• The IELTS Reading Test

Click Here to Practice IELTS READING TEST

      • Number of passages: 3 (700-900 words each)
      • Number of questions: 40
      • Given time: 60 minutes (20 minutes on each passage)

The reading part of the IELTS test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to read and comprehend various types of written texts, including academic and general interest articles, essays, and reports.

The test consists of 40 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it. The questions are in the form of multiple-choice, short-answer, and matching types.

More precisely, the IELTS reading test consists of three passages, each of which is followed by a set of 13-14 questions. These passages are designed to be challenging, and they cover a wide range of topics, including science, literature, history, and social issues.

Each passage is around 700-900 words in length, and the passages increase in difficulty as the test progresses. The texts are selected to reflect the types of reading material that candidates might encounter in academic or professional settings, and they are often taken from academic journals, textbooks, and other sources of specialized knowledge.

The questions are presented in the order in which the information appears in the passage, and they are designed to test a range of reading skills, including the ability to:

  • Frequently Asked Questions

The IELTS Reading test is one of the four sections of the IELTS exam, designed to assess your ability to understand and interpret written materials in English.

The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions and lasts for 60 minutes. You have one hour to complete all sections of the test.

In the Academic version, there are typically three passages of increasing difficulty. In the General Training version, there are three sections, which may include extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, or advertisements.

No, you are not allowed to write on the question paper or in your answer booklet during the Reading test. You can take notes on the provided question paper.

The questions in the IELTS Reading test come in various formats, including multiple choice, matching, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, and short answer questions.

No, there are no breaks between the passages. You must manage your time efficiently to answer all questions within the allocated 60 minutes.

Each question is worth one point. Your total score out of 40 is then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.

No, you are not allowed to bring any dictionaries or electronic devices into the test center.

No, there is no negative marking. You are not penalized for incorrect answers, so it’s advisable to attempt all questions.

To prepare for the IELTS Reading test, practice regularly with sample tests and reading materials in English. Familiarize yourself with the different question types and time management strategies.

You can also click this link for IELTS READING sample tests.