If you are an IELTS test candidate, the Reading module is one of the most troublesome sections.
Be it the IELTS Academic Reading or the IELTS General Reading, it helps to know how the band scores are to be used with the correct strategies, so that they can make a significant difference. Instead, many candidates fail to pass because of a lack of the proper attitude, time organization, and knowledge of an effective scoring pattern.
Have you ever asked the question, Which sequence is right in reading skills or How to achieve your ideal IELTS Reading score? Well, this guide will help enlighten you.
The Importance of IELTS Reading Score
Your overall IELTS band is directly influenced by your IELTS Reading mark, and hence it affects your university admissions, employment or immigration. For example:
- High scorers in the academic IELTS Reading band are required by students who wish to seek admission abroad.
- Professionals seeking migration to Canada, Australia or most other countries have the requirement of attaining a competitive score in IELTS General Reading.
However, it is imperative to know the distinction between the Academic and General modules before an objective mark is set.
What IELTS Academic Reading Score Means
The IELTS Academic reading test is composed of three lengthy, complicated passages which are normally sampled out of journals, books or magazines. The 60 minutes are what you will have to answer 40 questions.
The IELTS Academic reading band score is reached by the number of right answers you give. You do not get a partial mark, but, as in the writing or speaking section, one correct answer equates to one mark. The following raw scores are translated into band scores (09).
Example:
30/40 correct = 30/40 x 100 = 75 % = Band 7.
23/40 accurate responses = Band 6.
The Academic module is harder in contrast to General since texts are denser and more academic.
What is an IELTS General Reading Score?
The general reading in IELTS is a modicum different. They are shorter in length and are normally extracted in adverts, notices, newspapers or work-related items. It also contains 40 questions in 60 minutes, much like Academic.
Nonetheless, the general IELTS band conversion for reading is more relaxed than the Academic one.
Example:
30-32/40 correct answers approx. Band 7.
27-29/40 = Band 6.5.
It is because of this that the General Reading test is a bit easier to score higher in when compared to the many test-takers.
IELTS Reading Tips to Get a Higher Score
1. Efficient Skim and Scan
Do not waste your time going through each word. Practice reading to just get the gist and searching for keywords. It is the best IELTS reading time-saving trick.
2. Concentrates on types of questions
There are several question formats in IELTS Reading that are multiple-choice, and these: matching headings, true/false/not given, and sentence completion. Doing both varieties will enable you to pick up patterns.
3. Time Management Key
The 40 questions will take 60 minutes, with no additional time allowed to copy answers and transfer them to the book. It is best to take 20 minutes on each passage and not to get stuck thinking about one question.
4. Learn the Skills of Reading
“Which sequence is right in reading skills?” is a question many applicants would pose.
The best order is:
- First, read the questions.
- Highlight keywords.
- Take a look at the passage.
- Search answers.
This systematic process will help you not to get carried away with time.
5. Enhance dictionary & synonyms
IELTS also makes use of synonyms in questions rather than reproducing words that have been read in the passage. You can learn to recognize them quickly by enlarging your vocabulary.
6. Condition of Practice during an Exam
Do full-length practice tests to get a feel of the actual exam. This develops stamina as well as assists in the management of time.
IELTS Academic Reading Band Score Conversion
Here’s a quick reference table for IELTS academic reading score conversion:
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9 |
| Approx. 35 | 8 |
| Approx 30 | 7 |
| Approx 23 | 6 |
| Approx 15 | 5 |
IELTS General Reading Band Score Conversion
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 36 | 7.5 |
| 34-35 | 7 |
| 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 30-31 | 6 |
| 23 | 5 |
| 15 | 4 |
Mistakes You Make That Reduce Your IELTS Reading Score
- Time sucked up by one question.
- Interpretational error with True/False/Not Given questions.
- Not paying attention to the accuracy of spelling (misspelled answers are noted as wrong).
- Failure to copy over the answers diligently on the answer sheet.
Choose the Right IELTS Institute
Training is important in getting you the desired IELTS band in reading. A professional institute offers a structured practice, practice tests and professional opinion.
In case you find yourself in Pakistan, visit the Top IELTS Institute in Lahore, where you can receive professionally led training courses.
To access more professional learning opportunities, visit the Ali Institute of Education to find out more about our educational services in general.
Conclusion
Scores on IELTS Reading do not mean a person who reads faster but smarter. Learning to apply the correct strategies, learning how the IELTS academic reading band score and IELTS general reading band score are assigned, and taking consistent practice tests will allow you to attain the results that you seek.
Be it your intention to pursue higher studies in a foreign country or intend to move there, these IELTS reading tips will help you fine-tune your results upto a great extent.
Begin your journey now, and use these strategies to come as close to the desired band score as possible to put you on the path to international opportunities.
FAQs
How is the IELTS Academic Reading band score calculated?
It is calculated by the number of correct responses (compared to 40 correct answers) and these are transformed into a band score of 0 to 9.
How is the IELTS General Reading band score calculated?
It uses the same method, but the conversion table is somewhat lenient as opposed to the Academic one.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Reading scores?
Academic involves the use of complicated academic work types, and General involves the use of everyday materials. General Reading is a little easier to score.
How many correct answers are needed for a 7 band in IELTS Reading?
Academic: 30 correct answers.
General: 34-35 right answers.
What IELTS Reading score is required for Canada or Australia immigration?
The band score usually required is between 6 and 7, but specific requirements differ according to programs.
How can I improve my IELTS Academic Reading score?
Train in skimming, scanning, time management and vocabulary building. Mock tests every so often are beneficial as well.
What are the best IELTS Reading strategies for a high band score?
Read questions, mark keywords, skim the text, hunt answers in it and practice in timed conditions.
