IELTS Academic Reading

Study Notes

The Academic Reading module assesses a candidate's ability to read and understand academic texts.
It consists of 40 questions, divided into 3 passages, each approximately 900 words.
The passages are taken from academic journals, books, and online resources.
The texts are written for a non-specialist audience, but assume some knowledge of the subject area.
The passages may include diagrams, charts, and graphs.

Multiple Choice Questions: Choose the correct answer from a set of options.
Identifying Information: Identify whether a statement is true, false, or not given in the passage.
Identifying the Writer's Views: Identify the writer's attitude or opinion on a particular topic.
Matching Information: Match information from the passage to a list of options.
Summary Completion: Complete a summary of the passage using information from the text.
Sentence Completion: Complete a sentence using information from the passage.
Short Answer Questions: Answer a question in a few words or a short sentence.
Labeling a Diagram: Label a diagram or chart using information from the passage.

Discursive passages: Present a particular point of view or argument.
Descriptive passages: Describe a process, system, or structure.
Analytical passages: Analyze data, statistics, or research findings.
Comparative passages: Compare and contrast different ideas, theories, or systems.
Factual passages: Provide factual information on a particular topic.

Read the questions first: Before reading the passage, read the questions to understand what to focus on.
Skim and scan: Quickly read the passage to identify the main ideas and supporting details.
Focus on key words and phrases: Identify key words and phrases in the questions and passage to help locate the answers.
Manage your time: Allocate time for each passage and question type, and stick to it.
Use the process of elimination: Eliminate obvious incorrect answers and choose the most plausible option.
Practice, practice, practice: Practice reading academic texts and taking timed tests to improve your reading speed and comprehension.

Taken from academic journals, books, and online resources
Written for a non-specialist audience, assumes some knowledge of the subject area
May include diagrams, charts, and graphs

Multiple Choice Questions: Choose the correct answer from a set of options
Identifying Information: Identify whether a statement is true, false, or not given in the passage
Identifying the Writer's Views: Identify the writer's attitude or opinion on a particular topic
Matching Information: Match information from the passage to a list of options
Summary Completion: Complete a summary of the passage using information from the text
Sentence Completion: Complete a sentence using information from the passage
Short Answer Questions: Answer a question in a few words or a short sentence
Labeling a Diagram: Label a diagram or chart using information from the passage

Discursive passages: Present a particular point of view or argument
Descriptive passages: Describe a process, system, or structure
Analytical passages: Analyze data, statistics, or research findings
Comparative passages: Compare and contrast different ideas, theories, or systems
Factual passages: Provide factual information on a particular topic

Read the questions first: Understand what to focus on before reading the passage
Skim and scan: Quickly read the passage to identify main ideas and supporting details
Focus on key words and phrases: Identify key words and phrases in the questions and passage
Manage your time: Allocate time for each passage and question type, and stick to it
Use the process of elimination: Eliminate obvious incorrect answers and choose the most plausible option
Practice, practice, practice: Practice reading academic texts and taking timed tests to improve reading speed and comprehension