Hello and welcome to IELTS Tips Series. If you have read about me, you’d know that I have achieved a Band 9 in IELTS Reading. Read along to see how you can improve your score and find out my thoughts on this exam in hindsight.

Note: while this article is focused on the Computer-Based Test, similar principles and tips apply to the paper-based test.

First of all, we must understand that IELTS exams follow a certain pattern, and that each question has its own requirements. Many people fail this one despite being good readers just because they don’t pay attention where it matters. So without further ado, here are a few tips to remember when practicing:

IELTS Reading Tips For Computer-Based Test:

1. Practice using the Cambridge practice tests (sometimes known as CD IELTS). These books are up for sale, but some places which I wouldn’t name for legal reasons allow you to download these with audio files.
2. Make sure that if you are preparing for GENERAL TRAINING, don’t practice with ACADEMIC materials because GT tests are shorter and easier. You can see if the material is for GT or the latter by checking the Writing module. In the GT tests, the Task 1 of the Writing module is to write a letter.
3. If you feel like challenging yourself, use other practice websites but be warned that these websites have a higher level of difficulty. The real test is very similar to the Cambridge practice tests.
4. When using the said practice materials on a computer, open the same pdf file in two separate windows (you can drag the file in Firefox browser), and then press WINDOWS_KEY+RIGHT (or LEFT) to stick the windows side by side. Then use the right side window to see questions and the left one to read the reading materials. This is how the real test works (that you see questions on the right side). Then open a Word or Excel file in a small floating window to write down your answers as you read. In the real test, you would have better controls but with pdf files, you have to make do with these tricks.
5. Write exactly what the reading material says. Do not write synonyms. Do not add more. Do not guess. This is like the Listening test, as in they themselves give you the correct answers.
6. You can also copy/paste from the reading material in the real test if you fear that you may make a spelling mistake in manually typing the answers. BUT BE WARNED that in the real test, a proceeding space character is also selected when you double click a word so remove that additional space from your answer.
7. Pay close attention to the question. For instance, if it says that you can write ONE WORD OR NUMBER, you can either write a number or a word; but if it says that you can write ONE WORD AND/OR NUMBER, you can either write only one word, or one number, or both.
8. Read the blanks in advance and try to figure out what you need to write (such as noun, verb, etc). This way, you will be instantly realize when you read that.
9. As a general rule, keep the next two questions in mind at all times so you would notice if you have missed a question. Otherwise you risk missing multiple questions and consequently wasting time.
10. In the end, you will get time to check all the answers from every section so you must go back and recheck every answer. You should triple check every spelling.

About TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN questions:

If you read a question or statement and your first reaction is, “Absolutely! I have read it in paragraph no. xx”, then it is TRUE. Just go to that paragraph and double check to see if the statement is indeed a merely paraphrased version of the actual text rather than one introducing new facts or propositions.

If your reaction is, “Liar! There is no such thing stated in any paragraph”, then the answer is NOT GIVEN. You may have to read the whole text again to make sure, though.

If your reaction is, “Liar! The xx paragraph says quite the opposite!”, then the answer is FALSE. Just go to that paragraph and double check to see if the paragraph actually says the opposite thing compared to the question.

How to improve your skills:

To improve your reading, make a habit of ‘reading’ stuff. This does only not mean reading books or newspapers, but also text on the internet, food packaging, and everything. If you are used to reading correct English, you will find it easy to read in IELTS exams. I for one drastically improved my reading skills and vocabulary by reading comments on 9gag app. Whenever you come across a new word, look it up in a dictionary. If you see a new phrase or idiom, see what it means, its appropriate usage, etc. Also search its pronunciation on Google as it would help you in the Speaking and Listening modules.

To get good, practice one to two Reading tests each day. But don’t stress yourself. Schedule a time each day and stick to it.

You can find more articles on other modules such as Listening, Writing and Speaking on this blog. If you have any tips, you are encouraged to leave them in the comments below.