Here are some of the reading tips for IELTS that can help you upgrade your score and learn general techniques of the reading section.

Develop your speed reading skills

Because the test has a time limit, it will challenge you to finish the answers quickly. Be sure to turn on your speed mode but also remember to read the questions carefully to avoid common mistakes of misreading. Focus on scanning the sections of paragraphs to quickly locate the information you need.

Key words

For every question there is a key word in the passage, and if you are able to spot it and use it correctly to your advantage, you will soon learn to see the difference between those and other words. Pay attention to headlines and try to look for main words which will help you find the right answers.

Develop your vocabulary

Another important tip to consider is to improve your English vocabulary. Students often focus only on the meaning of words, forgetting about types of collocations that they can use these words with. Learning common paraphrases and certain verb phrases will assist you with scoring a higher mark during IELTS.

Practice grammar

One of the most important rules for reading exam preparation is the knowledge of English grammar. In some exercises you will be asked to match the sentences with the correct answers, and improving your grammar skills will help you do that right. Read some examples of grammatical exercises and aim to complete them every day to ensure that you are prepared.

Skimming and Scanning

Another useful advice for reading section of IELTS is to make use of skimming and scanning skills. The ability to do so will increase your chances of understanding the general idea of the content quickly so that you can save time on this activity during the exam. Manage to skim read the passage in 2 to 3 minutes and underline any key words or sentences you see.