What to Expect in the IELTS Reading Test
The IELTS Reading Test is designed to measure your ability to read and understand a variety of texts in English. The test lasts 60 minutes and consists of 40 questions spread across three sections. Each section includes a different passage and a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, sentence completion, True/False/Not Given, and more.
For the Academic module, the texts are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, and are more analytical or academic in style. In contrast, the General Training module features extracts from advertisements, notices, company handbooks, and general interest articles that reflect everyday English usage. Regardless of the version, the test assesses your ability to understand main ideas, details, logical arguments, and the writer’s purpose or opinion.
Time management is key, as there is no extra time to transfer your answers—you must write them directly on the answer sheet within the 60-minute limit. Performing well in the Reading section shows that you can handle English texts efficiently, which is crucial for success in academic and professional environments.