Reading Hero Background

Reading: Your Complete Guide to the
IELTS Reading Test

Do you want to crack the reading section of IELTS without sweating over tricky questions or losing time? Great! You’re in the right place. Our Reading Course helps you build speed, accuracy, and complete exam confidence.

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Why the IELTS Reading Test Matters

The IELTS Reading test isn't just about understanding words — it's
about reading smart. You need to:

01

Key Ideas

Quickly identify main ideas and supporting details across different texts.

02

Hidden Meaning

Recognise facts, opinions, and implied meaning with confidence.

03

Text Types

Read and understand academic articles, reports, notices, and adverts.

04

Time Control

Manage time effectively to complete 40 questions in 60 minutes.

That’s why having a structured, well-practised strategy is the key and Master IELTS gives you exactly that.

Test Format Background

IELTS Reading Test Format (Academic)

40 questions 60 minutes No extra transfer time 1 mark per question
Passage 1
Descriptive / factual
Easier
Everyday academic topics
Passage 2
Analytical / discursive
Medium
More technical writing
Passage 3
Complex / argumentative
Hardest
Long, dense text with abstract ideas

IELTS Reading Question Types

Prepare for 12 common question types, each testing a specific reading skill.

True/False/Not Given
Identify factual accuracy
Don’t use your own knowledge — only the passage.
Yes/No/Not Given
Detect author’s opinions
Look for tone + intention.
Matching Headings
Understand main ideas
Read first sentences of paragraphs carefully
Matching Information
Scan for details
Keywords = your best friend.
Summary Completion
Identify missing info
Grammar must fit the blank.
Sentence Completion
Locate precise detail
Watch out for synonyms
Multiple Choice
Analyse ideas
Eliminate wrong answers first.
Diagram/Table Completion
Understand structure
Answers appear in passage order.
Matching Names
Link views to people
Circle names first before reading.

Band Score Conversion

Below is an approximate score conversion for Academic Reading:

Score Conversion

Correct Answers Band
39–40 9
37–38 8.5
35–36 8
32–34 7.5
30–31 7
27–29 6.5
23–26 6
18–22 5.5

How to Approach the Test

Reading becomes easier when you know what to do and when to do it.

01

Start with Skimming

Spend 1–2 minutes skimming the passage to understand:

Topic
Style
Structure
Arguments
02

Scan for Keywords

Don’t read every word. Search for:

Dates & Numbers
Names (Capitalized)
Technical Terms
03

Read for Detail

Once you locate the answer area:

Read the sentence before and after.

Check for synonyms (e.g., "important" → "significant").

04

Master Time Management

Your 60 minutes should ideally look like:

Passage 1
15 min
Passage 2
20 min
Passage 3
25 min
Tips Background

Tips to Improve Your IELTS
Reading Score

Daily Reading

Read news articles, journals, and blogs regularly to build reading fluency.

Timed Practice

Aim for 14 to 16 minutes per passage to improve speed and accuracy.

Topic Vocabulary

Build vocabulary in common IELTS topics such as environment, technology, science, education, and history.

Academic Focus

Practice only with IELTS Academic materials to match exam conditions.

Error Review

Review mistakes carefully instead of only completing more practice tests.

Why Learn with Master IELTS?

Whether you're a beginner or aiming for Band 7+, we've got a structured path for you.

01

Smart learning

Our lessons follow a clear, organised structure that makes every topic easy to understand. You always know what to study next and how to improve step by step.

02

Proven methods

We focus on practical exam techniques that actually reflect how IELTS questions work. Every strategy is designed to save time and reduce mistakes.

03

Guided support

You receive helpful guidance and resources tailored to your progress. This includes personalised support and one-to-one speaking sessions with an IELTS tutor.