IELTS Reading AI Scoring Tests
IELTS Reading Helpful Books
IELTS Reading Section: Key Information for Academic (AT) and General Training (GT)
Overview
- Duration: 60 minutes (no extra time to transfer answers).
- Questions: A total of 40 questions spread across 3 sections.
- Main Difference:
- Academic Reading (AT) focuses on scholarly and academic content.
- General Training Reading (GT) features everyday English used in social and workplace settings.
- Scoring: Each correct answer earns 1 mark, with the raw score converted into a band score (0–9).
Academic Reading (AT)
- Passages:
- Three long, complex passages from sources such as books, academic journals, and newspapers.
- Topics are of general interest but written for an academic or professional audience.
- Some passages may include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations.
- Purpose: Designed for those pursuing higher education or seeking professional certification.
- Question Types:
- Multiple Choice: Choose one or more correct answers.
- Matching Headings: Match a list of headings to the correct paragraphs.
- Matching Information: Identify specific details or ideas in paragraphs.
- True/False/Not Given: Determine if a statement agrees with the text, contradicts it, or is not mentioned.
- Sentence Completion: Fill in missing words using information from the passage.
- Diagram/Chart/Flowchart Completion: Label diagrams using details from the text.
- Summary Completion: Complete a summary using words from the passage or a word bank.
General Training Reading (GT)
- Passages:
- Section 1: Two or three short texts focusing on everyday situations (e.g., advertisements, notices, or schedules).
- Section 2: Two short, workplace-related texts, such as job descriptions, company policies, or instructions.
- Section 3: A longer, more detailed text on a topic of general interest, such as a magazine or newspaper article.
- Purpose: Tailored for practical and social English skills, useful for migration or work purposes.
- Question Types:
- Matching Information: Find specific information in paragraphs.
- Matching Features: Match statements to a list of features.
- Matching Headings: Connect headings to correct sections of the text.
- Sentence Completion: Complete sentences with words from the passage.
- True/False/Not Given: Determine the accuracy of statements based on the text.
- Short-Answer Questions: Write answers to questions using a word limit.
Key Tips for Both AT and GT
- Time Management: Spend no more than 20 minutes on each passage.
- Read the Questions First: Skim the questions before reading the passage to know what to focus on.
- Scan and Skim: Use scanning for keywords and skimming for general meaning to save time.
- Highlight Keywords: Underline names, dates, numbers, or unique phrases while reading.
- Answer Order: Questions typically follow the order of the passage, making it easier to locate answers.
- Practice: Use official materials and past papers to familiarize yourself with the test style.
IELTS Reading Section: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Overview
- The computer-based Reading section follows the same structure, format, and scoring as the paper-based test.
- Duration: 60 minutes (no extra time to transfer answers, as they are saved automatically).
- Questions: 40 questions across 3 sections.
Key Features of Computer-Based Reading
- On-Screen Display:
- The passage and questions appear side by side on the screen.
- You can scroll through the passage while keeping the questions visible.
- Navigation:
- Move between questions freely within the section.
- Highlight key points or words directly on the screen for better focus.
- Use the “Review” button to mark questions you want to revisit later.
- Timer: A countdown timer at the top of the screen helps you manage time efficiently.
Format
- Same Passages and Question Types:
- The passages and types of questions are identical to the paper-based test.
- Academic (AT): Focuses on academic content, diagrams, and complex texts.
- General Training (GT): Emphasizes everyday and workplace-related texts.
Advantages of Computer-Based Reading
- Faster Navigation: Easily locate and review specific questions.
- Highlight and Notes: Digital tools allow highlighting and note-taking directly on the passage.
- Neatness: Typing answers eliminates issues with handwriting.
- Real-Time Answer Saving: Answers are saved automatically, reducing errors from manual transfers.
Tips for CBT Reading
- Practice Using Digital Tools: Get familiar with highlighting, scrolling, and navigating the interface before the test.
- Utilize the Timer: Keep an eye on the timer to ensure even time distribution across sections.
- Avoid Over-Scrolling: Focus on one part of the passage at a time to avoid losing track.
- Prepare in Advance: Take computer-based mock tests to build confidence and speed.
The computer-based test offers greater convenience and modern tools for efficient answering while maintaining the same level of difficulty and question format as the paper-based test.