Tips to improve your IELTS reading

Hi everyone! If you’re preparing for your IELTS exam you might be worried about the reading section of the test. The reading part can be tricky as you only have an hour to read 3 texts and answer 40 questions. That works out at 20 minutes per section, but the texts get more complicated so you should leave as much time as you can for the last text. So here some, tips to improve your IELTS reading. Me to my first tip:

1. Time management:

   
   

   Unlike the speaking and listening sections, you have to take responsibility for how much time you spend on each section. I’d strongly recommend doing some practice papers - you can buy official books online, and IELTSLiz and IELTS advantage also have links to other sources. You should time yourself every time you do a practice paper so you get a feel for how long an hour is. 

2. Skimming and scanning skills:

   
   

   There are two ways to find information about a text quickly. Skimming means using headlines, pictures and layout to get an idea of the gist of a text. IELTS liz suggests doing a very quick 2-3 minute skim read of the text before you read the questions, but don’t be tempted to read the whole thing in depth. You simply don’t have time for that!

3. Don’t try to understand the whole text:

   
   
   
   

   I’ll say it again because this is very important. Once you’ve done your skim read, read the questions and decide which one you’re going to start with (this may be the question type you find easiest). You only need to find the information in the text which answers the questions. Any other information isn’t necessary, so don’t waste time looking for it!

4. Speed reading skills:

   
   

   Some of us are slow readers and some of us can read quickly. The latter group has a real advantage in the IELTS exam, while the former needs to practise reading faster. I’d start by picking an official reading text (the first one in the exam) and give yourself 20 minutes to complete the section. Next time, set the timer  for 18 minutes, and so on. If you really get confident, do the same for the second two articles. 

5. Develop a strategy for each different type of question:

   
   
   
   

   There are 14 different types of question in the IELTS reading exam, though some of those are similar so you may be able to use the same strategy for more than one type. If you’re on an IELTS preparation course, your teacher can help you form your strategy, and there are good practice questions online. 

6. Key words:

   
   
   
   

   During your first skim read, you should underline any obvious key words (like dates, names and numbers), you might save time later when answering the questions. There are key words in the questions too, and these will help you locate the information you need in the text. Remember though, that a synonym of the key word might be in the text. This leads me to my next tip

7. Broaden your vocabulary:

   
   
   
   

   I’ve said before that the IELTS exam is essentially a vocabulary test. The broader your vocabulary, the better your chances will be of getting a good grade. You should already have vocabulary lists in your notebook, and you should add synonyms to those words, but be careful of the context, as different synonyms are used to convey subtleties of meaning. Ask your teacher for help with this. 

Lastly, read. Read as much as you can. It’s a good idea to read IELTS type articles

as you’ll start to get a feel for what language is used and your reading will speed up at the same time. Reading any other type of text (books, magazines, newspapers, websites) will all add to your vocabulary passively and you might even enjoy it!

Good luck! 

*All pictures from a stock images database