The Reading component consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills.
● Total time: 60 minutes
● 3 long passages
● 40 questions
● No extra time to transfer answers
● Question types include True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, MCQs, Summary Completion, Sentence
Completion, and more.
Conclusion : IELTS Academic Reading is not about reading faster — it’s about reading smarter. By skimming first, doing easy questions, applying the move-on strategy, and answering while reading, you will save time and increase your accuracy across all three passages.
The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 30-40 seconds to prepare, depending on the length of the passage. You hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed”.
You are only able to record your response once.
The audio begins to plays automatically. When the audio finishes, the microphone opens and the recording status box shows “Recording”. Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no short tone) and repeat exactly what you heard.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed”.
You are not able to replay the audio. You are only able to record your response once.
The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 25 seconds to study the image and prepare your response. You hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed”.
You are only able to record your response once.
The audio begins to play automatically. You may also see an image related to the audio. After the audio finishes, you have 10 seconds to prepare.
The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed”.
You are only able to record your response once.
The audio begins to play automatically. You may also see an image.
When the audio finishes, the microphone opens and the recording status box shows “Recording”. Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no short tone) and answer the question with one or a few words.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed”.
You are not able to replay the audio. You are only able to record your response once.
Before answering any questions:
● Skim the entire passage in 2–3 minutes.
● Focus on headings, topic sentences, and key ideas.
● Do NOT read every word.
Benefit:
If you skim first, your brain maps the passage.
Example: If you’re reading Passage 1 and find the answers to Questions 12 and 13, you already know the location —
so you don’t need to re-read the paragraph again. This saves a lot of time.
Start with question types that are straightforward:
● Fill in the blanks
● Matching features
● Simple factual questions
Leave harder ones (e.g., True/False/Not Given) for later.
Benefit:
You collect easy marks quickly and build momentum.
If a question is confusing:
● Don’t spend more than 30 seconds
● Move on immediately
Come back after finishing all three passages.
Benefit:
You avoid wasting time and increase your overall score.
When you find an answer during skimming or scanning:
● Write it down immediately
● Don’t wait to “double-check” later
Benefit:
Avoids repeated reading and saves time.
Most IELTS Reading questions follow the passage’s order.
● If Question 5 is in Paragraph B,
● Question 6 will usually be in Paragraph B or C.
Benefit:
You search more efficiently and avoid guessing.
Watch for:
● Names
● Dates
● Numbers
● Capitalised words
● Unique vocabulary
Benefit:
Scanning helps locate answers without reading every sentence.
Use this timing plan:
● Passage 1: 15–17 minutes
● Passage 2: 18–20 minutes
● Passage 3: 22–25 minutes (most difficult)
Benefit:
Ensures you finish all 40 questions.
