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IELTS Reading: Academic vs General, Question Types and Time Strategy
IELTS Reading lasts 60 minutes and has 40 questions in 3 sections. There is no extra time to transfer answers. Academic Reading uses three long texts from books, journals and newspapers. General Training uses shorter everyday and workplace texts first, then one longer text. Aim for about 20 minutes per section.
- Time
- 60 minutes, including writing your answers — no extra transfer time
- Questions
- 40, one mark each
- Sections
- 3, getting harder
- Versions
- Academic and General Training use different texts and different band conversions
What is the IELTS Reading format?
You get 60 minutes to answer 40 questions across three sections. Unlike Listening on paper, there is no extra time to copy answers onto the answer sheet, so write them there as you go.
The question types are similar in both versions. What changes is the kind of text you read.
How do Academic and General Training Reading differ?
Academic uses three long, academic-style texts. General Training uses everyday and workplace texts that get longer and harder, ending with one longer general-interest text.
| Academic | General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Texts | Three long passages from books, journals, magazines and newspapers | Section 1: short everyday texts (notices, adverts). Section 2: workplace texts. Section 3: one longer text |
| Who takes it | University applicants, some professional registration | Work, training and migration, including Canada PR |
| Band conversion | Fewer correct answers needed for the same band | Usually more correct answers needed for the same band |
Not sure which you need? Read Academic vs General Training for Canada PR.
What question types appear in IELTS Reading?
There are around a dozen question types. Knowing what each one tests saves you minutes on exam day.
- True / False / Not Given (facts) and Yes / No / Not Given (writer's opinions).
- Matching headings — choose the heading that fits each paragraph's main idea.
- Matching information — find which paragraph contains a given detail.
- Matching features and sentence endings.
- Multiple choice.
- Sentence, summary, note, table and flow-chart completion — word limits apply.
- Diagram label completion and short-answer questions.
Most question types follow the order of the text. Matching headings and matching information do not, which is why they take longer.
How should you manage time in IELTS Reading?
Give each section about 20 minutes, and spend slightly less on the first because it is usually easiest. Never leave a blank — there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
- Skim the text first (2–3 minutes). Get the topic and what each paragraph is about. Do not read every word.
- Read the questions, underline keywords. Names, numbers and unusual words are easiest to scan for.
- Scan for the part that answers each question, then read that part closely.
- Move on after about 90 seconds on one question. Mark it and come back.
- Keep 2 minutes at the end to fill any blanks and check word limits on the answer sheet.
Tip: matching headings is often faster if you do it after other questions on the same text, because by then you know the paragraphs well.
What are the common IELTS Reading traps?
Most wrong answers come from matching words instead of meaning, and from mixing up False and Not Given.
- Word matching. The text uses synonyms. If the question says "decline", the text may say "fall". An option that repeats the text's exact words is often a trap.
- False vs Not Given. False means the text says the opposite. Not Given means the text does not say it. Do not use your own knowledge.
- Word limits and spelling. Copy words exactly from the text, and keep within the limit.
- Qualifiers. Words like "all", "some", "usually" and "never" change the meaning of a statement.
- Running out of time on Section 1. Spending too long early leaves the hardest section rushed.
How many correct answers do you need for each band?
For Academic Reading, about 30 out of 40 is roughly Band 7. General Training uses its own conversion and usually needs more correct answers for the same band. This table is approximate.
| Correct answers (out of 40) | Academic band (approximate) |
|---|---|
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 33–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–32 | 7.0 |
| 27–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–26 | 6.0 |
| 19–22 | 5.5 |
| 15–18 | 5.0 |
See IELTS band scores explained for how Reading combines with the other skills.
Why PrepEve for IELTS Reading
Reading scores usually stall because of timing and the same trap repeated, not vocabulary alone. PrepEve's online IELTS coaching helps you see and fix both:
The PrepEve Method: 01 Assess · 02 Diagnose · 03 Train · 04 Correct · 05 Repeat → exam ready. We find exactly why you're losing marks — in IELTS or PTE — and train you until those weaknesses are fixed.
- 5 full-length mock tests on Live Coaching, so you rehearse the 60-minute plan until it is automatic.
- Your mistakes found and fixed. A trainer walks through why you chose "False" when the answer was "Not Given" — then you practise that question type again.
- Academic and General Training both covered, with the right texts for your goal.
- All four modules, alongside Listening practice and trainer-marked Writing.
Live Coaching — ₹14,999 (30 days): alternate-day live sessions of 1.5 hours, 1-on-1 speaking mock interviews, unlimited writing evaluations, 5 full-length mock tests and WhatsApp doubt support.
15,000+ students trained and 4.7★ on Google from 300+ reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How long is IELTS Reading?
Is General Training Reading easier than Academic?
What is the difference between False and Not Given?
How long should I spend on each section?
Is there negative marking in IELTS Reading?
How many answers do I need for Band 7 in Academic Reading?
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