What’s in the IELTS Academic Reading test?
There are three reading texts with a variety of question types.
Texts come from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources, written for a non-specialist audience. All the topics are of general interest to students at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The texts may be written in different styles, for example, narrative, descriptive or discursive/argumentative. At least one text contains detailed logical argument. Texts may also contain diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If texts use technical vocabulary, then a simple dictionary definition is provided.
You will need to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. You must transfer your answers during the hour you are given for the Reading test. Unlike the Listening test, no extra transfer time is given. You should be careful when writing your answers on the answer sheet because you will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
Summary
Time allowed: 60 minutes (including transfer time)
Number of sections: 3; the total text length is 2,150–2,750 words
Number of questions: 40
Marking: Each correct answer receives 1 mark.
Your final score is given as a band score from 1–9 in whole or half bands, e.g. 4, 6.5.