Nine tips to crack the ielts reading module

Cracking the IELTS Reading section can be tricky, especially under the time pressure. Here are 9 solid tips to help you boost your score:

🔍 1. Master Skimming and Scanning

• Skimming: Quickly read to get the main idea.
• Scanning: Look for specific info like dates, names, or numbers.
• Don’t read every word—IELTS rewards strategy, not slow reading.

🧠 2. Understand the Question Types

• Practice all question types: True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Summary Completion, etc.
• Each type tests a different skill, so tailor your approach.

⏱️ 3. Practice Time Management

• You get 60 minutes for 40 questions.
• Aim to spend no more than 20 minutes per passage.
• Don’t get stuck—move on and come back later if needed.

🔄 4. Answer in Order, But Smartly

• Most questions follow the passage order (especially in factual types).
• Use this to track your location in the text.

🧾 5. Paraphrasing is Key

• IELTS loves rephrased answers.
• Improve your vocabulary to spot synonyms and paraphrased ideas.

❌ 6. Beware of “Not Given” Traps

• “Not Given” means the info isn’t there at all—not even hinted.
• Don’t assume based on your own knowledge.

✅ 7. Follow the Instructions Carefully

• Watch for word limits ("No more than two words").
• Writing “a big house” when the limit is one word = automatic wrong.

📚 8. Read Academic Content Often

• Get used to IELTS-style writing: articles from BBC, The Economist, National Geographic, etc.
• Helps build speed and understanding of complex sentence structures.

🧩 9. Practice with Real Tests

• Use Cambridge IELTS books or reliable online sources.
• Simulate real exam conditions (no distractions, timed).

Here's an example of how to tackle true false and yes no questions with confidence.