between 10-17 questions)

In this section, the topics discussed are quite varied, as the passages are drawn from authentic academic sources. However, some common themes and areas you might encounter are natural science, humanities and science, technology and innovation, and general interest academic topics.

 

Section 2 – More complex (between 10-17 questions)

In this section, the topics generally become more complex and may delve deeper into specific areas compared to section 1. You'll often encounter passages that discuss social Sciences in more depth, environmental and biological topics, technology and its implications, and abstract or conceptual topics.

 

Sections 3 – Most challenging (between 10-17 questions)

This section is generally considered as the most challenging. It delves into complex and specialized areas within advanced natural sciences, complex social sciences, and abstract humanities topics. 

 

  • IELTS General Reading – (60 minutes)

 

Sections 1 – Daily Life topics (between 12-14 questions)

This contains two or three short factual texts related to everyday life. These might be notices, advertisements, timetables, or short descriptive pieces.

 

Sections 2 – Work-related topics (between 8-10 questions)

This contains two short factual texts focused on work-related situations. Examples include job descriptions, company policies, training materials, or workplace safety guidelines

 

Sections 3 – General interest topics (between 13-17 questions)

This contains one longer text on a topic of general interest. This text is more complex and may come from magazines, newspapers, books, or company brochures.

IELTS Reading Question types

  • True / False / Not Given: decide if they agree with the information in the text (True), contradict it (False), or if the information isn't mentioned (Not Given).


  • Yes / No / Not Given: Similar to True/False/Not Given, but this focuses on the writer's views or claims in the text. You decide if the statements agree with the writer (Yes), contradict them (No), or if the writer's view isn't mentioned (Not Given).


  • Multiple Choice Questions: choose the best answer based on the information in the text.


  • Matching Questions: require you to connect information from one set to corresponding information in another set. 


  • Sentence Completion: Finishing sentences based on what you read.


  • Short Answer Questions: You'll be asked direct questions about the text and need to write short answers using words from the passage. A word limit will be specified.

 


How is reading ability assessed in IELTS?

The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand written English by evaluating skills like grasping main ideas and specific details, inferring meaning, recognizing writer's views, following arguments, and efficiently scanning text. Your performance is measured by the number of correct answers out of 40, which is then converted to an IELTS band score, with slightly different conversion scales for the Academic and General Training versions.

 

How is the Reading sub-test scored?

The IELTS Reading sub-test is scored based on the number of correct answers out of the 40 questions. Each correct answer receives one mark, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. This raw score is then converted into an IELTS band score on a scale of 1 to 9. The conversion table differs slightly between the Academic and General Training tests, with the Academic test generally requiring fewer correct answers for the same band score due to the greater complexity of the texts. 

 

Check IELTS Band Scores here. 



 

How to prepare for the IELTS Reading test?

  1. Understand that the test has three sections that progressively get more difficult.
  2. Prioritize spending less time on easier questions in the first section and dedicating more time to the challenging ones in the subsequent sections.
  3. Work on expanding your vocabulary and develop techniques for guessing the meaning of unfamiliar words from context.
  4. It is important to thoroughly understand the instructions for each question. Misinterpreting instructions can lead to incorrect answers, even if you understand the text.
  5. Accurate spelling is essential. Incorrect spelling will be marked wrong, even if the answer is conceptually correct.
  6. Quickly scan the relevant section of the reading passage (identified by the keywords from the question) to find the answer. Don't read every word in detail at this stage.
  7. In Multiple Choice, eliminate wrong answers: Actively try to eliminate the incorrect answer options.
  8. Don't Assume: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage. Don't bring in outside knowledge or make assumptions.
  9. In Yes/No/Not Given questions, focus on the Writer's Opinion: Remember that you are looking for the writer's perspective, not general knowledge or what you personally believe to be true.
  10. In Yes/No/Not Given questions, Look for Explicit Negatives for "No": Words like "not," "never," "no one," "impossible" in the passage are strong indicators of a contradiction.
  11. In Yes/No/Not Given questions, Be Wary of "All," "Every," "Always," "Never," "Only": These absolute words often indicate a "No" answer if the passage presents a more general or less absolute view.
  12. In Yes/No/Not Given questions, Don't Assume or Infer for "Yes" or "No": The agreement or contradiction must be explicitly stated or clearly implied by the writer. If you have to make an assumption or draw a conclusion that isn't directly stated, the answer is likely "Not Given."
  13. Practice with reliable practice tests. Such as the SGR free practice tests.