IELTS Reading gives you exactly 60 minutes to read three increasingly difficult passages and answer 40 questions, with no extra transfer time — which means time management is often the deciding factor between a good and a great score.

Skimming vs. Scanning

  • Skimming means reading quickly to understand the general idea and structure of a passage.
  • Scanning means searching quickly for specific information without reading every word.

Most strong readers use both: skim the passage first for overall structure, then scan for the specific details each question asks about.

A Practical Timing Approach

With 60 minutes for three passages, aim for roughly 20 minutes per passage, including time to transfer answers as you go — don't leave transferring answers to the very end. If you're stuck on a difficult question, mark it and move on.

Common Question Types

  • Multiple choice and matching headings: Test overall understanding of paragraphs or sections.
  • True/False/Not Given: Test whether a statement agrees with, contradicts, or isn't addressed by the passage.
  • Sentence and summary completion: Fill gaps using words taken directly from the passage.

Common Mistakes

  • Reading every word of every passage: There isn't time — practice reading for the specific information each question needs.
  • Confusing "False" and "Not Given": "False" means the passage contradicts the statement; "Not Given" means it simply doesn't mention it.
  • Exceeding word limits on completion questions, exactly as in Listening.

Build your reading speed and comprehension with our free English reading practice, organized by level.