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How to Score 8 in IELTS Reading
To score 8 in IELTS Academic Reading, you need about 35–36 correct answers out of 40; Band 9 needs 39–40. General Training Reading needs more correct answers for the same band. The keys are a strict timing plan, reading questions before the passage, and careful checking on True/False/Not Given and matching headings.
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- Time
- 60 minutes, no extra transfer time
- Questions
- 40 questions across 3 sections
- Band 8 (Academic)
- About 35–36 correct
- Band 9 (Academic)
- 39–40 correct
How many correct answers do you need?
| Correct answers (Academic) | Band |
|---|---|
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 33–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–32 | 7.0 |
These are approximate; conversions can vary slightly between test versions. General Training Reading uses its own conversion. See IELTS band scores explained.
A timing plan for 60 minutes
- Section 1: about 17 minutes.
- Section 2: about 20 minutes.
- Section 3: about 23 minutes; it is usually the hardest.
If a question takes more than a minute and a half, guess, mark it and move on. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a blank.
How to handle the tricky question types
True / False / Not Given
"False" means the passage says the opposite. "Not Given" means the passage does not say. Do not use your own knowledge.
Matching headings
Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph first. Headings describe the main idea, not a detail.
Sentence and summary completion
Check the word limit and grammar. If the answer must be a noun, a verb cannot be correct.
How to practise Reading for Band 8
- Do full timed tests, not just single passages.
- For every wrong answer, find the exact line in the passage that gives the right answer.
- Track which question types you miss most and practise those.
- Read academic-style articles daily to build speed.
For format details, see the IELTS Reading guide.
How PrepEve helps with Reading
PrepEve trainers review your mock results to find which question types and sections cost you marks, then train those specifically. Full-length mock tests are part of Live Coaching.
Frequently asked questions
How many mistakes can I make for Band 8 in Reading?
Is there extra time to transfer answers in Reading?
Is General Training Reading easier?
Should I read the passage or the questions first?
Are spelling mistakes penalised in Reading?
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