IELTS Reading Test 2025: Format, Pattern, Syllabus, Question Types & More
The IELTS Reading test assesses the extent to which you can read written English on a variety of subjects. Be it an article in a magazine, a research report, or a memo at work.
Well, this section of the IELTS exam evaluates your capacity to recognise main ideas from written text, your ability to scan for detail, and your understanding of the opinion or argument presented by the writer.
Think you're a speed reader? This section is not about speed!
Though that's also an important aspect, here at the exam hall, it's more about strategy and accuracy. Let's get into what you can expect and how to prepare well!
Key Highlights:
- The IELTS Reading test includes 3 sections with a total of 40 questions.
- The IELTS Reading section is 60 minutes long.
- The IELTS Reading test includes various question types such as matching headings, sentence completion, True/False/Not Given, multiple choice, and more.
- Both IELTS Academic and General Training tests have different reading passages but follow a similar format.
- For IELTS Reading test preparation, use trusted books, apps, and online platforms.
What is the IELTS Reading Test?
The IELTS Reading test examines your skill at reading, comprehending, and analysing a range of texts. Whether it's a brief notice, an academic article, or a sophisticated opinion piece, the reading test of IELTS assesses how well you're able to manage written English in different styles and formats.
Over 60 minutes, you’ll face three reading passages and 40 questions that test a range of skills like skimming for main ideas, scanning for details, identifying arguments, and distinguishing fact from opinion.
The IELTS Reading test is of two types: Academic and General Training
Whether you're sitting the Academic or General Training type, your IELTS Reading examination is the opportunity to demonstrate how adept you are at decoding information under stress.
IELTS Reading Test Format 2025
Now that you're on your way to taking the IELTS exam, it's worth noting that the Reading section exists in two forms: one for IELTS Academic and one for IELTS General Training. Both aim to test your reading comprehension, but the format and type of passages read are slightly different based on the test you take.
Let's first breakdown the IELTS Reading section format:
- Total duration: 60 minutes
- Total number of questions: 40
- Each question carries 1 mark
- Available in both paper-based and computer-based modes
- Your raw score (out of 40) is converted into the IELTS 9-band scale
Now, quickly look at the format difference between IELTS Academic and General Training, and the types of passages you’ll encounter in practice tests:
|
IELTS Academic |
IELTS General Training |
|---|---|
|
The reading section contains three long texts that are descriptive, factual, or analytical in tone. |
The reading section has three parts, each containing texts based on daily English use. |
|
Texts are typically taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. |
Content is sourced from notices, advertisements, guidebooks, and manuals. |
|
With consistent practice, it’s possible to score well on the Academic test. |
Sections focus on social survival, workplace understanding, and general reading. |
Types of Questions in the IELTS Reading Test 2025
The IELTS Reading test assesses your capacity to comprehend various types of texts using several question types. Every question type examines particular reading skills, like recognising details, comprehending opinions, or matching information. To do well in the test, you must be well-acquainted with all these question types and practice them constantly.
Here is a summary of the typical question types that you will come across in IELTS Academic as well as General Training Reading tests:
|
Question Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Multiple Choice |
Choose the correct answer(s) from a list of options based on the text. |
|
Identifying Information |
Decide if statements are True, False, or Not Given according to the passage. |
|
Identifying Writer’s Views |
Determine if the writer agrees or disagrees with given statements by answering Yes, No, or Not Given. |
|
Matching Information |
Locate specific information in the text and match it to the correct paragraph or section. |
|
Matching Headings |
Match headings to the appropriate paragraphs based on the main idea or theme. |
|
Matching Features |
Match statements or features (e.g., characteristics or events) to the correct options in the text. |
|
Matching Sentence Endings |
Complete sentence halves by selecting the best ending from given options. |
|
Sentence Completion |
Fill in the blanks in sentences with words taken from the text, following any word limit instructions. |
|
Summary/Note/Table/Flowchart Completion |
Complete summaries or notes using words from the passage to test detailed understanding. |
|
Diagram Label Completion |
Label a diagram or chart using information from the text, assessing ability to link text with visuals. |
|
Short-Answer Questions |
Answer questions briefly with information directly from the text, usually focusing on factual details. |
How is the IELTS Reading Test Scored?
The IELTS Reading test is scored based on the number of correct answers out of 40 questions.
Each correct answer earns 1 mark, with no penalty for wrong or skipped questions.
These raw scores are then converted into an IELTS band score from 1 to 9, which reflects your reading ability as per IELTS criteria.
Below is an approximate guide indicating how many correct answers you must have to attain certain band scores for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training:
IELTS Reading Score Calculator
|
Correct Answers (out of 40) |
IELTS Academic Band Score |
IELTS General Training Band Score |
|---|---|---|
|
15 |
5 |
4 |
|
23 |
6 |
5 |
|
30 |
7 |
6 |
|
34 |
7 |
7 |
|
35 |
8 |
8 |
|
38 |
8 |
8 |
Best Material to Prepare for IELTS Reading
These resources are curated to provide comprehensive preparation for the IELTS Reading section. Utilizing a combination of these books and websites will help you familiarize yourself with the test format, practice various question types, and develop effective strategies to achieve your desired band score.
Top IELTS Reading Preparation Books
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS (2025 Edition): A comprehensive resource offering practice tests, tips, and strategies for both Academic and General Training modules.
- Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic with Answers: Provides authentic past exam papers with detailed answer keys, ideal for familiarizing yourself with the test format.
- Barron’s IELTS Superpack (2025 Edition): A complete study package that includes practice exams, vocabulary builders, and test-taking strategies.
- IELTS Trainer (2025 Edition): Offers a structured approach with practice tests and step-by-step guidance to improve your reading skills.
- Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module focuses on strategies to achieve a higher band score, particularly useful for Academic module candidates.
Important Topics to Prepare for IELTS Reading Section
To perform well in the IELTS Academic Reading, you must become familiar with recurring themes and issues. Practising on these regularly will accustom you to various kinds of texts and types of questions. Through the practice of passages on these topics, you will be accustomed to varied vocabulary, tone, and concepts commonly tested in the exam.
- Can We Prevent the Poles from Melting?
- Illegal Downloads
- The Beautiful Game (Sports)
- Health and Fitness
- Tackling Obesity in the Western World
- Robots Are Coming: A New Intelligence?
- Crop-Growing Skyscrapers
- History of Computing Hardware
- Is Technology Harming Our Children’s Health?
- An Aviation Wonder and Its Creator
- Light Pollution
- Nature on Display in American Zoos
- Impacts of the Environment on Human Health
Tips to Prepare for the IELTS Reading Test
Remember, consistent practice and smart strategies can bring a significant change in your IELTS Reading score.
Hence, here are some sure-shot tips to prepare effectively for your IELTS reading test:
- Learn about the exam pattern: Familiarity with the reading section's format assists in making your study plan streamlined and identifying the most important areas.
-
Develop a study routine: Plan your preparation sessions judiciously to cover all the topics and types of questions systematically.
-
Develop your vocabulary: Read books, newspapers, and magazines on a daily basis. This will enhance your comprehension of various contexts and enable you to pick up new words in an organic way.
-
Study grammar: Observe sentence structures, punctuation, and grammar as you read to enhance comprehension.
-
Practice skimming and scanning: Develop the ability to identify main ideas in an instant and pinpoint specific details. Skimming aids time management in the test.
-
Carefully follow instructions: Always read each question's instructions to prevent losing marks on account of careless errors.
-
Make use of online practice materials: Utilise free IELTS reading practice tests on the internet to develop speed and accuracy.
Free IELTS Reading Practice Tests
The Reading section can present challenges, particularly due to its range of question types. You'll encounter passages that vary from factual to opinion-based content, and each passage is accompanied by a set of questions aimed at assessing your comprehension. Here are some sample papers to help make this process easier for you:
|
General |
Academic |
|---|---|
From the Desk of Yocket
Struggling with IELTS Reading? You’re not alone.
The reading section isn’t just about comprehension! It tests your speed, accuracy, and strategy. Many students lose marks not because they don’t know the answer, but because they misread instructions or panic under time pressure.
So here’s our expert advice: don’t just read, practice with purpose!
At Yocket Prep, we provide meticulously crafted IELTS Reading practice tests, performance analysis, and help you monitor your strengths and address your weak areas. With personalised guidance and revised study materials, we will guide you from aimless prep to goal-oriented improvement.
Hundreds of students are already studying abroad with Yocket as their guide.
Why haven't we seen you yet?
Frequently Asked Questions about IELTS Reading Test
What is the difference between ‘true,’ ‘false,’ or ‘not given’ options in IELTS reading?
How can I improve my reading in IELTS?
Why is IELTS reading difficult?
What is 30 out of 40 in IELTS reading?
How to calculate IELTS Reading marks?
Which IELTS test is suitable for you?
How many questions does the IELTS Reading test have?
Can the IELTS Reading Test be attempted in paper format?
How are IELTS General Reading score converted to a band?
18002706088
support@yocket.in