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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Feature
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Academic Reading
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General Training Reading
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Number of Sections
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3
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3
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Number of Questions
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40
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40
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Text Type
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Complex academic texts
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Extracts from magazines, newspapers, ads, and handbooks
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Duration
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60 minutes
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60 minutes
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Question Types
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Multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching headings, Sentence completion, Summary completion
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Same as Academic but with more everyday context
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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
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Contains three long texts taken from books, journals, and newspapers.
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Topics are of general academic interest, and suitable for those entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
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Example Topics: Climate change, medical advancements, historical events.
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Common question types:
General Training Reading Test Format
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Focuses on everyday situations and workplace-related reading materials.
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Section 1: Contains short texts related to daily life (e.g., advertisements, timetables).
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Section 2: Workplace-related passages (e.g., company policies, training materials).
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Section 3: Longer passage of general interest.
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Common question types:
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True/False/Not Given
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Matching features
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Sentence completion
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Flowchart completion
Also Read:
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:
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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
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True/False/Not Given:
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Matching Information:
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Sentence Completion:
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Flowchart/Table/Diagram Labeling:
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:
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Tip
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Explanation
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Skim and Scan
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Quickly read for main ideas and details to save time.
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Focus on Keywords
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Identify important words in the question and match them with the passage.
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Read Instructions Carefully
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Misinterpreting instructions can lead to incorrect answers.
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Time Management
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Allocate time wisely to each section and avoid spending too long on a single question.
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Practice with Past Papers
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Familiarizing yourself with previous tests improves accuracy and speed.
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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.
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Book Name
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Publisher
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The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
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Cambridge University Press
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IELTS Trainer
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Cambridge University Press
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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.
