IELTS Reading Mistakes to Avoid, Best Preparation Resources
Silki Joshi17 Apr, 2025
Share
IELTS Reading Mistakes: The IELTS Reading section is often considered one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS. As it is a major deciding factor for admission and visa processes, proper planning and preparation are crucial. One of the best ways to improve your band score is by identifying and avoiding common IELTS Reading mistakes.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll discuss the most frequent IELTS Reading mistakes and offer tips, strategies, and resources to help you avoid them and score high.
Explore - IELTS Online Coaching
Why Avoiding IELTS Reading Mistakes is Important?
Even a minor mistake can lower your score in the IELTS Reading section. Avoiding these can:
-
Maximise your score potential
-
Improve time management
-
Increase overall exam confidence
IELTS Reading Mistakes to Avoid
IELTS Reading part is extremely scary and thus one has to give special emphasis to practice to ace the test with high marks. Here are some mistakes that a candidate has to avoid to maximise their marks for the IELTS examination.1. Not Reading Instructions
Many candidates ignore the instructions in a rush. This is a major error. Spend at least 30 seconds reading them to understand:
-
The type of answers expected (summary, matching headings, sentence completion)
-
Word limit (e.g., "No more than three words")
Skipping this step can lead to disqualification, even if you find the correct information in the passage. Not resorting to specific instructions will mean that your answer in IELTS Reading is not as per format.
| IELTS Reading Band Score | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| IELTS Speaking Band Score | IELTS Writing Band Score |
2. Giving Two Answers
Giving two answers for the IELTS Reading test is not considered a great idea. One should always pick one answer which the student thinks is correct. Read the questions closely and choose the option that best matches what the passage says. While you are stuck between two choices, then carefully re-read the relevant section of the text to see which answer is supported by the evidence.3. Avoid Leaving Blank Answer
A blank answer is a missed opportunity that makes it one of the biggest IELTS Reading mistakes. Even if you are unsure about the answer, you can still go for a random guess. The reason for this is that there is no penalty for a wrong answer. However, if the guess works then you will be luckily awarded with the marks. One of the best ways to do this is to use the elimination method. This method will help the students to remove those answers that are connected to the passage.4. Vocabulary
A limited vocabulary can make comprehension difficult. Improve your vocabulary by:
-
Reading IELTS-related topics like science, environment, and education
-
Learning synonyms, antonyms, and collocations
-
Using apps like Quizlet or vocabulary flashcards
5. T/F/NG Should Not Be Answered As Y/N/NG
While answering questions in the IELTS Reading exam, candidates often get confused about True/False/Not Given (T/F/NG) questions.-
T/F/NG is for factual statements
-
Y/N/NG is for opinions or claims by authors
Also, remember:
-
"Not Given" = No information in the text
-
"False" or "No" = Contradicted by the text
6. Incorrect Grammer
While attempting the IELTS Reading, one should ensure that all the answers marked are grammatically sound. The candidates should pay special attention to subject-verb agreement, proper tense usage, and correct punctuation as most of the questions are asked from these. One should also look out for minor errors like missing articles ("a" or "the") or incorrect prepositions. Double-checking the answers will ensure that the questions are marked correctly thus avoiding IELTS Reading mistakes.7. Mistakes in Reading Lengthy Passages
To tackle lengthy paragraphs, one should do ample reading and follow IELTS Reading Tips . While doing this, one develops techniques that help them to skim through the passage smoothly while grasping the main idea and appropriate information. Reading in a go will help to get an overall gist of the passage. While doing so, note down major keywords and phrases that may be related to questions asked in the IELTS Reading.8. Avoid Panic
Unnecessary panic on the day of the IELTS Reading examination will hamper your examination. It is advised to take deep breaths and approach each question strategically. To prevent panic, one must allot specific time for each passage and question. Being calm and focused helps one to think clearly and leads to better decision-making and avoiding IELTS Reading Mistakes.9. Poor Time Management
You only have 60 minutes for 40 questions. Practice mock tests under timed conditions. Ideally, spend:
-
15 minutes on Passage 1
-
20 minutes on Passage 2
-
25 minutes on Passage 3
10. Not Practising with Real IELTS Questions
Preparation is key. Use authentic IELTS practice materials from reliable sources to get familiar with the format.
Best Resources to Prepare for IELTS Reading
Scoring good marks in the IELTS Reading test to qualify for the examination with a high band score. One should refer to the practice material available on the official website of IELTS to practice Reading. Other than this, the following are the best resources one should refer to ace IELTS Reading.| Resource | Description |
| Official Cambridge Guide for IELTS | This official guide, published by Cambridge English, provides a comprehensive overview of the IELTS Reading section. It also includes sample test questions, answer keys, and explanations. |
| Barron's IELTS Superpack | This comprehensive superpack by Barron includes practice tests, vocabulary-building exercises, reading comprehension strategies, and tips for all four sections of the IELTS test, including Reading. |
| The IELTS Reading Test by Pauline Cullen | This is an ideal resource that focuses specifically on the Reading section of the IELTS test. It also offers a variety of practice tests, question types, and strategies to improve reading comprehension and answer selection skills. |
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
| IELTS Exam Other Related Links | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Registration | IELTS Eligibility Criteria |
| IELTS Exam Pattern | IELTS Academic Vs General |
| IELTS Cut Off | IDP IELTS Slot Booking |
IELTS Reading Mistakes FAQs
How can I avoid mistakes in reading IELTS?
Which part of IELTS reading is most difficult?
How can I correct my IELTS reading?
What are the best resources to ace IELTS Reading?
How do you get 8 in reading?
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
