Module
IELTS Reading
Skimming, scanning, question-type strategies, and time management for Academic and General Training Reading.
The IELTS Reading test is identical in timing, total question count, and overall strategy for both formats, but the content and scoring strictness diverge significantly.
Format overview
Both tests give you 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. There is no extra time at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet, so you must write them down as you go.
| Feature | IELTS Academic Reading | IELTS General Training (GT) Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Passages | 3 long, complex texts | Section 1: 2–3 short, real-world texts. Section 2: 2 workplace-related texts. Section 3: 1 longer, general-interest passage |
| Text sources | Academic journals, books, research papers, and magazines | Advertisements, company handbooks, notices, brochures, and news articles |
| Vocabulary | Heavy, specialised, and abstract | Practical, everyday, and work-related |
| Target audience | University applicants and professional registrations (doctors, nurses, etc.) | Immigrants, secondary school applicants, and general employment |
The scoring system difference
Because the GT texts are easier to read, the scoring system punishes mistakes much more severely. You need more correct answers out of 40 in GT to hit the same band score as in Academic.
| Target band | Academic (correct / 40) | General Training (correct / 40) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 6.0 | 23–26 | 30–31 |
| Band 7.0 | 30–32 | 34–35 |
| Band 8.0 | 35–36 | 37–38 |
Common question types
Both exams draw from the exact same bank of question types:
- True / False / Not Given (or Yes / No / Not Given)
- Multiple Choice
- Matching Headings to paragraphs
- Sentence / Summary Completion (fill-in-the-blanks)
- Matching Features / Information
Core reading strategies
- Skim before scanning: Spend 60 seconds looking at headings, subheadings, diagrams, and first sentences of paragraphs to get the "map" of the passage before looking at questions.
- Keywords lie, synonyms don't: The test almost never uses the exact words from the question inside the text. Look for paraphrases and synonyms.
- True vs. Not Given: "False" means the text directly contradicts the statement. "Not Given" means the text simply doesn't contain enough information to prove or disprove it, even if you know the answer from your real-life knowledge.
- Time division: Don't split time equally (20 minutes per section). On Academic, aim for 17 minutes on Passage 1, 20 on Passage 2, and 23 on Passage 3. On GT, fly through Sections 1 and 2 in 25–30 minutes combined, saving the rest of your time for the longer Section 3 text.
Crucial test rules
- Spelling counts: If you spell a fill-in-the-blank answer wrong, it is marked incorrect.
- Strict word limits: Pay close attention to instructions like NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER. Writing three words makes the answer instantly wrong, even if the information is accurate.
- No negative marking: You aren't penalised for wrong answers. Never leave a blank on the answer sheet.
2 April 2026
IELTS Reading question types that cost Band 6 students marks
Matching headings, Yes/No/Not Given, and summary completion — the three formats where method beats 'just reading more'.
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Skimming and scanning for Band 7+ Reading
How to move through IELTS Reading passages without drowning in detail — and still hit the question types that cost you marks.
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