Strategies for Acing Your Reading Test

Many people succeed in their language tests, but some struggle, especially with the reading portion. Here are 10 tips that helped me achieve a 9 in my IELTS reading.

1. Understand the Exam Format:
   • The reading exam rewards speed and accuracy. The passages are not your typical feel-good stories—they are usually complex texts on topics like philosophy, science, medicine, research, social policies, technology, and the environment. If you enjoy abstract and diverse subjects, that’s great! But remember, the key is to be strategic.
2. Focus on Finding Answers, Not Understanding the Text:
   • It might sound counterintuitive, but the goal is not to fully understand the passage. You have 60 minutes to read 3-4 comprehension and answer about 40 questions. Speed is crucial.
3. Scan the Questions First:
   • Spend 30-60 seconds skimming the questions before reading the passage. Look for keywords and important points to keep in mind while reading.
4. Skim the Passage:
   • Spend 2-3 minutes skimming the passage without trying to understand every detail. Focus on highlighting main points and key phrases. Remember, your goal is not to comprehend the narrative fully but to locate information efficiently.
5. Match Questions with Highlights:
   • After skimming, go back to the questions. Use your highlighted portions to find answers quickly. Prioritize answering the questions that correspond to the highlighted sections first. Don’t spend too much time looking for answers outside your marked text initially.
6. Retrace Your Steps for Remaining Questions:
   • Once you’ve answered the obvious questions, revisit the passage to find answers to the remaining ones. Ideally, you’ll have around 20 minutes left to review your responses and make sure they are accurate.
7. Adapt Your Strategy for Different Question Types:
   • Not all questions benefit equally from skimming. For instance, matching headings and true/false/not given questions may require a deeper understanding. Allocate a bit more time to these to ensure accuracy.
8. Balance Speed and Accuracy:
   • While moving quickly is important, don’t rush through tricky questions. If you’re unsure, mark it and move on, then revisit if time allows.
9. Manage Stress During the Test:
   • Stay calm and focused. If you feel overwhelmed, take a quick breath and remind yourself to stick to your strategy. A clear mind will help you work more efficiently.
10. Practice and Improve:

• • The more you practice this technique, the faster and more accurate you’ll become. Keep practicing to build confidence and efficiency.

By following these tips, you can better manage your time and find answers more efficiently. Wish you success in achieving CLB 9 and above!