One of the main challenges faced by candidates during the IELTS Reading test is the limited amount of time available to complete the test. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient and effective reading strategies.

There are several key skills that are essential for success in the IELTS Reading test. It is beneficial to employ the following strategies for each given passage.

TIP #1: Previewing

(a) Begin by examining the passage and taking note of titles, subheadings, illustrations, diagrams, and any text in bold or italics.

(b) Engage in skimming, a technique used to quickly grasp the main idea or general understanding of the text. Skimming involves reading rapidly without dwelling on unfamiliar words, as this can slow you down. The goal of skimming is to maintain speed. You can focus on reading the title/heading, subheadings, and illustrations if available.

Alternatively, you can skim by reading only the first paragraph, which often contains the main idea. The initial sentence of each paragraph typically serves as the topic sentence, expressing the key points. Generally, the concluding paragraph provides a summary of the passage.

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

An integral part of understanding a passage or paragraph is comprehending its theme or main idea.

By identifying and comprehending the theme or main idea, the rest of the passage becomes easier to comprehend.