How to Improve Your Score in the IELTS Reading Exam

Difficult.

That is the adjective commonly used for the IELTS Reading Exam, because the hardships many experience just to raise their band scores. I, however, beg to disagree, as the Reading Examination can actually be the easiest part of the test – after all the answers are all in the text.

The real problem with the reading examination is that it its tricky. I am sure that your review center can teach you a thing or two about the proper attack for the Reading exam, but here are some more tip to up your Reading Band Score that you may also find useful.

1.       Read, read, and when you get fed up with is, read some more. A constant reader is a faster reader compared to someone who reads less. If you want to improve your speed and comprehension, best to make reading a habit.

2.       Answer IELTS Reading practice tests strategically. This will help you in several ways: it will give you an idea of the format of the exam; it will let you experience the different question types of the IELTS reading test; and you may be able to develop your own set of techniques in attacking the IELTS examination questions, particularly the confusing ones. Also, try and answer with a time limit.

3.       Read the questions first. ALL of the answers are already in the text – all you need to do is to find it. But how do you find something if you don’t know what to look for? This is the importance of looking through the questions first. It tells you exactly what you need from the text.

4.       Work within the time limit. You have an hour to do 3 sections of the Reading test. That means you have 60 minutes to read the question, dissect 3 articles that are a total of 1,000 to 1,200 words, and answer the question. That is a lot to do in only 60 minutes. Pacing yourself is important. Basically, you have 20 minutes per section. Work within that time limit.

5.       If you only need a Band 6 (or a Band 5, if you are doing General Training Reading), focus on the first two sections. The Reading Exam is of increasing difficulty, so the first 2 sections are the easiest. The first two sections will give you roughly 27 points, which is enough for you to get a Band 6.

The Reading Examination is definitely challenging, but there is no way around it – you either pass it or you don’t.

Good luck!