Effective IELTS Reading skills and tips to help you get all the points

Reading skill is a rather dry and “difficult” skill in the IELTS exam. However, it is difficult to find exactly how to do IELTS Reading effectively because there are so many methods that are rampant on the internet. So what is the best method of doing Reading in IELTS? In this article, DOL will introduce you to the most common types of questions that appear in the IELTS Reading test, along with the best solutions to these types of questions!

1. Introduction to IELTS Reading

1.1. What skills does the IELTS Reading test measure?

The reading test is used to assess the candidate's ability in the following areas:

• Read and understand the main idea of ​​each sentence.

• Reading comprehension, stringing information content of sentences in paragraphs; from there, derive the main idea of ​​the paragraph.

• Evaluate and analyze the author's attitude, opinion, purpose or belief.

The IELTS Reading test is often quoted from famous foreign newspapers, reading passages, even research articles. Therefore, the readings are of relative difficulty.

Therefore, the result of the IELTS Reading test will reflect the candidate's ability to read, understand, and grasp the written language in an international academic and work environment. .

1.2. Time for homework

Candidates taking the test will have to complete 40 questions corresponding to 3 reading passages of relative length in a total of 60 minutes (including time to fill in answers).

Therefore, to complete the test under time pressure, each candidate needs to equip themselves with IELTS Reading strategies and optimal ways to read and answer all questions.

1.3. Exam structure 

As stated above, the IELTS Reading test has 3 reading passages with a length of about 700 - 1000 words. Each reading will talk about a different topic. The difficulty of each reading will increase gradually.

The content of the Academic reading will be more academic and contain more vocabulary than the IELTS Reading General test. However, both test types have 40 questions in a single reading test.

Each reading passage will correspond to a different question type and number of questions. Therefore, candidates should have the most useful IELTS Reading skills .

1.4. Score scale and how to calculate IELTS Reading score

The Reading test in IELTS is calculated on a 9-point scale. Each of the 40 questions will be counted as one point. The number of correct answers of candidates will be calculated based on the following IELTS scale: 

1.5. Reading test content

The test for both Academic and General Training has 3 reading sections, with increasing difficulty and different topics. However, because the purposes of the two tests are different, the content of the readings of the two test formats is also quite different. 

IELTS Academic

The reading passages of the IELTS Academic test format are usually taken from books, newspapers, research papers, literary reviews, etc. The topics for these readings are diverse: Society, science, math, literature, geography,... Most of them are quite academic.

IELTS Reading tests are usually quite in-depth analysis on a certain topic. In the reading, the opinions of many stakeholders can be mentioned.

In addition, some reading passages have an "introduction " to explain to the candidate an overview of the content of the passage (the opening part is usually italicized and unrelated to the question content).

In addition, if there are reading passages containing quite specialized words, there will also be notes for terms in the text to help candidates do better.

IELTS General Training

In contrast, the reading passages in the IELTS General Training test format are usually not too academic and closer to everyday life, which can be obtained from newspapers, magazines, advertisements or announcements.

The reading consists of 3 main parts:

• Part 1: Consists of 2 or 3 short texts that are highly practical. These topics are familiar to everyday life and are therefore relatively easy to understand compared to academic writing.

• Part 2: Contains two texts. Because candidates taking the IELTS General Training test are mainly people with immigration purposes, the reading can be related to issues such as: Apply for a job, announce at work, find a job, ...

• Part 3: Usually the longest and most difficult reading. The content and difficulty of this reading is quite similar to a reading in the Reading test of the Academic format .

In general, in terms of characteristics or content, the two forms of Academic and General Training have some differences. However, both have quite similar question types, so the next section will be an analysis of the exercise types, giving you a better preparation for self-study.

2. 10 popular types of test and how to do IELTS Reading effectively

In general, the IELTS Reading test types can be divided into the 10 most common p -forms. The next part of the article will give you a more detailed look at each form as well as tips for doing the IELTS Reading test in each separate form.

2.1. Format True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given

Here, DOL will share with you an overview and how to do IELTS Reading True /False/Not Given , Yes/No/Not Given !

2.1.1. What is the format of this post?

Both types of test have similar question structure and direction and skill requirements. The IELTS test requires you to evaluate and analyze some of the information or opinions given in the question as true, false, or information not included in the passage.

2.1.2 Question Format

True/False/Not Given form 

For this type of IELTS test, candidates will have to assess the information conveyed in the reading passage.

Tips to recognize this type of question

“Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?”

(Do the following statements match the information in the text?)

⟶ In this type of question, candidates will have to answer the question with one of three answers: ' True ', ' False ', or ' Not Given '.

Example of True/False/Not Given

Based on the " facts " (information) in the passage, you will choose the answer:

True – If the statement agrees with the relevant information in the passage

False – If the statement contradicts relevant information in the passage.

Not Given – If the information given is not in the text or cannot be determined, choose this answer.

Remember that 'True', 'False', 'Not Given' question types require candidates to locate and identify specific information. This information will be presented in the text as fact. The information in the text follows the order of the questions, so the information you need for the first question will be found before the information for the second question.

Dạng Yes/No/Not Given

This type of question is often asked in argumentative reading passages. Candidates will have to identify, analyze and evaluate the author's point of view or opinions.

Tips to recognize this type of question

"Do the following statements agree with the views/claims of the writer?"

(Do the following statements agree with the writer's point of view/statement ?)

⟶ In this type of question, test takers are asked to write ' Yes ​​', ' No ', or ' Not Given ' on the answer sheet.

Example of Yes/No/Not Given question form

2.1.3. Tips for homework

The biggest problem candidates face with this type of test is that they cannot identify the information in the text that corresponds to the statement in the question, or identify the information but are confused about whether the answer is ' False ' or ' Not Given ', or ' No ' or ' Not Given '. 

The reason is because you are trying to find keywords to find the answer, instead of trying to read the information to give the correct answer. This approach can still be useful in a few cases.

However, this trick makes it very easy for you to fall into the "trap" of the reading passage. Because in the reading will often be scattered a lot of synonyms of the statements.

Therefore, the fact that you rely on keywords to do the test is no different from leaving your fate to luck. So, to do well in this type of test, you need to have experience in IELTS Reading .

Some tips for True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given cards :

• Identify the right information to read in the article by paraphrasing recognition skills . The same information can be expressed in many different ways. You should improve this skill to quickly identify the information to read in the article.

• Pay attention to adjectives and comparative adverbs in the statement, for example: only, best, most,... These words are often used to determine the 'true', 'false' of the statement. 

• All three answers ' True ', ' False ', ' Not Given ' or ' Yes ​​', ' No ', ' Not Given ' must appear in the test. For example, the assignment has 5 sentences, which already have 2 answers ' True ' and 2 answers are ' False ', the last sentence is definitely the answer ' Not Given '.

• Don't spend too much time on one sentence. Since the answer to this question is most likely ' Not Given ', you cannot find this information in the text. 

• Information corresponding to each question will appear in sequential order in the lesson. Use this to your advantage to quickly identify information that has not been completed. 

• You should cultivate more critical thinking to increase your ability to analyze, evaluate and compare information. 

You can learn more about how to increase your Reading score in this video:

2.2. Matching Heading Questions

Here is an overview and how to do Reading IELTS Matching Heading Questions for your reference!

2.2.1 What is the Matching Heading Questions format?

In the form of Matching headings , candidates need to find the correct title for the paragraphs that are broken down in the lesson (the number of paragraphs usually ranges from 4 to 7 paragraphs).

2.2.2 Question Format

• Headings are sections of the table, numbered in Roman numerals (I, II, III,...).

• The passages are typed according to the alphabet (A, B, C,...).

Note :The number of headings is always more than the number of paragraphs to join.

Example of Matching headings questions

⟶ In the above example:

• Titles are numbered in Roman numerals (I - VIII).

• The reading passage has been divided into 6 numbered paragraphs (from A - F).

• Candidates must choose the best title for these 6 paragraphs, each title can only be selected once.

2.2.3 Tips for doing homework

• Do not pay too much attention to keywords to avoid traps. Because the keywords in the title will appear a lot in the article. 

• The reading passage is quite long, so candidates need to be able to read and understand each sentence. To do this effectively, it is necessary to know how to simplify the sentence, extracting the main content of the sentence. In addition, it is necessary to have the skill of stringing together the information of the sentences in the paragraph to derive the main content of the sentence.

• Do not spend too much time on the previous headings , because often headings will have very similar information, which will confuse you. Example : In the article above, the phrase “ AI ” appears in almost all the passages.

• Don't spend too much time on a difficult sentence. Take the time to do the easy questions first to eliminate some of the answers. This will help you do the rest of the sentences with greater accuracy.

2.3. Matching features post format

Next is information on how to do Reading IELTS in the form of Matching Heading Questions for your reference.

2.3.1 What is the type of Matching features?

For this type of task, candidates are asked to quickly read the passage and identify specific information related to a person, place, or time mentioned in the text.

These proper nouns are given in the problem, the task of the task is to match these nouns with information describing the characteristics corresponding to that noun. 

2.3.2 Question Format

• The proper noun part, which is also the answer to the questions, is in the alphabetical table (A, B, C, ...)

• The questions contain the corresponding information regarding proper nouns in the numbered table (1, 2, 3,...)

Example of the topic Matching features

2.3.3 Tips for doing homework

• The answers to matching features are not in order, so hone your scanning skills to find the information you need to read faster. 

• Don't be fooled by keywords in the questions, improve your vocabulary to make it easier to recognize paraphrasing .

• Read and do the few proper nouns that appear in the previous lesson, and then eliminate some of the answers.

• Pay attention to the question, sometimes an answer can be selected more than once. 

2.4. Matching information format

In this section, DOL would like to send you an overview and how to do Reading IELTS Matching information ! Stay tuned to learn more!

2.4.1 What is the format of Matching information?

The matching information format will ask candidates to read and find specific details in the text.

This type of essay is often confused with the matching headings format , although the paragraphs in the article are also divided into paragraphs (A, B, C,...).

However, candidates should look for details in passages instead of identifying headings. These details may include: reasons, comparisons, narratives, summaries, results, causes, examples. 

2.4.2 Format of the question

• The passages are typed alphabetically (A, B, C, ...)

• The parts to be joined are numbered 1, 2, 3, ...)

Example of the topic Matching information

⟶ In the above example:

• The reading passage is divided into 8 small paragraphs, numbered in order (from AH).

• Candidates are responsible for finding the information in the 4 questions (from 14 to 19) in these passages.

Note: The question has the sentence "you may use any letter more than one" which means that each answer (from AH) can be repeated more than once.

This type of test is very difficult to assess, as these details are not necessarily included in all passages of the passage, many passages are added without details in an attempt to trap candidates.

In addition, some reading passages may contain more than one detail, which makes finding these details even more challenging. Therefore, you need to have an effective way to do IELTS Reading for this type of test.

2.4.3 Tips for effective homework

To complete this type of lesson well, you need to equip some of the following skills and notes:

• Practice identifying paraphrasing skills . Since this is a detailed search, the question maker will use a lot of synonyms and sentence variations. Therefore, it is extremely important to have good  paraphrasing skills.

• Don't be fooled by the keywords in the questions. Improve your vocabulary to make it easier to recognize paraphrasing .

• Do not do this type of post first. Do other types of reading first. This tactic helps you get an overview of the text through other exercises, so it's easier to do this type of writing.

2.5. Matching endings

Here is the concept and how to do Reading IELTS in the form of Matching endings for your reference!

2.5.1 What are Matching endings?

Matching endings ask candidates to match the incomplete statements in the text with the rest.

The test will give you a list of incomplete statements, and another list containing the rest (the endings ) of these sentences.

This type of essay challenges the ability to grasp the idea of ​​the passage, requires the reader to understand the content of the events, activities, and ideas presented in the article to be able to give appropriate answers.

2.5.2 Question Format

• The part of the sentence to be completed is numbered (1, 2, 3,...).

• The ending part is typed according to the alphabet (A, B, C, ...).

Note :The endings will often be more than the sentences that need to be completed.

Example of Matching endings

⟶ In the above example:

• The questions are numbered (from 27 - 31). These are pieces of information that appear in the passage.

• Candidates need to read the passage and determine which answers (A - F) should be matched with the questions to complete the sentences.

2.5.3 Tips for doing homework

• The answers of the Matching endings form will follow the order of the reading passages. You can rely on this to identify information to read faster.

• Don't spend too much time reading the answers. Read the passage, understand the content of the information and come back to choose the answer.

• Improve vocabulary to increase paraphrasing recognition .

2.6. Multiple choice card format

Next, DOL would like to introduce the Multiple choice test in IELTS Reading and how to do well in this test.

2.6.1 What type of cards is multiple choice?

This type of essay challenges both the candidate's ability to grasp the main content when reading and to find details when reading. Test takers may be asked to choose the best answer to a question out of several different answers.

To make it easier to pass this type of test, you can learn the Reading Multiple Choice IELTS strategy suggested by DOL.

2.6.2 Format of the question

• The questions are numbered (1, 2, 3,...).

• The answer options are typed alphabetically (A, B, C,...).

Example of Multiple choice question format

Note : The number of correct answers will depend on the requirements of the question.

• Choose the correct answer from 4 answer options A, B, C, D Require the ability to grasp the main idea of ​​the reading passage

• Choose 2 correct answers out of 5 answers A, B, C, D, E or 3 correct answers for 7 answers A, B, C, D, E, F ⟶ Detailed search in the passage is required. read.

2.6.3 Steps to do the test

• Step 1 : Read the question, find keywords , determine the passage to read, do not spend too much time reading the answers because they will confuse you.

• Step 2 : Read the passage, identify the main idea

• Step 3 : Choose the correct answer, in case you can't find the right answer, you can use the elimination method.

Note : The answers always come in order.

Please refer to how to do IELTS Reading to get a band score of 9.0 of DOL English below:

2.7. Short answer questions

A next type of test in IELTS Reading that DOL would like to introduce to you is the Short answer question format.

2.7.1 What are short answer questions?

This type of test requires the candidate's ability to read for main ideas and details. Based on the information in the passage, candidates will have to answer questions related to the information in the text with words that appear in the passage.

2.7.2 Question Format

The question paper will specify the amount of words / numbers to be filled in the blanks. The number of words / word forms to be filled in will be clearly shown in the question.

Example :

• ' NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage ' – ' NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR SOME IN THE PART '.

• ' ONE WORD ONLY ' – ' JUST ONE WORD '.

• ' NO MORE TWO WORDS ' – ' NO MORE TWO WORDS '.

Example of Short answer questions

⟶ In the example above, the test has 4 questions, the candidate will have to use less than or equal to three words or 1 number (taken from the passage) to answer these questions.

2.7.3 Steps to do the test

Step 1 : Read the requirements of the topic, pay attention to the vocabulary limit to answer.

Step 2 : Read the question, find keywords , determine the paragraph to read (please pay attention to read the sentence to do that sentence, then move on to another sentence).

Step 3 : Read the information, determine the details to find, pay attention to the paraphrasing of keywords in the passage. 

Step 4 : Choose the correct information to answer the question. 

Step 5 : Repeat the remaining steps with the remaining questions. 

2.7.4 Tips for doing homework

• The DOL gives you a helpful note that the order of the short answer questions is always in the order of the passage. You can use this trick to determine the order of your answers.

• Only words that appear in the text can be used to answer questions, do not use synonyms that are not in the reading passage.

• The answer of this type of question is usually a noun or a noun phrase, or pay attention to these types of words to quickly find the answer.

• Pay attention to the number of words (or digits) used in the answer.

2.8. Completing tables, charts, notes, diagrams

Next, invite you to learn about Completing tables, charts, notes, diagrams!

2.8.1 What is the format of completing tables, charts, notes, diagrams?

This is one of the most common types of tests in the IELTS Reading test.

In this type of test, candidates will have to find words and phrases in the text to complete a data table, a chart or an information in the question.

This type of writing requires the reader to be able to find detailed information in the text.

2.8.2 Format of the question

• The blanks to be filled in in the lesson are numbered from (1, 2, 3,...).

• The number of words to fill in will be clearly shown on the topic.

Example of Completing note

⟶ In the above example:

• The questions in the lesson are numbered sequentially (9-13).

• The number of words to be filled in will be clearly shown on the question paper: ' ONE WORD ONLY ' - 'ONE WORD ONLY'

• Fill words must be taken from the topic.

2.8.3 Steps to do the test

Step 1 : Read the question requirements, pay attention to the vocabulary limit to answer

Step 2 : Read the question, find keywords, scan keywords in the article, determine the paragraph to read (please pay attention to read the sentence to do that sentence, then move on to another sentence).

Step 3 : Read the information, determine the details to find, pay attention to the paraphrasing of keywords in the passage. 

Step 4 : Choose the correct information to answer the question. 

Step 5 : Repeat the remaining steps with the remaining questions. 

2.9. Format of Completing sentences

The next type of lesson we will learn in IELTS Reading is Completing sentences .

2.9.1 What is the Completing sentence format?

Similar to the above test format, in the sentence completion test, candidates will have to find the words in the text to complete the questions in the test. This type of essay also requires the reader to be able to identify detailed information in the article. 

2.9.2 Format of questions

• The questions in the lesson are numbered (1, 2, 3,...).

• The number of words to fill in will be clearly shown on the topic.

Completing sentence essay example

⟶ In the above example:

• The questions in the lesson are numbered (from 1-5).

• The number of words to be filled in will be clearly shown on the question paper: ' NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER ' - 'DO NOT COMPLETE MORE THAN THREE WORD AND/OR SOME'.

• The word fill must be taken from the topic, do not use synonyms (synonyms).

2.9.3 Steps to do the test

• Step 1 : Read the question requirements, pay attention to the vocabulary limit to answer

• Step 2 : Read the question, find keywords, scan keywords in the article, determine the paragraph to read (please pay attention to read the sentence to do that sentence, then move on to another sentence).

• Step 3 : Read the information, determine the details to find, pay attention to the paraphrasing of keywords in the passage. 

• Step 4 : Choose the correct information to answer the question. 

• Step 5 : Repeat the remaining steps with the remaining questions. 

2.10. Completing diagrams bài

Finally, DOL would like to introduce the concept and how to make Completing diagrams in IELTS Reading.

2.10.1 What are the types of completing diagrams?

This is one of the most common question types in the IELTS Reading test.

In this type of question, candidates will have to find words and phrases in the text to complete a chart. This is a type of question that requires the reader to be able to find detailed information in the text.

2.10.2 Question Format

Examples of Completing diagrams

⟶ In the above example:

• The questions in the lesson are numbered 11-13.

• The word fill must be taken from the topic, do not use g synonym (synonym).

2.10.3 Steps to do the test

Step 1 : Read the question requirements, pay attention to the vocabulary limit to answer

Step 2 : Read the question, find keywords, scan keywords in the article, determine the paragraph to read (please pay attention to read the sentence to do that sentence, then move on to another sentence).

Step 3 : Read the information, determine the details to find, pay attention to the paraphrasing of keywords in the passage. 

Step 4 : Choose the correct information to answer the question. 

Step 5 : Repeat the remaining steps with the remaining questions.

Note : The answers of this type of essay are not in the order of the information in the article. 

Instructions for IELTS Reading test information:

3. Tips for doing IELTS Reading

3.1. Apply Linearthinking

In addition to equipping with ways to do IELTS reading questions , candidates need to equip themselves with extremely important test-taking skills to do better in the limited time in the exam room.

There are many methods to do the IELTS Reading test, but the common methods that are often spread do not help candidates understand and grasp the content.

Today DOL English will introduce you to a mindset that will help you weigh all types of IELTS Reading questions effectively. That is the Linearthinking method .

When you apply Linearthinking to the reading passage, you will be able to quickly grasp the main idea of ​​the sentences in the passage, and find the thread that connects the sentences in the paragraph together to grasp the main content of the whole sentence.

This method consists of 2 main steps:

• Step 1 : Simplify (simplify the paragraph ⟶ to help readers separate the main and minor components, know what information to read and which information is just supplementary)

• Step 2 : Read connections (read connections between sentences ⟶ see the main idea of ​​the whole paragraph.

Most types of IELTS Reading test only fall into two main categories: Find details or find the main idea .

When applying Linearthinking to the reading passage, you can easily grasp the main content of the reading passage or the detailed information. From there, finding the correct answer is much easier.

3.2. Underline keywords

This skill helps you identify the keywords (keywords) in the question. These keywords can be nouns or adjectives that carry the main information in the sentence. Identifying and underlining the right keywords helps you to perform scanning skills more accurately. 

Note (*): Keywords can be classified into 2 main groups as follows:

• Keywords that are difficult to replace: Include prominent numbers (day, month, year, data), personal names of people, places, animals,... This type of keyword is very difficult to be replaced in the article. Read ⟶ to find information faster, it is recommended to find these keywords first.

• Replaceable keywords: Includes nouns, adjectives, verbs that are easily replaced by other words or phrases with equivalent meanings rely on these types of keywords to find information when there are no words the key is hard to replace to find.

3.3. Applying practical knowledge

Building the background knowledge to be able to understand the content of the IELTS Reading test is extremely important. So in the process of reading comprehension, you can apply your background knowledge to understand the content of the article.

For example , those with a background in biology will quickly absorb the amount of information given in the reading " A second attempt at domesticating the tomato" or "Plant 'thermometer' triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat"

⟶ From there, you can easily find the answer in the article and get as many answers as possible.

3.4. Speed ​​up homework

With 3 passages in IELTS Reading, the number of words you have to read is from 5000 - 7000 words. At the same time, you have to solve many different types of problems in 60 minutes. So the " race against time " is a must.

Speeding up is a trick that almost anyone can understand, but how can it be accelerated?

The first thing is to be familiar with all the types of questions, and at the same time understand the nature of each type to apply the appropriate test strategy. Next is regular practice.

Of course, to master any skill, practice is the key and IELTS Reading is no exception. Regular practice under the pressure of time can help you get used to the tempo and do the exercises more accurately.

See more tips for IELTS Reading

4. Materials to review IELTS Reading skills

After you are fully equipped with how to do IELTS reading , the next thing you should care about is choosing the right materials to prepare well for the review process.

Here, DOL will suggest you some good and reliable Reading IELTS books to help you study better. 

4.1. For beginner level

For those who are new to IELTS, you should focus on strengthening grammar and vocabulary to have a solid background. 

Good book to learn basic IELTS grammar and vocabulary for beginners

The most "valuable" book to mention is Essential grammar in use published by Cambridge English . If you are still "missing" a lot of basic English grammar knowledge, then this book is the most suitable for you.

This book is presented very scientifically, including up to 140 grammar topics that you need to have before going into IELTS review. In addition, after each lesson, there will also be related exercises for you to consolidate the knowledge you have learned. 

4.2. For band 3.0

Get ready for IELTS reading

The next book DOL introduces to you is an extremely good book for those who want to approach IELTS reading.

What does this book give you?

• The book consists of 12 readings divided into post format with extremely detailed illustrations and instructions. The content of the book is very beginner-friendly, and the content is analyzed in great detail. 

• There are also “ tips ” to help make each type of post better.

• Finally, the indispensable part is the practice test and review to help readers consolidate their knowledge. 

Reading Strategies for the IELTS Test

Once you have accumulated a decent vocabulary and grammar, you can choose this book to start with question types and learn how to do the IELTS reading.

Book content:

• The biggest advantage of this book is that it has a Vietnamese translation, which helps those who have limited English vocabulary.

• In addition, there are 12 compound exercises and 7 practice tests . At the end of the book, there is also an Answer key section for readers to check and refer to the answers.

• The book is full of extremely useful lesson-taking strategies for those of you at level 3.0 to practice.

4.3. For band 4.0 - 5.0

With band 4.5 or higher, you will have a basic knowledge, so Collins for IELTS Reading will be a good resource for you. This book is in the same series with the full set of Collins for IELTS , very good.

Collins for IELTS Reading

What does this book give you?

• The book emphasizes on providing knowledge on common topics in IELTS: Technology, family, social relationships , economics,.... All these overviews will be a solid springboard for your IELTS study. you later. 

• Each topic will come with sample readings, and questions in a variety of formats. Train readers' reading comprehension, thinking and analysis skills.

• At the end of the book is the Answer keys section for readers to check their answers. 

IELTS Reading Tests By Sam McCarter & Judith Ash (Ebook)

In addition to Collin's reading books above, you should also approach more subject sources. This book is also a very good book to expose you to more reading topics. 

What does the content of the book include?

• The book includes 10 real test questions, divided into different formats on different topics. 

• At the end of the book, of course, is the answer section for readers to check their own results.

4.4. For 6.0 - 7.0

With band 6.0, your reading skills and skills also increase a lot. You begin your journey to improve your knowledge.

At level 6.0 and above, your vocabulary and reading ability have also improved a lot. DOL introduces you to more prestigious books for you to reach higher scores  .

Improve your IELTS Reading

The title of the book says it all, this book is a very good resource for you at level 6.0 - 7.0 to " improve" your reading.

What is the content of the book?

• The book contains 10 reading passages, written on common topics in reading.

• After each reading is a test to reinforce the vocabulary learned. 

• The last part is the answer to the reading passage.

Cambridge IELTS academic

This is the next book series that DOL wants to recommend to you. This book series consists of 17 books, published by Cambridge publishing house. A set of books that any IELTS student should have in their practice bookshelf.

You just need to finish this book to be confident that you can "fight" any question in the exam room.

What does the book include?

• Each book contains 4 full test IELTS reading readings , the content and difficulty are extremely close to the actual IELTS test.

• The last part is the answer to the reading passage.

5. Some other resources

In addition to practicing questions from books, having resources to practice reading skills is essential. Learning to read is not only about practicing questions and taking tests and tips for doing IELTS reading . It also depends a lot on reading and improving your daily vocabulary.

Here, DOL will give you some extremely useful reading resources. 

5.1. Website to practice reading

In addition to reading books and newspapers, you should also refer to online reading resources to become more familiar with the writing style of native speakers.

In addition, reading newspapers and news regularly will also help you come into contact with a lot of good vocabulary and learn how to use these words in the right context.

Some popular websites:

• https://qz.com

• https://www.bbc.com/news

• https://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com

• http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/

• https://www.theguardian.com/international

• https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/english/reading/

• https://www.theskimm.com

• https://www.instyle.com

• https://www.nytimes.com/column/modern-love

5.2. Online dictionary

In addition, during the learning process, you will also have to use a lot of dictionaries to look up the meaning and learn the words you do not know. DOL will guide you through some of the best dictionaries to support IELTS reading.

oxfordlearnersdictionary

This dictionary is very user-friendly, the word explanation is easy to understand, not academic. There are also usages of the word in many different situations, and examples of how the word is used. DOL encourages you to use English - English dictionary to improve faster.

Longman dictionary 

This dictionary is also extremely user-friendly, in addition to the meaning of the word, the dictionary also provides collocations to go with the word.

6. Frequently asked questions:

What are the common types of questions in the IELTS Reading test?

• Sentence completion

• Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

• Short-answer questions

• Diagram label completion

• Multiple choice

• Matching information

• Matching headings

• Matching sentence endings

• True, false, not given

What are the common mistakes in the Reading test?

• Write more than the number of words (or numbers) required by the task

• Spelling mistake when doing homework

• Did not read the requirements of the question carefully

• Failure to determine will lead to choosing the wrong answer

Things to avoid when doing IELTS Reading

• Don't try to read every word in detail to avoid wasting time

• Don't read the question lightly

• Do not choose 2 answers for the same question, because each question has only 1 correct answer

• Do not assume any information in the text, always remember that the answer to the question is in the text

• If you can't find the answer to a certain question, don't read the entire article, skip it and take the time to answer other questions, and then come back to complete that question later.

• Don't be so busy doing the test that you don't notice the time, make sure you have the right time to complete all the questions.

Suggest some tips for studying IELTS Reading to help learners conquer this test

• Read materials in English as much as possible

• Take notes of all the words you don't know to learn them

• Learn the structure of the IELTS Reading test

• Combine IELTS Reading skills with a dictionary

• Practice IELTS Reading regularly and learn how to allocate time appropriately

So DOL has shared with you the techniques and how to do the IELTS reading test and experience as well as reference resources. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Contact DOL now to find out more about the linear thinking method of reading reading !