IELTS Reading
IELTS Reading Overview
IELTS Reading gives you 60 minutes to answer 40 questions across three passages. There is no extra transfer time, so pace is everything. This lesson covers the format and scoring.
Format
Academic Reading uses three long passages from books, journals and newspapers. General Training uses several shorter everyday texts (notices, advertisements, workplace documents) building to one longer passage. Both have 40 questions and the same 60-minute limit.
Timing target
- Aim for about 20 minutes per passage.
- Passages get harder — bank a little time early on Passage 1.
- Transfer answers as you go; there is no extra time at the end.
Scoring
Each question is one mark out of 40. In Academic Reading, roughly 30/40 is band 7 and 23/40 is band 6. General Training boundaries are a little higher because the texts are easier.
You do not need to read every word. IELTS Reading is a test of locating and understanding specific information quickly — skimming and scanning are the core skills.
Test yourself with our free IELTS practice questions and instant scoring.
Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
Is there extra time to transfer answers in IELTS Reading?+
No. Unlike Listening, Reading has no separate transfer time, so write your answers on the sheet as you work through each passage.
How many correct answers is band 7 in Reading?+
In Academic Reading, about 30 out of 40 correct answers typically corresponds to band 7.