Top 10 IELTS Reading Test Tips

 

IELTS READING TIPS

Following these easy IELTS Speaking tips and tactics will help you improve your score. To help you improve your IELTS Reading score, I've compiled the top 10 IELTS Speaking strategies

(Nota-Bene : I adhered to them completely and received 8 in Reading marks. Although I can't promise you to adhere to it entirely, I can promise you that it will be really helpful)

1. Skim over and watch for the answers

Skimming refers to looking only for the main ideas. You don't need to read attentively every word. Remember, you just need to answer the questions, nothing more. So skim over the text and then start looking for the answers.

2. Watch your time

Don’t forget you have only 60 minutes to read three texts and answer 40 questions. You won’t get additional time for filling your answer sheet, so make sure manage your time properly.

3. Is your spelling correct?

Check your spelling before writing your answer on the answer blank. You will get zero points for the answer if it's spelled incorrectly.

4. Keep the order

Remember that the questions follow the order of the text in most cases. So the answer to question 5 will come after the answer to question 4 and so on.

5. Underline!

When you skim over the text, underline the most important phrases. It will help you to save some time when you will search for answers.

6. Unfamiliar vocabulary? That's OK!

Do not worry if the text seems unfamiliar to you or you don’t know some words. Every answer can be found in the text, you don’t need any additional knowledge to succeed.

7. Pay attention to the details

Look thoroughly through the text. Any special features such as capital letters, underlining, italics, figures, graphs and tables are likely to matter.

8. No blank boxes

Answer all the questions, even if you’re not sure in your answer. You don't get penalty for wrong answers, so try your luck and write the most probable answer.

9. Cross out the wrong answers

If you saw answer that you're sure is wrong, cross it out. This way you won't get confused and save your time.

10. Choose your own technique

It may sound strange at first, but... There is no ultimate advice which technique fits you the best. You should choose yourself how to search for right answers and what to do first: read questions or text. A lot successful candidates prefer to read the text first, and only then answer the questions. But some say it's better to do the other way. Practise doing IELTS Reading samples to determine which technique fits you more.