IELTS 2025 Reading Tips: Types of Questions, Passage Type, Tips & Tricks, Best Books

Particulars

Details

Test Duration

60 minutes (no extra time for transferring answers)

Number of Questions

40

Number of Passages

3 (increasing difficulty)

Text Length

2,150 to 2,750 words in total

Types of Texts

Academic (IELTS Academic) or General Interest (IELTS General Training)

Question Types

Multiple choice, matching, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, etc.

Scoring

1 mark per correct answer

Band Score Conversion

Raw scores out of 40 converted to Band 1–9

Particulars

IELTS Academic Reading

IELTS General Training Reading

Duration

60 minutes

60 minutes

Total Questions

40 questions

40 questions

Number of Sections

3 sections

3 sections

Text Sources

Academic texts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers

Everyday texts from advertisements, notices, company guidelines, brochures

Text Complexity

More complex and academic; includes descriptive, factual, and analytical texts

Generally easier; focuses on everyday topics and social situations

Typical Content

Scientific and technical passages

Work-related documents and general information

Skills Assessed

Skimming for main ideas, understanding detailed info, and analysing arguments

Skimming for info, understanding general meaning, reading for detail

Particulars

Details

Format

Three passages with increasing difficulty, 40 questions, 60 minutes

Question Types

True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Multiple Choice, Sentence Completion, Gap-fill, Summary Completion, Diagram Labelling, Table Completion

Scoring

Each correct answer = 1 point. Raw score out of 40 converted to the 9-band IELTS scale

Focus

Academic: Authentic academic texts.

General Training: Texts related to everyday life and the workplace

Time Management

Allocate 20 minutes per passage

Tips

Skim for overview, scan for details, manage time wisely, understand question types, and build strong academic vocabulary

Challenge

Strict time limits, variety of question formats, complex and unfamiliar vocabulary

Question Type

Description

Matching Headings

Choose the best topic for each paragraph based on the main ideas.

Matching Paragraph Information

Select statements that best fit the content of specific paragraphs.

Matching Features

Match facts or ideas from the text with a list of statements (e.g., names to discoveries).

Matching Sentence Endings

Complete sentences by matching them with alternative endings based on the reading provided.

True/False/Not Given

Determine if statements are correct (True), incorrect (False), or not mentioned (Not Given) in the text.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer from four options based on the reading material.

List of Options

Select multiple correct answers from a list based on information in the text.

Choose a Title

Select the most appropriate title for a given passage from a list of options.

Short Answers

Answer questions using words or numbers directly from the text.

Sentence Completion

Complete sentences using information from the reading material.

Summary Completion

Fill in the missing words in a summary based on information provided in the text.

Table Completion

Complete a table with appropriate information derived from the reading passage.

Flow Chart Completion

Fill in the missing details in a flow chart based on content from the text.

Diagram Completion

Complete diagrams with relevant information extracted from the reading material.

Question Type

Do’s

Don’ts

1. Diagram Label Questions

Skim text for diagram-related info, use key vocabulary to match labels, and rely on text evidence

Don’t guess from general knowledge, and don’t spend too long on one label

2. Identifying Writers’ Views (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN)

Match statement with writer’s view- YES = agrees; NO = disagrees; NOT GIVEN = not mentioned

Don’t use personal opinions, and don’t overthink beyond the text

3. Identifying Information (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)

Check if the fact is directly mentioned- TRUE = matches; FALSE = contradicts; NOT GIVEN = not in the text

Don’t assume outside the passage, and don’t use general knowledge

4. Matching Headings & Features

Identify the main ideas in each paragraph and cross-check for the best fit

Don’t be misled by matching words, and don’t overfocus on one heading

5. Matching Info & Sentence Endings

Skim for related sentence parts and match logically and grammatically

Don’t match based on keywords only, and don’t rush; ensure the sentence makes sense

6. Multiple Choice Questions

Locate and read relevant text sections and eliminate wrong options

Don’t choose by keyword match alone, and don’t overanalyse; trust supported answers

7. Sentence Completion

Match words exactly from the text, and find the correct section before answering

Don’t change words or meaning, and don’t guess from partial context

8. Short-Answer Questions

Skim and scan for specific answers, and stay within the word/number limit

Don’t paraphrase or add extra words, and don’t exceed the word count

9. Summary Completion

Use context clues in summary, and follow word count and use exact words from the passage

Don’t use own knowledge, and don’t add unnecessary or extra words

10. Flow Chart Completion

Follow the process steps as described, and use exact words when required

Don’t assume any steps, and don’t skip or rearrange the process flow

11. Note Completion

Scan for factual details and match the word count precisely

Don’t paraphrase or alter words, and don’t guess beyond what's in the passage

12. Table Completion

Skim for comparative info, and ensure each entry fits its row/column accurately

Don’t generalise or repeat answers, and don’t mismatch categories

Passage Title

Topic Summary

Question Type

Sample Question

Sample Answer

The Future of Artificial Intelligence

Discusses the development, benefits, and risks of AI in modern society.

Matching Headings

Match the paragraph with the correct heading. Paragraph B: Advantages of AI in Medicine

v. AI in Healthcare

The History of the Electric Car

Traces the invention, decline, and modern resurgence of electric vehicles.

True / False / Not Given

Electric cars were more popular than gasoline cars in the 20th century.

False

The Psychology of Colour

Explores how different colours affect human emotion and behaviour.

Multiple Choice

What does the author suggest about the colour blue? A. It increases appetite B. It encourages calmness C. It causes anxiety D. It boosts memory

B

The Secrets of the Maya Calendar

Describes the complexity and significance of the ancient Maya timekeeping system.

Sentence Completion

The Maya calendar was based on both solar and _______ cycles.

lunar

The Growth of Cities

Looks at how urbanisation is changing global demographics and infrastructure.

Matching Information

Which paragraph mentions the strain on transport systems?

Paragraph D

Climate Change and Coral Reefs

Examines the effect of global warming on marine biodiversity.

Short Answer Questions

What is the main cause of coral bleaching mentioned in the text?

Rising sea temperatures

How Bees Communicate

Details the way bees share information through movement and scent.

Diagram Label Completion

Label the part of the hive where the waggle dance occurs.

Dance floor area

The Rise of Online Education

Discusses the advantages and challenges of learning via digital platforms.

Yes / No / Not Given

The author believes online learning will replace traditional classrooms.

No

Reading Tip

Description

Example

Skim and scan effectively

Students must train themselves to grasp the main ideas and locate specific details quickly.

Skim a news article on renewable energy to find the main argument; scan for figures like "50% solar capacity increase."

Boost reading speed

Set time limits to read more efficiently without compromising accuracy.

Read a 600-word article in 4 minutes, then reduce the time to 3 minutes for the same length.

Build academic vocabulary

Learn words in real reading contexts, especially from common IELTS topics.

From a text on ecosystems, learn terms like "biodiversity," "habitat fragmentation," and "ecological footprint."

Practice all question types

Understand how each IELTS reading question type works through targeted practice.

Focus on matching information, sentence completion, and yes/no/not given questions.

Use official IELTS resources

Rely on authentic materials to simulate real test conditions.

Take timed tests from Cambridge IELTS 12-18 to assess progress and adjust strategy.

Apply a smart strategy

Develop a personal method to navigate the reading section more effectively.

Skim the passage briefly, read the questions, underline key terms, and answer in order of confidence.

Strengthen focus and stamina

Increase the duration of focused reading to simulate test conditions.

Begin with 25-minute non-stop reading drills and gradually build up to 60 minutes.

Learn from your mistakes

Review incorrect responses to understand the reasoning behind the correct answers.

If answered “False” instead of “Not Given,” identify missing evidence in the passage.

Read a wide range of topics

Explore texts from multiple disciplines to prepare for unpredictable subjects.

Read about archaeology, robotics, environmental policy, and economic theories from journals and quality media.

Practice paraphrasing skills

Learn to rephrase sentences accurately to recognise synonyms and implied meanings.

After reading a paragraph about microfinance, students should summarise it using their own words, like "small-scale lending to entrepreneurs."

Band Score

User Level

Description

Band 9

Expert User

Demonstrates full understanding of all criteria at an exceptional level.

Accurate and efficient in completing all tasks.

Mastery of complex text structures.

Uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammar with flawless accuracy.

Band 8

Very Good User

Strong performance with only occasional minor errors.

Understands complex texts with ease.

Good range of vocabulary and grammar, few mistakes.

Effectively manages time and completes tasks accurately.

Band 7

Good User

Meets criteria well, but with some limitations.

Understands the main ideas of complex texts, though may miss finer details.

Adequate vocabulary and grammar, some noticeable errors.

Completes most tasks with reasonable accuracy.

Band 6

Competent User

Meets criteria at a basic level.

Understands clear, straightforward texts.

Limited vocabulary and grammar; frequent errors.

Inconsistent accuracy in task completion.

Band 5

Modest User

Partial understanding of reading texts.

Can identify the main idea in familiar texts but struggles with details.

Frequent vocabulary and grammar errors that sometimes affect meaning.

Completes only simple tasks; struggles with complex questions.

Band 4

Limited User

Understands only the basic meaning in familiar contexts.

Great difficulty with complex or unfamiliar texts.

Vocabulary and grammar are severely limited.

Struggles to complete most tasks accurately.

Band 3

Extremely Limited User

Understands only a few isolated words or phrases.

Fails to grasp the main idea of even simple texts.

Constant errors in vocabulary and grammar.

Cannot complete tasks meaningfully.

Band 2

Intermittent User

Can recognise only a few specific words or basic information.

Almost no understanding of written English.

Extremely limited vocabulary and grammar.

Cannot complete even basic reading tasks.

Band 1

Non-User

Has no ability to understand written English beyond isolated words.

Unable to answer reading questions correctly.

No usable knowledge of vocabulary or grammar.

Completely unable to perform any reading task.

IELTS Reading Tips Before the Exam

Do

Don’t

Read a wide range of academic materials (e.g., journal articles, science magazines, textbooks) to build comprehension and reading speed.

Limit your preparation to IELTS practice books without exposing yourself to diverse text styles and topics.

Practice reading under timed conditions—aim to finish each passage in about 20 minutes.

Spending too long on tricky questions during practice develops poor time habits.

Students should familiarise themselves with all question types (e.g., matching headings, true/false/not given, multiple choice, sentence completion).

Focus only on a few question types and ignore others, weakening overall readiness.

Build academic vocabulary using flashcards, topic-based lists, and reading exercises.

Skip or ignore unfamiliar words while reading, which can limit your comprehension.

IELTS Reading Tips During the Exam

Do

Don’t

Skim the passage first to get a general idea of its structure and main points.

Read every word slowly in the first pass; this wastes time and delays answering.

Read each question carefully to identify keywords and understand what’s being asked.

Jump into answering questions without fully understanding the passage or questions.

Underline or highlight only essential information (e.g., dates, names, keywords) as students read.

Highlight or underline excessively, making it hard to locate specific answers later.

Stick to a time plan, about 20 minutes per passage (including reading and answering).

Get stuck on a single question and run out of time for others.

Look for paraphrased ideas and synonyms in the text that match the questions.

Depends only on exact keyword matches and paraphrased or implied information.

Review the answers if time permits, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Leave blanks or rush through the final answers without verifying them for accuracy.

Book Title

Description

Ideal For

Cambridge IELTS Series (Books 1–18)

Official practice books with past exam papers and answer keys. Each book contains four full practice tests featuring reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections.

All levels – especially useful for timed practice and familiarising with the real test format.

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

A comprehensive guide with tips, strategies, and practice tests for both Academic and General Training. Includes skill-building exercises.

Intermediate to advanced learners aiming for a Band 6–8+ score.

Barron’s IELTS Superpack

A complete IELTS study package including strategies, skill-building exercises, and practice tests. Comes with audio and vocabulary support.

Intermediate learners looking for structured preparation and extra vocabulary support.

Collins English for IELTS – Reading

Focused practice book dedicated to improving IELTS Reading skills. Includes topic-based units, strategies, and exercises.

Band 5–7 candidates who need help improving specific reading question types.

IELTS Trainer by Cambridge

Provides six practice tests with step-by-step guidance and strategy tips for each section, making it especially useful for the Reading section.

Band 6–7+ learners looking for both practice and strategic instruction.

IELTS Reading Academic by Mometrix

Offers test-taking strategies, practice questions, and detailed explanations. Includes breakdowns of reading techniques.

Candidates seeking to understand test logic and structure, particularly for self-study purposes.

Target Band 7 – Academic Module

A strategy-focused book that teaches how to approach each section, including time management and common pitfalls.

Test takers aiming for Band 7 or higher who need efficient methods.

Vocabulary for IELTS (Cambridge)

Designed to help learners build essential IELTS vocabulary by topic, with exercises and contextual reading practice.

All levels – great for improving vocabulary comprehension and usage in reading.

15 Days’ Practice for IELTS Reading (Academic)

A short-term intensive reading plan with daily tasks and reading strategies.

Students preparing in a short time (2–3 weeks), targeting Band 6–7+.

Improve Your Skills: Reading for IELTS 6.0–7.5

Part of a skills series with a strong focus on academic reading techniques and vocabulary development.

Intermediate to upper-intermediate learners (Band 6–7.5).