IELTS Reading
IELTS Reading Time Management
Running out of time is the number-one reason strong readers still score low. This lesson gives you a timing plan that protects the difficult final passage.
A 60-minute plan
| Passage | Target time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passage 1 (easiest) | 16–18 min | Bank a couple of minutes here |
| Passage 2 | 20 min | Keep to time strictly |
| Passage 3 (hardest) | 22–24 min | Protect this — it is where marks are lost |
Rules that save time
- Never spend more than about 90 seconds stuck on one question — mark it and return later.
- Transfer answers as you go; leaving them for the end risks losing them entirely.
- With two minutes left, fill every blank with a guess — no negative marking.
⚠️
The most common timing mistake is over-reading Passage 1 because it feels comfortable, then rushing Passage 3. Discipline on the easy passage is what wins the hard one.
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Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
How much time per passage in IELTS Reading?+
Aim for roughly 20 minutes each, but bank a little time on the easier first passage so you can spend more on the harder third one.
What if I run out of time?+
Guess every remaining answer — there is no penalty for wrong answers, so a blank can never be better than a guess.