IELTS Reading Test Format 2025, Section wise Syllabus Details

IELTS Reading Test Format 2025: The IELTS Reading test is a crucial part of the IELTS exam. The test assesses the ability of candidates to read, comprehend, and analyze texts effectively in the given prompt. Whether you are preparing for higher education, professional registration, or immigration, scoring high in the IELTS Reading section can significantly boost your overall band score. In this guide, we break down the IELTS Reading Test Format 2025 in detail and provide useful tips and study resources to help test-takers better prepare for the test. 

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IELTS Reading Test Format 2025 Overview

The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 40 questions. The test structure varies depending on whether you take the Academic or General Training version. Both formats are designed to test your reading skills, but the Academic version focuses on analytical and research-based texts, while the General Training version includes texts related to daily life and work situations.

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IELTS Reading Test Format 2025 Details

The test consists of three sections, each progressively increasing in difficulty. The passages are sourced from books, newspapers, magazines, and research papers.

Academic Reading Test Format

• Contains three long texts taken from books, journals, and newspapers.

• Topics are of general academic interest, and suitable for those entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

• Example Topics: Climate change, medical advancements, historical events.

• Common question types:

• Multiple-choice questions

• Matching headings

• True/False/Not Given

• Sentence completion

• Diagram labeling

General Training Reading Test Format

• Focuses on everyday situations and workplace-related reading materials.

• Section 1: Contains short texts related to daily life (e.g., advertisements, timetables).

• Section 2: Workplace-related passages (e.g., company policies, training materials).

• Section 3: Longer passage of general interest.

• Common question types:

• True/False/Not Given

• Matching features

• Sentence completion

• Flowchart completion

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Types of Questions in the IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS Reading Test includes different question formats that test various reading skills, such as skimming, scanning, and detailed reading. Below are the most common types:

1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

• Candidates choose the correct answer from a list of options.

• May involve selecting one correct answer or multiple correct answers.

2. True/False/Not Given:

• Determines whether the information in the passage agrees with the statement.

3. Matching Information:

• Candidates match paragraphs to given headings, features, or descriptions.

4. Sentence Completion:

• Test-takers fill in the blanks based on the passage.

5. Flowchart/Table/Diagram Labeling:

• Requires labeling parts of a diagram or completing tables based on passage details.

IELTS Reading Test Format 2025: Section-wise Syllabus

IELTS Reading Test Syllabus Section 1: In the Academic Reading test, section 1 includes passages from books, research articles, or journals. These passages are factual, informative, and often related to science, history, or social studies. They are designed to assess the test-taker's ability to understand straightforward ideas and extract key information from structured texts.

For the General Training Reading test, section 1 consists of shorter passages taken from advertisements, notices, brochures, and guides. These texts are designed to test the candidate’s ability to comprehend everyday information relevant to practical situations.

IELTS Reading Test Syllabus Section 2: The Academic Reading test’s section 2 includes more in-depth, research-based articles from professional and academic sources. These passages may focus on technical content, complex processes, or detailed descriptions. Test-takers are required to analyze and interpret data while identifying key arguments and supporting details.

In the General Training Reading test, Section 2 focuses on workplace and business-related texts. These include company handbooks, policies, training materials, and job descriptions. This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to understand information that might be encountered in a professional setting.

IELTS Reading Test Syllabus Section 3: For the Academic Reading test, section 3 presents a long, argument-based passage that requires a deeper level of comprehension. The texts in this section are often more abstract and require critical thinking to analyze opinions, arguments, and conclusions effectively.

In the General Training Reading test, section 3 includes a long passage from a newspaper, magazine, or book. The passage is structured to test the candidate’s reading skills in a non-academic setting, focusing on their ability to extract and evaluate detailed information.

Tips to Improve IELTS Reading Test 2025

To improve your reading skills, focus on practicing different types of texts and answering various question formats. Here are some essential tips:

Study Resources to Cover IELTS Reading Section

To perform well in the IELTS Reading test, it is crucial to practice with high-quality study materials. Below is a list of recommended books from reputable publishers to help you strengthen your skills for each section.

Guidance to PW IELTS Prep

The IELTS Online Courses is a great initiative Physics Wallah took to help IELTS aspirants better prepare for the exam. Follow our below pages to learn more about the IELTS exam.