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Tips to prepare for IELTS reading test to score high band in IELTS

Updated on 01 February, 2024

Mrinal Mandal

Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

International English Language Testing System, popularly known as IELTS is a language proficiency test for candidates who want to study or work in a country where English is the dominant language of communication. There are more than 90000 universities across the world that accepts the IELTS score and these universities provide quality education and make a learner ready to face future challenges. Every year, many aspirants decide to sit for the IELTS test and secure a chance to pursue higher education from the best universities in the world; however, only some qualify for the same.

If you had already appeared for IELTS test or preparing to do so for the first time, then here is a bit of advice for you. Before beginning to prepare for IELTS, try to understand the test’s format, qualifying criteria and required band score to land in some of the best universities in the world. Try to score high in every section of the test. There are four parts of the IELTS test – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The reading section of the IELTS test is considered to be the most difficult section.

To give a push to your preparation for IELTS test, we are here to suggest you some IELTS academic reading tips that will help you pass the test with ease. In this article, we will provide you a guide to prepare for IELTS reading section and score well in the IELTS test.
 

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Comprehension

One of the most asked questions where students face challenges is how to remember such a long passage in few minutes to find the answer to questions from the passage? The answer is you do not need to understand everything. The right approach is just to locate the answer.

When you see a passage, you just need to give a glimpse at it so that you get a general idea and theme of the passage. Pay minute attention to the questions from the passage and use your techniques and tips to answer every question. Try to look for a keyword in question and then locate it in the passage. This step would hardly take a few seconds and can be done with speed to spot a piece of information rather than understanding each sentence. Once done with this step, you already have some idea and clarity about the said paragraph of the passage. Then move to the next step, in this way you can even answer the question which is an indirect one.

Start to love reading

One of the important IELTS reading strategies is to learn from your reading mistakes. However, many students only prefer to read for the IELTS test and miss out on a golden chance to improve their English. Firstly, you must understand that English is a language not a subject and the only way to be an expert in it is to read a lot but that could be a little tedious. However, if you read for pleasure, then English will become part and parcel of your life and your vocabulary will also improve with it. Try to read newspapers, novels, fiction and online blogs/articles as it will help lead you to perfection in English language.

 

Practice a lot to tackle every type of question

There are different types of questions you need to attempt so try to develop a strategy to tackle such questions. Some questions have answers in order while some do not. Developing skills will help you to save time and this skill will improve if you have practiced a lot of mocks.

Practice reading fast

As the IELTS test has a strict time limit so, it may affect your ability to answer every question. Thus, it is best to develop speed reading skills that will help you to find the answer quickly. These skills will help you scan the passage and locate the appropriate information in the passage.

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Get to know about the latest updates on the IELTS Exam, Eligibility, Preparation Tips, Test procedure,  Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Registration Process, Important Exam Dates, and much more!! This guide is a one-stop solution for every IELTS Aspirant who aims to crack the exam with an impressive band score.

Practice reading fast

As the IELTS test has a strict time limit so, it may affect your ability to answer every question. Thus, it is best to develop speed reading skills that will help you to find the answer quickly. These skills will help you scan the passage and locate the appropriate information in the passage.

Spot the keywords

Every question has a secret keyword that helps you to locate the information in the passage and find the right answer. Thus, you should learn the right way to check synonym, antonyms, and the same keyword in paragraphs of the passage. Some keywords remain same in both the question and answer like dates, numbers, places, etc you just need to put in extra effort.

Do not be scared of difficult passages

While preparing for the IELTS test, you need to widen your reading skills and familiarity with complicated topics. You can read the relevant news online that will help you in this section.

Reading the information given in the passage correctly

This is one of the best tips for the reading section in IELTS. Many toppers of mock tests miss the chance to qualify real IELTS test by just a few marks because they fail to read the directions. Thus, it is important to be attentive. 

Stay calm and do not panic

Many students tend to panic ahead of exams and with IELTS test, which is considered to be one of the toughest it is obvious for them to panic. This increase in stress level often hinders them to perform well in their test. No matter how well you have followed IELTS reading tips and techniques, if you fail to control your anxiety level then it will be difficult for you to clear the IELTS test. Many students make the mistake of spending more time on one question. If you are unable to find the answer within a few minutes, just move on to the next question and come back at un-attempted questions later.

Remember for excelling in the IELTS test, your time and nerves need to be controlled. You are not going to answer all the questions correctly, but you are not the only one who is hobbling with such an issue. Every candidate appearing for the IELTS test is facing the same struggle as you are. Manage your time and have a positive mindset to give your best shot!

Read more about: Tips For Reading in IELTS Exam | IELTS Academic Reading | IELTS Reading Tips And Tricks | IELTS Reading Band Score IELTS General Reading Test | IELTS Reading Section |

 


 

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Final thoughts

IELTS is a cakewalk if prepared with right guidance. With right approach and a healthy mindset, a student can easily clear the IELTS test within the time limit.

These IELTS reading tips and tricks will help you to improve your skills in all sections of IELTS test to raise your score band and land in a foreign university.

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Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.

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Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.