What is IELTS Reading Test
The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including how well you
- Read for the general sense of a passage, main ideas and for details.
- Understand inferences and implied meaning
- Recognise a writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose
- Follow the development of an argument
Reading test types
IELTS reading text has two exam types. IELTS Academic reading and IELTS General Training reading. Both tests assess your English language skills in reading.
Academic reading test details
Format | Three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration. |
Timing | 60 minutes including the transfer time |
Number of Questions | 40 questions |
Task Types | Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table. Match headings to written text to diagrams or charts. Complete sentences; give short answers to open questions. Answer multiple choice questions |
Marks | Every correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. |
General training reading test details
Format | Extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment. |
Timing | 60 minutes including the transfer time |
Number of Questions | 40 questions |
Task Types | In written text, fill gaps in phrases or in tables. Match headings to written text to diagrams or charts. Complete sentences. Give short answers to open questions and answer multiple choice questions. |
Marks | Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. |
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