IELTS General Training | Dealing with the 'Reading' Section

IELTS General Training | Dealing with the 'Reading' Section

Samuel Francis Gills Published:
December 03, 2022

Established in 1989, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is considered one of the most prominent English language tests in the world. The standardized test is intended for non-native English speakers to prove their English language skills and is the best platform for people who would like to settle in a country like Canada. IELTS is by far the most effective test when it comes to immigration. Many government departments and immigration authorities trust and use the IELTS test as a part of their application process to obtain a Permanent Residency. Therefore, for a Canadian visa, an individual must prove their English language proficiency to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

 

Test takers need to choose whether to take up paper-based or computer-based test for IELTS. The paper-based test requires a tidy and legible paper whereas the computer-based test requires a good typing speed to make sure the test is completed on time. Irrespective of the test type, the format, the question types, the time allocated to each test, the content, and the band score (0-9) remains the same for both paper-based and computer-based test. However, many prefer to take computer-based test as the results will be available within 3 -5 days post examination.

 

What is IELTS Reading module?

The general reading test is used to assess a wide range of reading ability. The module has 3 sections with a total of 40 questions, each question carrying 1 mark with 60 minutes to complete the test. Therefore, test takers need to spend 20 minutes per section.  Section 1 contains short texts with topics related to everyday life in an English-speaking country, section 2 mainly focuses on work-related issues like job hunting, company policies, etc, and section 3 which is usually time-consuming, and complex has topics taken from guidebooks, newspapers, advertisements, etc.

The skills that are tested in general reading include gist reading, detailed reading, reading for the main idea, and recognizing a writer’s mindset.

 

Here are some tips & suggestions!

Here are some tips to help you clear the reading module confidently.

 

  • Prepare for the reading test by reading different types of content every day which will help you in improving your reading ability.
  • Read to understand and look for the main ideas from the passage.
  • Underline keywords as you go along such as names and dates as they will help you to locate the answers quickly.
  • There are 13 types of questions in the reading module. Therefore, practice the different types of questions, follow the instructions carefully to understand each type and answer accordingly.
  • Ensure that spellings are correct, and the sentences have proper grammar.
  • Manage your time wisely. If you are not able to answer a question, move on to the next and answer the skipped questions later.
  • There are no negative scores in the IELTS reading module. Try to fill in all the answers. If you find it difficult to identify an answer, you can give the nearest possible answer rather than leaving it blank.

 

Looking for some expert tips to tackle IELTS Writing Section? See what our experts advise in this article.

 

Contact us if you need help from our language experts. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.

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