IELTS REVIEW MODULE 2
Prepared by: Teacher Jay
Student: Liu Zhe Han
IELTS Reading Test: Preparation Tips and Strategies
The IELTS Reading Test lasts for 60 minutes and includes three sections. Each
section contains a different reading passage, followed by questions. The total
number of questions is 40. Time management is crucial to ensure you complete all
sections within the time limit. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and strategies
to improve your score:
General Test Structure:
Section 1: Often contains factual information and is more descriptive.
Allocate around 15 minutes for this section.
Section 2 & 3: These sections typically feature more challenging material
with detailed and complex ideas. Allocate around 20 to 23 minutes for each
section.
The texts are academic in style but are not overly technical. You will not need
specialist knowledge to understand the passages, though some academic
vocabulary may be present.
Types of Questions:
There are 11 main question types in the IELTS Reading Test. Below are the most
common ones, along with key strategies for tackling them:
1. Multiple Choice Questions:
o Task: Choose the correct answer from four options.
o Tip: Read the instructions carefully to ensure you select the correct
number of answers. Pay close attention to keywords in the question
and text.
2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given):
o Task: Decide if statements agree with the text (True), contradict the
text (False), or if the information is not provided (Not Given).
o Tip: Make your decision based only on the information in the text, not
on prior knowledge. Pay special attention to the distinction between
False and Not Given.
3. Identifying Writer’s Views or Claims (Yes/No/Not Given):
o Task: Determine whether statements match the writer’s views (Yes),
contradict the views (No), or if the views are not mentioned (Not
Given).
o Tip: Focus on the writer’s opinions and avoid using your own
knowledge of the topic to influence your answer.
4. Matching Information:
o Task: Match sentences or ideas with the corresponding paragraph or
section of the text.
o Tip: Be aware that multiple sentences may connect to the same
paragraph. Refer to the paragraph labels (A, B, C) to guide you.
5. Matching Headings:
o Task: Match headings to the correct paragraph.
o Tip: There will be more headings than paragraphs, so some will not be
used. Be mindful of subtle differences in meaning.
6. Matching Features:
o Task: Pair statements with the correct items, such as people, places,
or events.
o Tip: Read through the list of items carefully before matching.
7. Matching Sentence Endings:
o Task: Complete sentences by matching them with the correct endings.
o Tip: The order of the sentence beginnings matches the order of the
information in the text, so you won’t have to jump around the passage.
8. Sentence Completion:
o Task: Complete sentences by filling in the blanks with words or
numbers from the text.
o Tip: Pay close attention to the word limit in the instructions. Use words
directly from the text, not synonyms.
9. Note, Table, Flowchart, or Summary Completion:
o Task: Fill in blanks in a note, table, flowchart, or summary using
information from the text.
o Tip: Be sure to follow the word limit and provide exact words from the
text.
10.Diagram Labeling:
o Task: Label a diagram based on information provided in the text.
o Tip: Read the instructions carefully, and refer to the diagram’s list of
options to help you select the correct labels.
11.Short Answer Questions:
o Task: Provide short answers based on information found in the text.
o Tip: Review the instructions for the word limit and ensure your answer
is based directly on the text, without paraphrasing.
Additional Tips:
Skimming and Scanning: These techniques are essential for quickly
identifying main ideas and finding specific details. Practice these skills to
improve your reading speed and accuracy.
Vocabulary: While the passages will use academic language, unfamiliar
terms are often defined within the text or a glossary. Focus on understanding
the context.
Spelling and Grammar: Correct spelling and grammar are essential. Review
your answers if time permits.
Paraphrasing: Be aware that questions may use paraphrased information
from the passage. Recognizing synonyms and alternative expressions will
help you answer more accurately.
Time Management:
Section 1: Spend about 15 minutes.
Sections 2 & 3: Spend about 20-23 minutes on each.
Final Thoughts:
Effective time management, a thorough understanding of question types, and the
ability to focus on the text rather than outside knowledge are key to performing well
in the IELTS Reading Test. Practice regularly, review your mistakes, and familiarize
yourself with academic vocabulary to boost your score.
Highlights
📚 Test Structure: The reading test lasts 60 minutes with three sections and
40 questions total.
Time Management: Allocate 15 minutes for Section 1 and 20-23 minutes
for Sections 2 and 3.
📖 Question Types: Familiarize yourself with 11 different question types,
including multiple choice and true/false.
🔍 Reading Strategy: Skim for main ideas and scan for details to save time
and improve accuracy.
📝 Instructions Matter: Always read the question instructions carefully to
avoid losing marks.
🔄 Paraphrasing Skills: Recognize paraphrased information in questions; it’s
crucial for answering correctly.
📈 Practice Resources: Utilize mock tests and vocabulary-building activities
for effective preparation.
Key Insights
📊 Understanding Question Types: Knowing the 11 question types helps in
strategizing responses and managing time effectively. Each type has unique
requirements, so recognizing them reduces confusion during the test.
Effective Time Management: Proper allocation of time per section based
on difficulty can significantly enhance performance, allowing for thorough
reading and answering of questions.
📑 Academic Language Familiarity: While texts are academic, they are not
overly technical, reducing anxiety about complex vocabulary and making
comprehension easier.
🔍 Importance of Details: Paying attention to small details in questions can
prevent avoidable mistakes, emphasizing the need for careful reading of both
questions and texts.
🎯 Critical Reading Skills: Skimming and scanning are essential skills for
navigating lengthy texts efficiently, enabling test-takers to find relevant
information quickly.
🧠 Building Vocabulary: Regular reading practice and vocabulary
enhancement are key to improving comprehension and answering
paraphrased questions accurately.
📚 Utilizing Resources: Taking advantage of available resources, such as
mock tests and vocabulary activities, can provide valuable practice and
insights into the test format.
