Reading Test Introduction

IELTS-MODULES ; Reading Introduction

IELTS Reading Test Introduction

                 The purpose of the IELTS Reading Module is to test your ability to understand a written text and find General and Specific information in a text. This includes finding details about the 'purpose' of a text.

 The reading test always has the same format:

The test is 60 minutes long, there are always three reading passages and 40 questions.

The texts in used in the Reading Module are from:

·                      Books   
             Magazines    

                         Newspapers     

                         Articles

The reading texts can be on a variety of topics. Some may be about scientific issues, others about history, or even aspects of society (e.g. drug addiction, etc.).  Whatever  the topic, the reading texts are regarded as being ‘General Interest’. This means that even if the topic of a reading text is scientific, you do not need specialist scientific knowledge to read it. The text used should be accessible to anyone, whatever their background or area of study.

One or more of the passages will be a 'detailed argument' where one side or both sides of an issue is explored. At least reading text one could include a diagram, an illustration or a chart or table that contains information you will need to answer the questions given.

      Like the listening test, you write your answers on an answer sheet. Unlike the listening test, you write your answers directly onto the question paper. You do not receive 10 minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answers.


Reading tips

BEFORE YOU TAKE THE TEST

1. Read as much as you can in English.

2. Keep a notebook of the words you learn.

3. Try to write these words in a sentence and put these sentences into a paragraph.

4. Learn words in context-not from a word list.

5. Know the types of questions found on the IELTS test.

6. Know the type of information sought on the IELTS test.

7. Know how to make predictions.

8. Know how to skim and scan, to look quickly for information.

DURING THE TEST

1. Read the title and any headings first. Make predictions about the topic.

2. Look over the questions quickly. Make predictions about content and organization.

3. Read the passage at a normal speed. Don’t get stuck on parts you don’t understand.

4. When you answer the questions, don’t spend too much time on the ones you don’t feel sure about. Make a guess and go on.

5. After you have answered all the questions, you can go back and check the ones you aren’t sure about.

6. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes on each passage.