I have uploaded 8 IELTS academic & 6 general passages on my Drive.
These tests have been administered by British Council and will give you an accurate idea of your score.
Do keep in mind that most Pakistani learners struggle with IELTS reading. This is because there is no reading routine in school. Unfortunately, I have had students from O level schools struggling in reading. Here are some tips for the reading section:
Total Time: 60 minutes
Total Passages: 3
Suggested Timing: 20 minutes per passage
1. Start with the Easier Passages and Questions
Not all passages are equally difficult. Some are more complex, especially the third passage. To maximize your score:
Begin with easier passages and questions to gain momentum.
Tackle the difficult questions at the end.
2. Manage Your Time Wisely
Time management is crucial in IELTS Reading. Since you have only 60 minutes, spending too much time on one passage can be risky. A good approach is:
First passage: Easier – aim to complete it quickly.
Second passage: Moderate difficulty – manage your time efficiently.
Third passage: Usually the most difficult – attempt it last.
3. Don’t Try to Understand Everything
The IELTS Reading test is not about understanding every word. Instead:
Focus on scanning and skimming to locate key information.
If a passage is too difficult, guess and move on rather than wasting time.
4. Pay Close Attention to Instructions
Many students lose marks because they ignore instructions. For example:
If a question asks for ONE word only, writing two words will be marked wrong.
Some questions require synonyms rather than exact words from the passage.
5. Prioritize Summary Completion Questions
These questions are easier because the answers appear in sequence in the passage.
Attempt them at the beginning to gain confidence and save time.
6. Read the Title to Understand the Topic
Before you start reading a passage, glance at the title. This helps you:
Understand the general topic.
Predict the type of information the passage will contain.
7. Leave Difficult Questions for the End
Some question types take longer to answer, such as:
“Which paragraph contains the following information?” These require you to match information with specific paragraphs, making them time-consuming.
Save these for later if you’re short on time.
Final Tip: Stay Calm and Keep Moving
If you’re stuck on a question, guess and move on. Spending too much time on one question can cost you easier marks elsewhere. With practice and the right approach, you can significantly improve your IELTS Reading score.
By applying these strategies, you’ll complete the test more efficiently and confidently. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!