IELTS General Training
Reading Test Guide
Read this guide carefully before starting your simulation.
21
Questions
3
Sections
60 min
Duration
About the Reading Test
The IELTS General Training Reading test contains three sections of increasing difficulty. The texts are taken from notices, advertisements, official documents, books, magazines and newspapers. You must manage your own time carefully across all three sections in 60 minutes.
Answers must come directly from the text. Do not write more words than instructed — extra words will be marked incorrect.
Structure of the Test
Multiple short texts from everyday contexts such as notices, timetables, advertisements and work-related documents.
Two texts focused on work-related topics such as job advertisements, contracts, training information and pay slips.
One longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest. This section is the most challenging.
Key Tips for Success
Skim First
Quickly read the passage to get the general meaning before reading the questions.
Scan for Details
For specific answers, scan the text for key words or numbers rather than re-reading everything.
Watch the Time
Spend approximately 20 minutes per section. Move on if you get stuck — do not lose time on one question.
Word Limits Matter
If a question says 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS', an answer of three words is automatically wrong.
How Reading is Scored
| Correct Answers | Estimated Band |
|---|---|
| 39-40 | Band 9.0 |
| 37-38 | Band 8.5 |
| 35-36 | Band 8.0 |
| 33-34 | Band 7.5 |
| 30-32 | Band 7.0 |
| 27-29 | Band 6.5 |
| 23-26 | Band 6.0 |