Candidates often face a significant challenge when taking the IELTS Reading test, mainly due to a lack of sufficient time to complete the test. To overcome this hurdle, it is crucial to develop efficient and effective reading strategies.

There are several key skills that can greatly contribute to success in the IELTS Reading test. It is beneficial to employ the following techniques when approaching each given passage:

TIP #1: Previewing

(a) Familiarize yourself with the passage by paying attention to titles, subheadings, illustrations, diagrams, and any text in boldface or italics.

(b) Gain a general understanding of the passage through skimming. Skimming involves reading quickly to grasp the main idea or the overall concept of the text. There are various methods for skimming. You can scan your eyes over the passage, capturing the general meaning without dwelling on unfamiliar words, as this can slow you down. The key aspect of skimming is speed. Alternatively, you may choose to read only the title/heading, subheadings, and any accompanying illustrations.

Another approach to skimming is to focus on the first paragraph, as it often highlights the main idea. The initial sentence of each paragraph typically serves as the topic sentence, expressing the key points of that paragraph. In general, the concluding paragraph provides a summary of the entire passage.

TIP #2: Skimming through the title/heading, subheadings, and illustrations

An essential part of comprehending a given passage, or even a paragraph, is understanding its underlying theme. The theme represents the main idea or concept.

If a reader can locate and grasp the theme or main idea, comprehending the rest of the passage becomes considerably easier.

By employing these strategies, candidates can enhance their ability to read efficiently and effectively in the IELTS Reading test, allowing them to better manage their time and achieve successful outcomes.