One of the biggest IELTS challenges is finishing the Reading section on time. With just 60 minutes for three passages and 40 questions, time management is essential. But speed without accuracy won’t get you a high band score. Here’s how to read faster and answer smarter.
📘 Understand the Task
The IELTS Reading section includes:
- 3 long passages
- 40 questions (13-14 per passage)
- Various question types (True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Multiple Choice, etc.)
🧠 Strategies to Read Faster and Smarter
- Skimming for the Main Idea
- Quickly glance through each paragraph, focusing on the first and last sentences to grasp the overall meaning.
- Scanning for Keywords
- Don’t read every word. When a question mentions a date, name, or statistic, scan the passage to find it.
- Focus on Question Types
- Practice the subtle differences between similar question types, like Yes/No/Not Given vs. True/False/Not Given.
- Eliminate Wrong Choices
- If you’re stuck, try removing obviously incorrect options. Narrowing it down increases your odds.
- Practice Under Exam Conditions
- Use a timer. Aim to complete each passage in about 20 minutes.
🚫 Common Pitfalls
- Reading the whole passage in detail before checking questions
- Spending too long on a single tricky question
- Lacking timed practice
📌 Final Tips
- Increase your reading stamina by tackling news articles and academic texts
- Keep a vocabulary journal for new words you encounter
- Learn to identify text structures (introduction → argument → conclusion)
🎯 Need Guided Reading Practice?
Ijada offers targeted IELTS Reading training with:
- Strategy drills
- Real exam practice
- Instructor feedback
Get your reading to band 7+ with our expert help!
