IELTS Reading Test Skills
The IELTS Reading tasks tests only one thing: the candidate’s ability to answer questions correctly on the basis of the reading. None of the other reasons people regularly read – to acquire and retain information, say, or for entertainment – come into play. If you learn something from the IELTS Reading test and remember it, good for you. If you enjoy the readings, better yet. But stay focused on the questions. During the one-hour task, there are three readings, of gradually increasing difficulty, with a total of approximately 40 questions, or about 13 per reading. (The number varies from exam to exam.) Having time read both the questions and the readings, and then to arrive at the correct answers, requires fast reading – but not “ speed reading” in the ordinary sense of the word. The reading and reading-related skills tested include: – Following instructions. Any of ten or so question types may be used in the Reading task, and it is essential ...