10 IELTS reading tips

1. Understand the test format

First, read the passage carefully and think twice about what the questions expect from you. Many of us lose marks because we fail to deliver accurate answers.


The IELTS Reading section contains :

• 3 reading passages (in the Academic version) or 3 sections (in the General Training version)
• 40 questions total Question types such as :
  • Multiple choice
  • Matching headings
  • True/False/Not Given
  • Sentence completion
  • Summary completion
  • Short-answer questions

Each passage becomes slightly more difficult, so don’t panic if the last one feels tougher!

2. Stop every word from reading

In a reading test, thoroughly reading every word will consume your time, so you have to use the skimming and scanning method here.

• Skimming: Quickly read through the passage to understand the main idea.
• Scanning: Look for specific words, names, numbers, or dates related to the questions.

This strategy helps you focus only on the necessary information, not the whole text.

Here, always remember that –
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” – Brian Herbert.

And where there is a will, there is a way.

3. Read the questions first

Try reading the whole question, such as at a glance, before diving into the passage. Notice key points like advanced words, dates, comparisons, names, etc. Underline the keywords; note the kind of information you are being told.
This will help you save your time and remind you about important points.

4. Watch out for tricky words

Alert! IELTS likes to use high-end vocabulary. For example, you can find the word “rise of ” in a question, but in a passage, you may find “increase in”. These two words are the same; both are just synonyms of each other.

So, watch out when you see anything like these. Train your vocabulary intensely so you do not find it that hard.

5. Don’t leave blanks

There is no negative marking in the IELTS exam, so do not leave it blank. Always try to write something, even if you are not sure about it. What if you could guess the right one by trusting your instincts?

If you got stuck somehow, do not wait to fill that in. If you are already so confused, just start with the remaining ones. Do not waste your time answering one question.

6. Learn to recognize “Not Given”

“True, False, Not Given” questions confuse many students.

To handle them, remember:

• True: The passage agrees with the statement.
• False: Clearly disagrees with the passage.
• Not Given: There’s nothing in the passage about it.

If there is no clear statement, do not answer it with your guess. Just follow the passage. Most of the time, people lose their scores because of it.

7. Practice with time pressure

Your primary challenge in the IELTS Reading exam is to focus and finish it on time. Time management is the biggest challenge. Give mock tests to test yourself.

MIE English Academy offers free mock tests; you should take the test to identify areas where you need improvement and determine the amount of preparation required.

You can also help yourself by setting a timer; however, if you take mock tests that simulate the exam center experience, you will get to know yourself better.

For personal preparation, set a timer for 60 minutes, and maintain this below-

• 20 minutes per passage
• Around 1.5 minutes per set of questions

Over time, you’ll get faster and more confident.

8. Review your mistakes

Try to figure out where you missed the answers.

Follow these below – Did you:

• Misread a question?
• Fall for a distractor word?
• Run out of time?

Learn from your mistakes; that is the fastest way to improve yourself.
Again, for you to remind yourself –

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier.

9. Use authentic IELTS materials

Try to follow official Cambridge IELTS books or the British Council, which follow the closest question pattern, like the actual IELTS exam. Or else you can follow the materials that are provided by MIE English Academy. They gave real test exam materials, which can definitely help you.

10. Get guidance from experts

Those who have a band 9 have taken the guidance of an expert. If you want to prepare without any institution or guide, you might lack. But if you ask for someone’s suggestion, we would say you definitely should take guidance, which you need to follow, so it will help you achieve your dream score. Because the expert knows what a student will need.

A good IELTS instructor can provide you with:

• Show you smarter strategies
• Give feedback on your weak areas
• Motivates you to keep going

There you go; MIE English Academy is here to guide you, where you can have personal sessions.