Strategy for getting a 9 on Reading Section of the IELTS - Deep Dive

Welcome to part one of our ongoing series on how to ace the IELTS exam. Here’s where we’re at:

• Part 1: Acing the Reading Section (this post)
• Part 2: Acing the Writing Section
• Part 3: Acing the Listening Section
• Part 4: Acing the Speaking Section

Reading Section - IELTS

I got a 9 on the Reading section of the IELTS.

Many find the IELTS reading section tough, so I've made this guide to help you ace it. We'll begin with the basics to understand what this section is all about, making test day less scary. Then, we'll look at the common mistakes in the reading test to know what to watch out for.

Next, we'll go over the different types of questions you might see and give you simple strategies to answer them.

In the end, I'll share a study plan, some online resources, and extra activities to boost your reading skills.

Let's get started!

Fundamentals

• You have 60 minutes for 40 questions.
• The Reading test has three sections.
• Aim to spend around 20 minutes on each section.
• Sections become more difficult as you progress.
• You might finish the first section faster, saving time for harder sections later on.

IELTS Reading Band Score Breakdown: Correct Answers Needed for Academic vs. General Training

• To achieve the highest Band Score (9), candidates need to answer all questions (40 out of 40) correctly, irrespective of the test type (Academic or General Training).
• For Academic test-takers, there is a clear 5-question gap between each major band score from 7 to 9 (e.g., 30 for Band 7 and 35 for Band 8).
• General Training test-takers have a varying gap between band scores, with the difference being as much as 6 questions between Band 6 and 7, and only 2 questions between Band 8 and 9.
• Band Score 5 in the Academic test requires 15 correct answers, while in the General Training test, it requires 23 correct answers, making the General Training version seem stricter at this level.
• At Band Score 6, both tests start to converge in difficulty, with only a 7-question difference between the Academic and General Training tests.

Strategies for each question type

Here are the types of questions you can expect in the exam and right next to each question, you can find a strategy you can answer each question.

1. Matching Headings

• Objective: Select an appropriate heading from a list that best fits a section or paragraph in the text.
• Skills Required:
  • Grasping the main aim of a section.
  • Distinguishing main ideas from supplementary details.
  • Comprehending the general content and goal of sections and paragraphs.
• Strategies:
  • Go through the headings before diving into the main text.
  • Be aware that extra headings might be provided.
  • Thoroughly analyze the headings before trying to associate them with text sections.

2. True/False/Not Given & Yes/No/Not Given Questions

• Objective: Determine if the statement or writer's opinion aligns with the information in the passage.
• Skills Required:
  • Pinpointing specific details in the text.
  • Recognizing and understanding the writer's views.
• Strategies:
  • Clearly understand what each response means.
  • Paraphrase the statements to help locate answers.
  • Remember that answers are typically sequential.

3. Matching Paragraph Information

• Objective: Associate information from the question with a specific paragraph in the text.
• Skills Required:
  • Pinpointing and scanning for details.
• Strategies:
  • Paraphrase the query's information.
  • Find the related information in the text.
  • Answers might not be sequential.

4. Summary Completion

• Objective: Complete a summary by filling gaps either with words from the text or a given word list.
• Skills Required:
  • Scanning for specific details.
  • Grasping main ideas and their supporting details.
  • Word selection based on context.
• Strategies:
  • Determine the nature of the word needed for each gap (e.g., is it a noun, verb, adjective?).
  • Find the corresponding details in the text to select the right word.
  • Pay attention to the grammatical structure when filling gaps.

5. Sentence Completion

• Objective: Complete sentences by selecting words from the text to fill gaps.
• Skills Required:
  • Scanning for specific details.
  • Word selection based on context.
  • Comprehending information.
• Strategies:
  • Identify the kind of word required (e.g., noun, verb).
  • Pinpoint the relevant details in the text.
  • Ensure grammatical accuracy in the completed sentence.

6. Multiple Choice Questions

• Objective: Choose the correct answer or the best ending to a sentence from several options.
• Skills Required:
  • Scanning for details.
  • Comprehending textual information.
• Strategies:
  • Paraphrase both the question and the options.
  • Find the relevant details in the text to select the right answer.

7. List Selection

• Objective: Pick the right option from a list of words, details, or names based on the passage.
• Skills Required:
  • Scanning for details.
  • Comprehending textual information.
  • Relating ideas to each other.
• Strategies:
  • Prepare paraphrases of the list.
  • Identify key terms in the questions.
  • Find the corresponding details in the text.

8. Choosing a Title

• Objective: Select the most fitting title from a list for the passage.
• Skills Required:
  • Recognizing the primary aim of the passage.
  • Differentiating between main ideas and supporting details.
• Strategies:
  • Assess the nuances between potential titles.
  • Focus on the introduction and conclusion for hints.
  • Don’t over-invest time as it's typically worth a single point.

9. Classification Questions

• Objective: Categorize given information based on a list of categories.
• Skills Required:
  • Locating and categorizing details in the passage.
• Strategies:
  • Identify details in the text.
  • Determine which category it fits into.
  • Be vigilant for paraphrased information.

10. Matching Sentence Endings

• Objective: Match sentence beginnings with the appropriate endings from a list.
• Skills Required:
  • Locating and understanding details.
• Strategies:
  • Review the sentence starts and potential endings.
  • Prepare paraphrased versions to aid matching.
  • Ensure the full sentence is grammatically accurate.

11. Table Completion

• Objective: Complete a table using words from the text.
• Skills Required:
  • Pinpointing specific details.
  • Word selection based on context.
• Strategies:
  • Familiarize yourself with the table's column headings.
  • Scan the passage for relevant details.

12. Flow Chart Completion

• Objective: Fill in a flow chart using words from the text.
• Skills Required:
  • Locating and understanding sequence of details.
• Strategies:
  • Determine the nature of the word required for each section of the flow chart.
  • Use the flow chart's direction to understand the sequence.

13. Diagram Completion

• Objective: Label a diagram based on information from the text.
• Skills Required:
  • Locating details.
  • Associating textual details with visual components.
• Strategies:
  • Determine the kind of word needed (e.g., noun, verb).
  • Pinpoint the relevant details in the text.

14. Short Answer Questions

• Objective: Answer questions using details from the text.
• Skills Required:
  • Detecting and understanding specific details.
• Strategies:
  • Recognize the type of response needed (e.g., noun, verb).
  • Paraphrase terms from the questions.
  • Swiftly scan the text for relevant details.

This should cover all the provided question types in the IELTS reading section, with their objectives, required skills, and strategies.

30 Days Plan

Week 1: Foundation and Familiarization

• Day 1 (Monday): Read articles in newspapers and reputable magazines for at least an hour.
• Day 2 (Tuesday): Take a mock reading test and assess your reading skills upon completion.
• Day 3 (Wednesday): Take another mock reading test, aiming to complete it within an hour.
• Day 4 (Thursday): Practice skimming and scanning techniques.
• Day 5 (Friday): Read a newspaper article or an article published in a reputable magazine.
• Day 6 (Saturday): Go through the previous year test papers and work on improving your reading speed.
• Day 7 (Sunday): Rest or light reading to keep in practice.

Week 2: Intensive Practice

• Day 8-14: Daily mock tests under timed conditions. Analyze mistakes, and re-read difficult sections or questions to understand them better. Use resources like the British Council’s practice tests.

Week 3: Strategy Development

• Day 15-21: Continue with daily mock tests. Work on time management and question-tackling strategies. Use different types of reading material to broaden your understanding and vocabulary.

Week 4: Final Preparations

• Day 22-28: Keep practicing with daily mock tests. Work on improving speed and accuracy. Revise strategies and techniques learned over the month.
• Day 29: Take a full IELTS practice test to gauge your overall readiness.
• Day 30: Light reading and relaxation. Review key strategies and techniques.

Throughout the month, ensure to:

• Regularly review mistakes and learn from them.
• Seek feedback from teachers or peers if possible.
• Explore a variety of reading materials including newspapers, magazines, academic articles, and IELTS practice materials.
• Use online resources such as the British Council’s IELTS preparation materials, Magoosh, or IELTS Liz for practice tests and tips.

This plan combines daily reading practice, strategy development, and mock testing to help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section. The first week builds a foundation, followed by intensive practice in the second week, strategy development in the third, and final preparations in the fourth week.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, remember, mastering the IELTS reading section is a blend of understanding the basics, practicing diligently, and utilizing the right resources. Following this guide, paired with a disciplined study routine, will pave your path to success. Now, with a well-structured plan in hand, embrace the journey ahead and aim for excellence!