IELTS Reading Band Scores
There are forty questions on the IELTS Reading test, and they are based on three lengthy books. Learn the formula used to determine your IELTS reading band score.
There are forty questions on the IELTS Reading test, which is meant to assess a broad variety of reading abilities. These include skimming, grasping logical argument, reading for the key ideas, reading for detail, and identifying the perspectives, attitudes, and purposes of writers.
The reading text themes for the Academic and General Training IELTS exams are different, but the question patterns will be similar.
Since you only have 60 minutes to complete the 40 questions in the test, time management is crucial.
Although it is usually advised to spend no more than 20 minutes on each section of the reading test, you may finish the first passage faster if you believe it to be simple, giving you more time to complete the questions in the subsequent two sections. As the test progresses, the sections get harder, so be sure to allow enough time to complete the last passage.
(Academic) IELTS Reading Band Scores – Raw Score Conversion*
| Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Academic Reading Band Score |
| 40-39 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 2.5 |
(General) IELTS Reading Band Scores – Raw Score Conversion*
| Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS General Training Reading Band Score |
| 40 | 9 |
| 39 | 8.5 |
| 37-38 | 8 |
| 36 | 7.5 |
| 34-35 | 7 |
| 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 30-31 | 6 |
| 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 23-26 | 5 |
| 19-22 | 4.5 |
| 15-18 | 4 |
| 12-14 | 3.5 |
| 9-11 | 3 |
Tips to manage time
Skim through the passage
There will be three distinct reading passages on your reading test. To get the idea, you can rapidly scan the full passage. It can be time-consuming and useless to read each statement in depth, so avoid doing so. Pay attention to headings and subheadings, and search for the primary ideas that summarize the section. Later on, this will aid in the search for solutions.
Pay attention to the introduction and conclusion
The opening and conclusion frequently convey the author’s point of view. After reading these two portions of the reading passage, you can correctly respond to the majority of questions. After going through the introduction and conclusion in detail, skim the remaining portion of the passage.
Identify key words
You can determine the idea related to the passage by using the key word. When perusing the passage quickly, note the important terms and either underline or highlight them. This should help you with most of the questions that come after the passage.
Read all questions before you begin answering
Take a moment to review each question before you start answering. Keep in mind that questions come in sets of three, four, or more, so read through that set of questions prior to reading the passage. As you have previously perused the text and recognized key phrases, it will be easier to locate your answers if you make sure to underline the important information words in your questions.
Answer every question
Never forget to respond to each question, even if you are unable to locate the solution or option. In a time crunch, keep in mind that you won’t lose points for an incorrect response, so venture a guess and you could be correct.
Check your answers
Verifying your responses can help you get a better reading score on the IELTS. Ascertain that you have addressed every question and set aside a minimum of 20 minutes for verification. You can refine your timing by using the practice resources on our website.
Although the reading portion of the IELTS can be daunting for test takers, being well-prepared and managing your time can mean the difference between a mediocre and exceptional result.
IELTS Reading Band Scores
IELTS Reading Band Scores