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<img class="pt-4 pb-6 rounded-lg" src="https://blib-public-images.s3.amazonaws.com//attachments/6d8645d5-84d1-40aa-a23c-3233bc328e0a/c9f111ec-0e78-482d-b084-1fb0890ac0d7/morgunovanillustrationillustratingagirlreadingabookpre043d6e80-d051-4cdd-99da-01f61f298532-1-1686182028812-compressed.png.webp" alt="">Preparing for taking the IELTS reading test? But more to go.Great for you. Check also our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="tiptap-link" href="https://ieltschamp.com/">AI IELTS preparation tool</a>&nbsp;for speaking and writing tests!&nbsp;That’s why we won’t make you wait anymore. Let’s get straight to the proven IELTS reading tips!<h2>1. Practice More Than Planned</h2>No matter how much time you dedicate to reading, there’s always room for extra practice. Treat it like sports — no pain, no gain. Your brain has enough capacity to absorb more information than you realize.Don't limit yourself to completing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="tiptap-link" href="https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/reading">free IELTS reading practice tests</a> online. Seize every opportunity to engage with English text, and this is #1 IELTS reading tip. Explore magazines, blogs, and specialized reports. Additionally, pick up a book — preferably a classic one — and learn from renowned authors. Their works often contain sophisticated passages that will refine your English reading skills.Want to disconnect from studying and have a rest? Why not play your fav video game with subtitles? ;)<img class="pt-4 pb-6 rounded-lg" src="https://superblog.supercdn.cloud/site_cuid_clh9d0pen1863803tpap1rc2c96/images/screenshot-2023-06-05-at-16-1685977487062-compressed.png" alt="IELTS reading questions example"><h2>2. Use Context to Comprehend New Words</h2>Another important IELTS reading tip is that you won’t have much time to think about the meaning of every unfamiliar word. It is crucial to rely on context to define these words. During your practice sessions, make a habit of independently deciphering the meaning of such phrases before opening a translator app or a dictionary. Then compare your guesses with the real meaning.Engaging in this simple exercise will significantly enhance your "English-language intuition," making it possible to identify the meanings of unknown words from the context. After all, during the actual test, you won't have the luxury of double-checking every word.<h2>3. Work on Your Vocabulary</h2>Deficient vocabulary is the main cause of failing the IELTS reading exam. The passages often feature words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation, although they are familiar to native speakers. However, being acquainted with words like "highbrow" (meaning "intellectual") or "oblique" (meaning "indirect"), and other advanced ones is crucial for attaining a high score.We believe that the best IELTS reading tip for improving your vocabulary is practicing! Based on our experience, we recommend learning a minimum of 15 new words per day, if not more. To optimize the learning process, start a vocabulary journal where you can record all the new words you encounter. After completing your reading exercises, review these new phrases once again, and challenge yourself to recall them all within a day or so.<h2>4. Skim and Scan</h2>To read really fast, you don’t need to meticulously read every word in a text. Instead, use the technique of skimming the article initially and then scanning it for relevant keywords:<ul class="tiptap-bullet-list"><li>Begin by reading the headline and the first paragraph to gain an overview of the topic.</li><li>Identify important keywords and focus on locating them while scanning the article.</li><li>Give particular consideration to the last paragraph, as it often summarizes everything written above.</li></ul>However, before mastering the art of fast reading, learn how to read any text attentively. Good timing is great but it doesn’t guarantee you success. That’s why we would recommend starting with careful reading, ensuring a thorough understanding of each word to practice and expand your vocabulary.Once you begin noticing that you focus on key ideas, not on specific words, it’s time to start skimming and scanning! You’ll have only 60 minutes to read everything and answer 40 questions — get ready for that!<h2>5. Find Clues in Questions</h2>It is worth noting that IELTS questions often provide valuable clues or keywords that can assist you in swiftly scanning the text. Our next IELTS reading tip is: Pay close attention to any details or numbers mentioned in the questions, such as names, dates, places, or thematic words, and then search for corresponding information in the passages.Another useful technique is to look for synonyms or paraphrases in the provided pieces. Identifying such differently presented ideas can help you in locating the relevant information more efficiently.<h2>6. Diligently Adhere to Instructions</h2>Don’t want to lose points due to lack of attention to the directions? Here’s another simple yet crucial IELTS reading tip! Read them carefully. They provide essential details on how to mark answers and specify other important guidelines, such as the required number of words or any specific requirements.Review the directions for each set of questions. Keep in mind that even if your answers are correct, they may not count if they are not marked properly.<img class="pt-4 pb-6 rounded-lg" src="https://superblog.supercdn.cloud/site_cuid_clh9d0pen1863803tpap1rc2c96/images/screenshot-2023-06-05-at-16-1685977781716-compressed.png" alt="IELTS reading questions example"><h2>7. Learn from Your Own Mistakes</h2>During practice sessions, you have the luxury of unlimited attempts to refine your skills. When it comes to the actual test, you only have one opportunity to succeed. Okay, we know there might be more, but it’s always better to pass any tests on the first try, isn’t it? :)&nbsp;Make the most of your preparation time and note down the mistakes you make most often. Record them in a journal even if you’ve corrected yourself immediately. By knowing repeated mistakes, your attention will naturally become attuned to them. This will help you not repeat the same errors during the actual IELTS reading test.<h2>8. Don’t Hesitate for Too Long&nbsp;</h2>Given the time constraints of the IELTS reading test, with approximately 20 minutes for each of the three sections, use your time efficiently. There is no room for excessive contemplation. Each question gives you the same amount of points. So, don’t get fixated on challenging questions but focus on easier ones first. Later, you may return to the difficult ones, if you have spare time.Unsure about how to answer a particular question? Try to make an educated guess and move on to the next one or simply skip it. Also, to save time, we have one more IELTS reading tip. Put your answers directly onto the answer sheet.<h2>9. Never Leave Questions Unanswered</h2>Sure, you have the right to do so, however, this always results in zero points. Why not make a guess and hope for a correct answer and an extra point earned?&nbsp;If you have some remaining time, use it to scan the passages once again and make more informed decisions. If not, . Remember, there are no penalties for incorrect responses, so it's worth taking a chance rather than leaving questions unanswered.<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>Having all said, we have one more ultimate IELTS reading tip for you! Remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations where you may feel unsure of what to do. Don’t panic, at all times.Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process even for native speakers. The more you <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="tiptap-link on" href="https://ieltschamp.com/">prepare and practice</a>, the greater your chances of success. Believe in your skills, and knowledge, and trust your intuition when faced with uncertainty. With confidence and a clear mind, you’ll be capable of everything, and we believe in your success as well!If you've been waiting for a sign to begin your practice, consider this as your cue to start now!Oh, wait, one more thing — if you found our IELTS reading tips helpful, we would be truly grateful if you could share this piece with your friends. :)

Preparing for taking the IELTS reading test? But more to go.