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How to Improve IELTS Reading Score? Tips to Improve Skills

How to Improve IELTS Reading Score? Discover effective strategies, time management tips, and practice techniques to improve your IELTS Reading band score.
authorImageSouvik Podder15 Apr, 2025
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How to Improve IELTS Reading Score

How to Improve IELTS Reading Score?: The IELTS Reading test is one of the four component of the test. Therefore, improving score in this section can impact the overall performance in the IELTS exam. Whether you are appearing for the Academic or IELTS General Training  test, improving your score in the reading section is always beneficial to the overall IELTS band score. Meanwhile, preparation techniques and strategies on how to improve IELTS reading score is different for each individual. In this guide, we have provided some significant strategies that can help you improve your overall IELTS reading score. 

IELTS Result

How to Improve IELTS Reading Score?

Improving your IELTS Reading score requires a strategic preparation, skill development, and consistent practice. Below are key techniques to enhance your performance:

Develop Skimming and Scanning Techniques

Skimming and scanning are important techniques to answer reading comprehension. Skimming techniques help to develop the main idea of the passage and frame answers for different questions. Whereas, scanning techniques help to locate specific information in the given IELTS reading passage. These techniques can help you better understand the passage and answer quickly to manage time during the test. 

Practice Active Reading

Engage with the text actively to improve comprehension:

  • Predict the content based on the title and first paragraph.

  • Ask yourself questions as you read.

  • Make mental summaries of each paragraph.

IELTS Exam Important Links
IELTS Band Score IELTS Exam Fees
IELTS Exam Pattern IELTS Score Validity

Improve Your Vocabulary

Vocabulary plays an important role in improving the overall performance in the IELTS test. Using a strong vocabulary can improve your writing skills in the IELTS test. Try to learn new words regularly to use them in your writing. Additionally, learn synonyms for various words to locate answers within the passage. Use paraphrasing technique to find information and answers while answering the reading questions using IELTS vocabulary.   

Master Time Management

Time management is critical in the IELTS Reading test. To increase your reading speed:

  • Practice timed reading exercises regularly.

  • Try to use ‘chunking’ technique. To improve your IELTS Reading speed, try to read groups of words instead of individual words.

  • Avoid pronouncing words in the head while reading IELTS Reading passages. 

  • Set realistic goals rather than running for high imaginary goals. 

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Familiarize with Different Question Types

The IELTS Reading test includes various question types. Familiarize yourself with these common formats:

  • Multiple choice

  • True/False/Not Given

  • Matching headings

  • Sentence completion

  • Summary completion

Understanding the specific skills assessed by each question type and practicing them effectively can improve your performance across all formats. 

Take Regular Practice Tests

Practice tests and mock tests are very important part of IELTS Reading test preparation. These practice tests are designed imitating the original IELTS Reading test format. Regular practice tests can improve your fluency in the English language. Also, these practice tests can identify your strengths and weaknesses which can help you focus on your weak areas. 

Free IELTS Reading Practice Tests, Cambridge PDFs

Additional Tips to Improve Your IELTS Reading Score

Apart from the above strategies, some additional tips can be helpful to improve your overall IELTS reading score. These tips and tricks can vary from person to person as the preparation for IELTS is different for each aspirant:

  • Improve your English language knowledge by reading different text types, including articles, essays, reports, and reviews. Candidates can get knowledge on various English writing styles for IELTS Reading test. 

  • Understand the test structure. While reading the IELTS reading passage thoroughly to identify the main idea of the passage. Also try to understand the author’s point of view to answer questions quickly. 

  • Seeking professional help is an important part of IELTS Reading test preparation. It helps to provide personalized guidance and strategies for each candidates according to their strengths and weaknesses. 

Improving the Reading score helps to increase your overall IELTS Band score. It requires a strong dedication, strategic preparation, and consistent practice to improve your overall language skills. Candidates should know that only a consistent preparation plan help them achieve their desired IELTS score. 

Candidates who are willing to participate in the IELTS exam must enroll in a course for preparation. Physics Wallah provides the best Online IELTS Course in India with a well-structured preparation plan and experienced faculties. 

IELTS Exam Other Related Links
IELTS  Registration IELTS Full Form
IELTS Eligibility Criteria IELTS Exam Pattern
IELTS Syllabus IDP IELTS Test Centers
IDP IELTS Slot Booking IELTS Cut Off
IELTS Books and Study Guide IELTS Band Score

How to Improve IELTS Reading Score FAQs

How can I improve my IELTS reading fast?

To improve your IELTS Reading fast, focus in improving your skills like skimming and scanning. Understanding the test format can be very helpful to practice mock questions before the original test. Review your mistakes and learn from them. Read English newspapers or journals daily to boost speed and comprehension.

How to get a higher score in IELTS reading?

To get a higher score in IELTS exam, a candidate should get familiar with the test format and question types. Try to focus on building enhanced vocabulary to increase your answer quality. Learn grammar details to make your answer error free. Identify your key strengths and weaknesses to improve your IELTS Reading band score.

How can I get 8.5 in IELTS reading?

To get a 8.5 Reading score, candidates should try to minimize their mistakes. This requires high accuracy, fast reading, and clear understanding of all question types. Use authentic IELTS practice tests, time yourself strictly, and review thoroughly. Regularly read complex texts and practice paraphrasing. Focus especially on tricky formats like True/False/Not Given and Matching Headings.

How to get 9 in reading IELTS?

Getting a band 9 means a perfect or near-perfect score. You need to master all question types, read extremely fast and accurately, and avoid second-guessing. Practice daily with official IELTS materials and push yourself under strict timing. Strengthen vocabulary and comprehension by reading a wide range of academic texts and articles.

How to get 7 band in reading?

To get a 7 band in Reading, you should try to focus on familiarization with the IELTS Reading test format and question types. Learn to locate answers quickly through keywords and paraphrasing. Practice identifying distractors and reading efficiently. With regular mock tests and analysis, a 7 is highly achievable.
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