Below are some IELTS reading tips about how you can improve your score. The tips include developing both IELTS reading exam skills and also improving your English.
IELTS Reading Tips: How to Increase your Score
- Develop skills of each type of question in reading. There are around 14 different types of questions and you need to find a strategy to tackle each one. Some question types have answers that come in order and others do not. This type of information will help you not only save time but also locate the right answers. Follow the link to learn about the IELTS reading question types. Most students struggle with True False Not Given questions, see this IELTS TFNG video to learn how to approach this type of question.
- Skimming and Scanning. You should be able to skim and scan passages to do well in IELTS. Skimming is reading a passage to get a general idea of the content. This is recommended to do before you tackle the questions. All types of questions, except one, are given after the passage because it is recommended to skim read the passage before the questions. This does not mean you try to understand the passage. It’s just a chance to get a sense of the topic and layout. You should skim read the full passage in 2 to 3 minutes – not longer. At the same time, you should underline any key words you see. The only types of questions which comes before the passage is matching headings, for those, you don’t need to read the passage first. Scanning is your ability to locate information quickly and has no relation to comprehension of the passage.
- Develop your speed reading skills. This test has a strict time limit which will really challenge your ability to complete the questions in time. You must develop speed reading skills to be able to find your answers quickly. This means you must be able to scan the passage quickly to locate information.
- Don’t try to understand the full passage. Your task is to locate answers only. Most questions test your ability to locate specific information given to you and then to comprehend the sentence or sentences which contain that information. There are only two types of questions which will require a more detailed understand of the whole passage – matching headings and choosing a title. All other questions are based on locating information. For more tips about reading techniques for IELTS, follow the link.
- Developing vocabulary. This is one of the key reasons why students don’t get the score they need. Learn vocabulary is not just about learning the meaning of a word, it is about learning when you can and can’t use a word. It is also about what collocations can be used with words, for example verbs and match nouns. You should write words lists that include common paraphrases and also any problems you had finding the answer. You can do this by learning vocabulary from practice reading passages.
- Key words. Each question will have key words to help you locate the information in the passage and to spot the right answer. You should learn to spot key words and use them correctly. You should also check whether the key words can be paraphrased. You will soon learn to use key words correctly when you review your answers in practice reading lessons. Some key words are obvious, for instance names, dates, numbers, places etc. Other key words are more subtle.
- Grammar. Question types such as summary completion and sentence completion require that the sentence is grammatically correct when you have put the answer in. This means that grammar can help you to spot the right answer. Many students post question on this blog asking me why one answer is correct and the other is not – the reason is often grammar related. You will see this when you do practice reading lessons.
- Practice makes perfect. Unless you practice regularly, you won’t improve. Here’s a link to all my reading lessons for IELTS. The lesson are useful for students taking both the GT test and academic test because they are aimed at building skills, understanding of question types and also vocabulary.
- Getting used to difficult passages. If you have time before your test, you should be widening your reading skills and familiarity of complicated passages on a range of topics. read the bbc news, the new scientist, the economist etc. Here’s a link to a page with useful websites for IELTS which includes links to websites useful for reading.
- IELTS Practice Reading Tests. You can find practice tests online for free (see my useful website page for links)or you can buy the IELTS Cambridge Test books (number 10 is the most recent). You should use IELTS practice reading tests for two purposes:
- To develop your skills, practice different types of questions and enhance your vocabulary
- To test yourself under exam conditions to check your score and check if you have developed or no
- GT Test. The first two passages in the GT test are different to the academic test but the third passage is similar. To practice the first two types of reading passages, you can practice reading materials such as instruction manuals, schedules and employment terms. You can find practice tests in the IELTS Cambridge books. The same skills and question types apply to both the GT test and academic test so all lessons on this blog will be useful to Gt students.
- Know your weaknesses. Unless you know your weaknesses, you won’t know how to improve. You must check the reasons why you are getting your answers wrong or right. If you are getting answers wrong due to your understanding of the passage, then you know you must improve your English language. If you are getting your answers wrong because your couldn’t find the information or you didn’t understand the question or you ran out of time, then the problem is your technique and strategies. Spend time reviewing your performance.
- Be realistic. If your level of English is not strong, don’t expect to get band score 7.
- Plan your training for IELTS reading. You should spend time
- developing vocabulary and paraphrasing limitation
- practicing particular question types
- developing speed in locating information
- doing practice test not under exam conditions so you can work on skills
- doing practice tests under exam conditions to test your score and improvement
- You must prepare. Like all tests, you need to prepare. Even native speakers need to prepare by learning about the different types of questions and developing the right skills.
Useful Links for IELTS Reading
- Should I take IELTS GT or Academic?
- IELTS GT Reading Practice Test
- IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test
- Band Scores
- IELTS Reading: Frequently Asked Questions
Main IELTS Pages
Develop your IELTS skills with tips, model answers, lessons, free videos and more.
- IELTS Listening
- IELTS Reading
- IELTS Writing Task 1
- IELTS Writing Task 2
- IELTS Speaking
- Vocabulary for IELTS
- IELTS Test Information (FAQ)
Hi Elizabeth
Actually I want to say thank you for these explanation you helping me to understand the IELTs test easily, At the End of May I have Test I hope I get 6.5-7
Best Regards
Fingers crossed 🙂
Hello Liz,
Your guide has been very useful to me.
Thank you.
Hello Liz,
Thanks for all the wonderful videos, I have got 8.5 band in the reading section
Fantastic!! 🙂
superb!!!Thanks a lot,you r an amazing ………
Hello liz,
first, I would like to say thank you for your very useful advices. today I sat for IELTS academic exam, I need to get 7 band score result but I am not satisfty with my reading and maybe I can not get good result for that section. I am wondering is that ok to do another test in next week before getting my result?
It’s completely your choice. When you take more than one test, you decide which certificate to use for your future. So, it’s no problem to take it again. If you decide to try again, I wish you lots of luck!! 🙂
Just got to know about your website recently so i want to make the best use of the opportunity to go through all your advice. I need you to please respond ASAP so that i have a strong confidence to take the exams.
Use the RED MENU BAR at the top of the website to open the relevant sections of the test 🙂
Hi Liz,
I wonder something about writing task 2. When I write an essay can I concoct some examples or events to support the main idea of the essay ?
Thank you for your interest 🙂
The content of your examples does do anything to improve your score so there’s no reason to invent them. You don’t have to use examples. You can illustrate and explain your ideas in many ways other than examples.
Hi Liz,
I’m here to say a big thanks to you for your incredible work you are doing. I appreciate your great efforts and commitment to share knowledge for free.
All the very best !!!
Be happy!!!😊
Hello Liz! Thanks for your tips, they are all useful to me. I did my speaking test yesterday 14-8-19. My examiner signaled me to speak me, although he was always interrupting me to stop talking in section 1 and 3. Will that affect my score?
It is 100% normal for the examiner to interrupt your answer and move to a new question. This is a normal part of IELTS speaking tests. It is nothing to worry about.
Amazing! Got 7/7!
Hi Liz. Thank you for all the lessons you have imparted for us. I learned a lot from you. I will be taking the IELTS exams on May and I am pretty sure I would make it because of your lessons. How I wish! Lol! I am praying for the success of my exams. Thank you.
Daly- Philippines
Fingers crossed 🙂 Make sure you use all 300 pages which are free on my site. Go to the HOME PAGE to learn how to access all the information.
Thanks lot for your detail techniques.I really happy to get lot information from your passage.I hope your contribution will going on in full swing.
Hi Liz,
To be very ownest, this is one of the best website I have found so far. You have covered all the portions and is really easy to understand them.
It is helping me a lot.
Regards
Prashant
I’m really pleased my website is helping you 🙂 It is my main goal 🙂
Dear Liz,
This was most helpful.
Thank you.
Hlo Liz
Tnk u for ur help tanks a lot
Need a Speaking Partner. Please skype me “Jazmet”
Hi liz. I really admire your work. The things you do for us are really helpfull. I want you to continue your sharing and posting and much as possible because we really find it helpfull and easier to get new ideas. Tha kyou ver
y much
Hi, Liz
Really it’s the most fruitfull ielts blog. Since i have been subscribed till now i noticed alot of positive differences in many aspect of ielts test. great thanks.
Please teacher, can you explain the right answer for the follwing TFNG question, because i’m confused about the answer.. I believe it’s false but the model answer sayed true..
Text:
Go back to the shop with proof of purchase. If you return faulty shoes at once, you have a right to insist on a refund.
Question:
If you return unwanted shoes sraightway, with a receipt, the shop will probably give you a refund.
Thanks u for your time
It should be NG. We don’t know if “unwanted shoes” will be refunded or not. We only know that “faulty shoes” will be refunded. However, it does depend on the test of the recording – you’ve only given me a small amount of information.
Hi Liza! You wrote that we should be realistic , that if we have a poor English we shouldn’t expert the band like7, but I mean you should encourage your subscribers! I have an exam after about 1 month , on July and I got marks 4-6 but I have recently started Cambridge and I want to get a high score for reading more than 4,5 or 6. I want to sth like 6,5 or even 7; but after reading your advice about “being realistic” I have lost my motivation 😢😢😢
I am talking about your level of English, not the band score in your tests. Some people have band 7 English, but do not hit this score in their test. This is due to techniques usually and can be easily fixed. They are failing to get the score that relates to their English. However, my comment was not about those people. My comment is about people with a low level of English who want to get a high score. That isn’t possible. If every sentence they write contains both grammar and vocab errors, they will not be able to get a high score. For them , they must improve their English before doing IELTS. So, please do not confuse my comments. My whole website is for people with good English who are aiming for band 7 plus and can get band 7 plus with the right help.
For you personally, you need to check the reason you are getting answers wrong. Are you getting them wrong because you can’t understand the English. Or are you getting them wrong because your are lacking technique. Techniques are easily and quickly learned – your score can easily go up. But if you are getting answers wrong because you don’t understand the English, that is another matter altogether.
So, do not misread or misunderstand my comments. My website was designed to encourage and also inform.
Hi Liz,
This is a great website for IELTS self preparation, kudos to you for the effort.
My exam is scheduled on next Saturday and i am still struggling with the Reading section, particularly matching headings.
Could you please provide me link/information where i can practice this scenario at least 10-15 practice questions.
Regards,
Amreen
It’s best if you get the IELTS Cambridge test books. They contain real tests published by IELTS.
I will pass by God is Grace because I’m already successful in Christ Jesus I can do the impossible by the authority and the power that Christ Gives me … God bless you Liz …
Hi Liz,I am regular spectator of your Ielts videos. They are more lucrative .I indeed need some suggestions on listening and reading topics. Can I use (), if I have doubt on answers in both topics.For ex I listed tape saying pen but Answer is pens. Can I write answer as pen(s) since in sentence I see more _____. Also for reading topic they mentioned saying we should write no more than 3 words, I wrote answer as (the) football (match), actual answer is only football, is it correct or not,plz ponder on these.
No, you can’t do that. Brackets are used in books – not for IELTS candidates. You must decide one answer – only one answer. It is either wrong or right.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for all the great tips and strategies . I listen to your videos and have learnt a lot of strategies and tips 🙂 thank you for helping everyone out. Keep up the great work !!
Hi Liz
Thanks for your efforts.
I observed you spelt the name Robert in common names of boys but in one of the listening practice tests answers spelt it as Roberts. Can it be used interchangeably or will I be penalised if I use one in place of the other?
The word “Roberts” is a family name, not a first name. “Robert” is a first name. Don’t confuse the two.
That’s insightful, thanks a lot.
Hi liz,
You are amazingly answering all the queries and a good teacher too. I am really impressed. Even in Punjab India , many people know you. I was really confused about my IELTS preparation but after watching your videos, I have really got a path. Thank you so much!
Hi Liz,
The website is simply great! I really learned the technique of TFNG from your video! Thanks a lot. I have certainly improved in that section! 🙂
I had a query regarding writing the answers, what case should be used to write them? Are IELTS marking CASE Sensitive? How should we write? CAPITAL or small or First Letter Capital and Rest Small?
I recommend using all capital letters for reading and listening.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for your blog, it has proven to be amazingly helpful. I took an IELTS Academic test last July and received 9s in every component except for writing in which I scored a band 7. Would you recommend me to sit the General component instead to improve my score or should I resit the Academic test? I need a minimum of Band 8 for each component and need to achieve this in a single setting in order to meet the requirements of a visa application. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!
Many thanks,
Maria.
The GT writing test is only different in writing task 1 which counts for 33% of your marks. So, I doubt it will be able to alter your score from 7 to 8 (although not impossible). The writing task 2 has the same requirements, but the essay question can sometimes be easier – not always. It’s a toss up. My recommendation is to review your essay writing technique and find where you are going wrong. It obviously isn’t with language, so you need to look at technique and your understanding of the requirements.
Hi Liz. I have given the IELTS once and I decide on taking the IELTS with British Council as I was not able to achieve the desired band in writing and reading. Matching the headings and True/False/NG are problems I face in reading.I am also not able to tackle the map questions in listening.
Can you please provide suggestions on this as well as developing my writing.
See my main pages for tips and exercises: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/ and https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ and https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. I also have advanced writing task 2 lessons : http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
hello Elizabeth, 11 november 2017 is my test date..i m little worried about it…This is my last chance to score good in test…my family will not give me a chance anymore…i have difficulty in reading module and in speaking..in speaking my main problem is lack of ideas…what should i do??guide me plz…day after tomorrow is my exam😭
Start reviewing all common and recent topics for speaking – fast!
Hello Amrit, How was it?
Hello Amrit, how was it? 🙂
Hi
Are there more quetions for practicing reading section??
And writing task 1 have different statements like graphs and two charts in one question do u have any model answers of those questions?
My main pages are accessed through the red bar at the top of the website. Didn’t you click on the links??? Also access main pages first.
You are perfect Liz!! I used your improvement methods and got 8 from IELTS.Thank You!!❤️
Brilliant !! I’m really pleased for you – well done 🙂
HEY…
IN READING SECTION I DON’T KNOW WHY I DID NOT FIND THE CORRECT ANSWERS? PLEASE TELL ME TRICK TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM
There are no tricks. Read this whole page again and start making a list of things you are doing and what you are not doing.
do they lower the band score if the exam is tough? i did my exam on last 28th it was v difficult i mean listening and reading was very hard to score above 30.. so will they lower the score band?
The band scores are never changed.
do they give papers like that? i mean once in a while.. those hard papers..
As I said, IELTS claim there are no hard tests and that all tests are the same level.
Hi! Liz , How i understand that my english level is match with my expect score?
See the band score requirements for grammar and vocab for an idea: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/. Also do a full listening test and check your score. Your sentence written above contains two grammar mistakes. This means your grammar level is around band 5.
How can i increase my English level?
You will either need an English language teacher or you use free websites which you can google online for English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/useful-websites-and-resources-for-ielts/
hey Liz,
I always take 5 to 10 minutes more from the given time to complete my reading section because i take time to understand the passage and to find the answer. Mostly, the number of correct answers are between 25 to 30 but i need 30+ correct answers.
what can I do to solve this issue ?
Your aim is to locate and decide answers – nothing more. Stick to the aim.
this is very good site for me and it help me lot. Thank You
Hi Liz,
I have difficulty in Yes/No/Not Given because I don’t know how to distinguish between No and Not Given. Can you help me deal with this problem?
You’ll find a link to TFNG tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/
Hello Mam,
if a person has problem to understand the passage in one way ..how he/she can overcome this weakness ..please give me solution
IELTS is a language test. If the passages are too difficult, it means your English language is not strong enough.
Hi mam..
could plz give me some tips to improve the writing ??
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Hi Liz,
Is it ok to have erasures and corrections on your answer sheet?
Thanks
Sure. It’s ok to delete something and write a new word. On put the new word above it. But make sure it is easy to read for the examiner.
Thank you for your prompt reply Liz!
Hugs💓
Hello mam, I have a problem with my reading. Because of lack of my interest , i am not able to find correct answers. I try my best but not . Will u plzz help me ?
Your aim is not to understand a boring passage, it is to locate answers. Change your aims. Look at this as a challenge to find answers.
U should completely focus on ur task and improve basic level of understanding so u r are to predict the demand of questions
Hiii lovedeep sister same problem with me i am not understand the passages😭😭😭😭
Hi liz,
I am little worried about true or not given.please provide some more links or practice tests, because it is on the border line should I select true or not given . I’m a new learner for this test,please also tell by your experience, how long should I practice for this test.I mean time frame.I will be in touch with ,if you don’t mind. I am really impressed by Method of your teaching.
Best wishes,
Nasir
Please go to this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/ where you can find at least three pages of TFNG tips and practice.
Thanks a lot for the detailed knowledge sharing, it really helped a lot 🙂
Hello Liz,
Your blog is very informative. Thanks for all the hard work you put. My question is regarding IELTS reading sections . I m taking IELTS GT this month and need your advice regarding each of the question types . I am unable to find them in this site, please help me with the links. Thanks a lot.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-general-training-reading-information/ and for writing, see this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/
Hi Liz,
I have been following your tips and did get improved in my Reading skills. Your tips explain all the mistakes I made before.
Now I am doing some practice tests in IELTS Cambridge 8. In test 1 (academic reading), question 24: Class F airspace is airspace which is below 365m and not near airports.
My answer is NG, since the text does not say anything about class F (uncontrolled airspace) is not near airports. It just says “controlled airspace is in the vicinity of an airport”. I thought I couldn’t assume the opposite, that “uncontrolled airspace is not in the vicinity of an airport”. That’s why I chose NG.
But the answer is TRUE.
Can you please help me explain?
Thank you
I don’t have my copy of Cambridge 8. I would need to see the passage to comment.
Read the end of passage E and the start of passage G.
Hi Liz,
Is it important to write all the answers in capital letters in IELTS Reading and Listening test?
You can write in capitals or lower case – it’s your choice. I recommend using all capital letters because it is easier to read.
hii mam
i need some GT reading materials in PDF. Could u plz send me by mail. I will pay you for that
thnxxx
Please purchase the IELTS Cambridge Test Books which are real tests published by IELTS.
Dear, Liz
Do you recommend to do second and third times the same practice tests if i had a lot of mistakes for the first time?
Or should we try other new topic and new practise tests?
When you make a lot of mistakes. Do it again and see why you are making the mistakes. Review language, review techniques and review keywords. Then make a list of things you need to work on and things you have learned. Then move on to the next practice.
Hi
LIZ
It is really wonderful to see your lesson are very much interesting and more over they are very well structured. By applying those strategies I have improved quite a bit, I face difficulty in reading especially T/F, Y/N and NG type of question. So, it would be very kind of you, if you could advice me how to improve on that, and moreover, how can I improve my writing pattern as well? Last time I secured (L: 7.5, S: 7.5, R:6, and Wr:6) and it was academic by the way. Now, I booked my IELTS slot for GT on 3rd of June. So it’s plenty of time to practice. If you could please give me some valuable tips and suggestions, I shall never ever forget your kind act. This time I would like to score at least 8 bands in each module so, please help me in achieving the difficult task.
Cheers!
Regards
Imran Khan
See my main reading page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/. All main pages are found on the red bar at the top of the website. Take a look. There are over 300 pages of tips and help.
hey liz,
I need your advice about reading is that I can right answers only 25-30 I can not make right more than this so please give me advice how to make right answers around 30-35
thanking you
It is possible that the problem is your level of English. This is a language test. If your level of English is not good enough, you won’t hit the higher scores. Try to find an English language course or teacher to help you.
Thank you liz for ur kind answer but it is not like that i dont understand questions and or its grammer or english paraphrase but its like i can not give right answers more than 24-30 out of 40 rest of answers are always wrong so how should i lift this barrier and achieve more right answers
It sounds like you haven’t developed a technique for each type of question. Are you doing practice tests? Or are you practising each type of question separately? Each type of question requires you to spend time analysing the question and preparing paraphrases – are you doing this? Are you spending enough time with the questions. Never read the question and try to find the answer. You need to analyse the question and plan what type of answer you are looking for. You can’t find an answer if you don’t know what to look for.
thank you liz for your immediate reply as always….I will look forwards to your tips and wil try my best to improve my understanding about not only question but their types also….thank you again
Liz, would you reccomend first read the text and then the questions or first the questions and then the text?
Some students prefer going straight to the questions and others prefer skim reading first. You must decide what words best for you.
Hello teacher
Is it all right to write answer of reading in block letter?
You can choose to use capital letters in reading or listening.
Hi Liz !
Is it ok if I write the answers in capital letters only ? like we do for listening test ?
Will be peanalized for not mixing simple letters and capital letters appropriately ?
Thank You in advance !
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/
Hello, Liz,
I’m taking the GT exam, and for the Reading test I want to ask you if it’s worth spending time preparing with the Academic Reading texts.
Thank you!
Dorina
You definitely need to practice quite a few GT reading tests first. Make sure you are familiar with the layout of passages and also the types of content. Using Academic reading practice is also possible because both GT and Academic reading use the same types of questions, which means the skills you need are the same.
Thanks a lot for the prompt reply! 🙂 Yes, I should finish first all the GT tests that I have at hand. It’s my third trial. Firstly, it was my writing band that was not sufficient, and then my Reading. At first, Reading was my strength, with 8. Then, even though the L, W and S bands went up significantly, the Reading band came as a surprise (6.5). I’ve completed a R test now and it’s unbelievable that my mistakes stay in the first part, the easiest one (7 / 7.5 range). Now I have two dragons to feed – Reading and Writing 🙂
Hi Liz. Thank you for this wonderful website 🙂
I’m unable to find your techniques for scanning and skimming long passages. I really need to learn that. Can you please share the link to that?
Thank you.
There are tips for skimming and scanning in the article above. As long as you understand the terms, it is just a case of practice. Also read this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-strategies-and-comprehension/
Hi Liz,
I just had my exam yesterdayDec 3 2016, Kyoto, Japan
I wanna say thank you so much for this website of yours
I had less than a month to study for the exam since I am working full-time
However , after the exam i felt relieved because i know i did it right especially for the reading exam.
without your help (this website) i won’t be confident as i took the exam .
I wish you good luck in your career and more powers !!!!!!
love you so much,
May Esther
You’re very welcome, May Ester! I’m glad you could benefit from my site. Good luck with your results 🙂
I have recieved lot of information from your given points but then also i have a fear in mind that i will get better score in reading
Thankyou for giving us this knowledge
Please give some information
You’re welcome 🙂
i have taken ielts date on 29 octomber
Dear Liz!
I have my IELTS exam on 22nd october, upto this day I have practised listening and reached 35-38 marks. I haven’t practised reading much but the pratice I did from Cambridge books I scored about 30-34, I am unable to skim well. So cam you guide and how much difference is in real exam situation as compared to cambridge book stuff.
The Cambridge books are real tests used by IELTS and published by IELTS. The topics will vary. You might get topics which you find more difficult or easier – it’s just luck on the day.
Hi liz
OMER here from India am not able to understand reading is there is tips for me .
when am doing practies am not getting correct ans so pls need ur help humble request
Regard
omer
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/
Hi Liz,
I have one question. In the matching heading of Reading section, are the answers in sequence of paragraphs ideally?
Thanks,
Anu
It depends on the type of questions – some are in order, others aren’t. See the questions type post on the main reading page of this website for information.
Hi Ms. Liz…. The BEST way to thank you for your work is to fulfill my goals / dreams… I just want to encourage you guys to try the tips of Ms. Liz especially in the Reading category.. I got a Band score of 9!!!! as in NINE….hehe… 2 days before my examination on July 16 2016, I spent 2 hours and watched the videos of Ms. Liz….
My Academic IELTS scores:
Reading – 9
Listening – 8
Writing 7.5
Speaking – 7 (expecting for a higher Band though)
Overall – Band 8
Next step: NCLEX-RN
Thanks Ms. Liz
ohhhh thats great friend god bless u
Hello Liz! Is it all right with you? I took the test a few months ago in which overall score was 6.0. I have to confess that reading band score was 5.0. The reason, I think, was that I could read as fast as required but I could not understand the meaning in detail. So I got confused to choose the appropriate answers in many cases. Please, give some specific advice in my case so as to improve my ability in reading. Thank you for your potential answer in advance.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-strategies-and-comprehension/
Hello Mam,
Thank you so much. i scored overall and each 6.0 bands in IELTS(Academic).
Hai,
I get 6 bands in ielts but i want to achive high score … i follow all instructions which you give us but i does not improve . So what i have to do for high score..
helllooo…
i couldnt find the videos regarding reading tips.plz help me out
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-true-false-not-given-essential-tips/ see that link for a reading video.
hi liz,
thank you so much, now i am scoring 6 and 6.5 in reading module.
Well done!
hello Liz
I’m getting good bands in my practice session(in reading 7, listening 8 and 6 each in rest both) I’m confused because people say that you would get less bands then you are getting in the class.
I can score the same as well in the exam. Please help me out.
The IELTS Cambridge test books from 1 to 11 are real exam papers so if you do well in them, you can do well in the real test. However, your score may vary due to nerves, topics etc.
Hello Teacher ,
i would like to practice a IELTS Cambridge test books , where i get these Cambridge textbooks can you please help me
You can get them on amazon or a local educational book shop.
i did but my improvement is still same
Hi Liz,
Thank you for the awesome videos and materials.
My question is, how important is inclusion of an article in the answer? For an example, I lost a point on my practice test since according to the answer key, the answer should have been “The Sun” and I entered “Sun”. One more time I lost point on answering “dependent” instead of “a dependent”.
Please suggest.
Thanks again
It depends if you are answering sentence completion or other questions which require grammatically correct answers.
i need a speaking partner if someone intrested send me request on skype id sunnygaat.
interested
skype id: dhab48
Hi Liz,
I am doing Reding practice (General Training) daily and unfortunately, I still have not skilled myself to finish task within the stipulated time. Could you please recommend something how I should manage my time.
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-strategies-and-comprehension/
Thanks a lot for your prompt reply!!
Hi mam,
ielts reading is very hard to me,and my exam is in coming month. but i do not have good understanding and i correct on 20-23 out of 40 questions.
please help to enhance my reading skills…..
wrm regards.
All tips are given on this page in the article above. Also follow all links provided on this page.
Hello
I have a question, I’ve read that in summery questions that you need to fill in the blanks with words from the text, you should not change anything about the word. But in another book, the works needed to be changed grammaticaly to fit.
so I wonder which one is correct?
thank you in advance.
Shima
If the words are given in the box, then they shouldn’t be changed.
Thanks For Sharing It.
Hi Liz,
I would like to thank you for your tips in IELTS. I am learning reading, speaking, writing and listening and I find your teaching is easy to follow. I can see a significant improvement to myself.
That’s good 🙂
mam
I have my exam on april 30 so I need your help about how to practice speaking in home ?
See this video lesson: https://ieltsliz.com/develop-your-ielts-speaking-for-free/
hi LIZ
I am SRIKANTH iam attending IELTS exam (acadamic) on April 23, 2016 from BRITISH COUNCIL . I am not able to score in reading .please tell from which news paper or books the passages would come please tell me .i am so scared about exam please ,please ,please ,please .when on wards to read the news paper and which is it
All the links are on this page.
Not any but many cases
5……
….
Hi! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas!
Just wanted to say keep up the fantastic work!
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hello mam
I face problem in reading my score is stuck around 18 and i tried alot to improve but scores are still same
Plz help me
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hey Mam…thanku so much for ur lessons ..I wish to get essay answers too along with questions. .kindly do the needful
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Helo Liz
My name is Preeti and I m going to take the IELTS exam on 14 January 2016 and i have no knowledge regarding all module and i m big confuse how can i got 7 band please tell me how can i gain score in reading and listening and all…..
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
wonderful blog for IELTS
Hi Liz,
I have been going through your site, videos from quite sometime and I must say they are excellent.
I have some queries and I hope to get them resolved by you.
Q1: Reading Section
If I’m answering the questions in upper-case and the questions expects
“Choose i-ix or choose a-e to answer the below questions”
should I be writing the answers to these questions in upper-case or as they are expecting that is i-ix or a-e which are in lower case?
Q2. Writing section
Post completion my essay when I check my task 1 and task 2 content, there are cases where I have missed the words( I write using a pencil). So can I use character ‘^’ and add the word in between the way we usually do in normal writing.
Will it look messy and impact my score?
Awaiting for your response as I would be giving my exam on this weekend.
Regards,
Zarina
Question 1: use capitals as that follows your choice. Question 2: Yes, it can use “^” to insert a word that you have missed. As long as it is neat and the examiner can easily read it, it’s fine.
All the best
Liz
Thanks Liz, your reply was just in time!
Hi my dear,I,m ryhana, from Iran .I love you,and your best method,I really enjoy it.
With the best wishes
Hi Liz,
It was in deed such a helpful advice but unfortunately the copy right rule didn’t allow me to could get a hard copy of it and to learn more.
Best,
Abdullah
Making notes is the best way to learn.
All the best
Liz
Any special advice to get band score 8
Regards
Ravindra
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/. The more you learn about how the examiner marks your speaking and writing, the better you will do. Band score 8 also requires very accurate language so aim for accuracy rather than trying to impress the examiner. If you want detailed lessons on writing task 2, see my course: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz:
Hope your are doing well.
May I have some ideas about key words?
Thanks,
Himu
Key words are words that firstly help you find the location of the answer in the passage and second tell you what kind of answer you are looking for. Each type of questions as different types of key words. They are just useful words. I’ll try and make a video about key words some time in the future.
All the best
Liz
Dear Liz
Thanks for your satisfying answer.
It seems to me unreal to find someone like you who is so caring and replying to the questions of whole world. Keep it up with the good work.
I have a hard task in front of me
I need to score 7.5 overall and 7 in each band. Don’t know whether it will be possible or not.
Pray for me
Good luck!
Dear Liz
Also wanted to know if in reading one has to read all the passage throughly?????
What do you mean actually by skimming and scanning ?????
Having not read the passage fully, is it still possible to reply to the questions accurately and in the required time?
Help kindly
Skimming means reviewing the whole passage (not reading in detail) in order to know the topic and layout. You will also notice key words when you do that. Skimming should take no more than 2 mins. Then you go to the questions. Spend time preparing the first one and then locate the answer. Scanning means to look for not to understand. The actually aim of IELTS is to be able to locate information in a passage and then understand that information in detail (understand the sentences containing the answer) not to understand the whole passage. This is a points system – find answers and win points.
Liz
Dear Liz
Thanks for your amazing site.
Wanted to ask you a question regarding reading
There is a passage on your website namely
ORIGINS OF BREAD
the information in the passage is
BREAD IS THE MOST WIDELY CONSUMED FOOD IN THE WORLD.
The question is
BREAD IS EATEN IN ALL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
The answer given to this ques is NG.
while I understand that this answer is correct but why not the answer could be false?????
This confuses me a lot.
I know there exists a thin line between these but just want to understand it. Kindly help
The question is “Bread is eaten in all countries in the world”. A false answer would mean that in the passage you can find the opposite meaning which is “Bread is NOT eaten in all countries in the world”. However, this passage gives no information about countries so it’s NG. Always make sure you have a very clear understand of the FALSE meaning of the statement before you look for an answer.
All the best
Liz
Dear Liz,
I am going to take IELTS exam on 10th of October and I have problem with skimming. Generally I am reading all passage to understand, moreover It is hard for me to find key words ( I can find key words only such as names, addresses ). What kind of words can be key words? How i can distinct them ?
Regards,
Zinyat
Skim reading is to read a passage to learn the topic and general layout, not to understand. It should take 2 mins or less. Key words are found in the questions first and they help you locate answers.
All the best
Liz
hello liz,
i need help, i had given a test and my score was L6.5,R6.5,S6.5,W5.5 .
i need to improve overall score specially in writing.
please help me, i want to score atleast 7.5
thank you
To go from 5.5 to 7.5 is not possible unless you improve your level of English. Band score 7 means that you can produce complex sentences with FEW errors. Band score 5 means that you make frequent errors. You really need to review your level of English and how accurate you are. For detailed lessons on writing task 2, you can see my online course lessons: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore but unless your English language is strong, you will still struggle to hit band 7.5.
All the best
Liz
Good morning teacher,
I found that Your site is very useful. But most of the times I am not achieving enough score for reading. I have 8 times attempted the test, but always I get 6 for reading and writing. What can I do?
What can I do? Also please give me some tips for multiple choices questions?
How many months practice required before test?
All my tips are listed above in this lesson about how to improve your IELTS reading. Have you learned the techniques for all types of questions? Are you sure you know which questions have answers that come in order and which do not? You also need to make a list of ALL paraphrases you find in my practice lessons and all traps I have set for students – these are common to IELTS reading. For writing, I can only suggest you seek training. Here’s a link to some of my writing task 2 lessons: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore. I can’t tell you how long it will take t develop. Each student is different.
Liz
Hello liz.
i am going to give ielts exam after two months.which book should i read for general reading.
All question types in the GT reading test are the same as the academic test. So, any reading book will help and all my lessons on this blog will help.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
How overall scores for the four parts of the IELTS test affect each other?
Ex: If I get scores like this below:
Speaking : 6.0
Reading : 5.5
Listening: 6.5
Writing : 7.5
Will the overall scores be 6.5?
Another question:
If I get
Speaking: 6.5
Listening: 6.0
Reading: 6.0
Writing: 6.5
Will I get 6.5 for my overall scores?
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-scoring/
Liz
Hlo liz
My score is L5, S5:5, W5 , R4.5 I need 5:5 in each module please help me how I get that score please please please please
This result probably reflects your level of English. You scored similarly in each skill. Therefore, you really need to work on developing your English and making it more accurate. Knowing the meaning of a word isn’t enough. You need to know how to use it, the collocations, the limitations etc. For reading in particular, you will need to work through all the aspects listed above in this lesson to find your weakness. Only you can do this.
All the best
Liz
Thanks liz and I will need your help in my ilets test
Hi Liz, Hope your doing well. I got scores like L:7, R:5.5, W:7, S:7 i was hoping to get 7 in all modules but i could not do well in reading. I expected 8 in reading but i got negative results. Can I write Reading answers in all capital letters? like Listening answers.
Your blog helped me lot for writing thanks for your posts.
Yes, you can use all capitals for reading and listening and even for writing if you want.
Liz
Hello Liz,
I really want to thank you for those helpful lessons
And yes because of you I’ve got a band score 6 in Reading and 6.5 in speaking!
Regards
Well done! A good score 🙂 Glad my blog helped.
Liz
Hello Liz. The moment I laid eye on your website, a starange idea struck me right; why don’t I take IELTS. Well, the fact is, I have been teaching English for more than 10 years in my own country “Sudan”. I think it is high time I knew where I am standing in terms of Proficiency. Reading module si really horrid. Should you provide me with some hints and samples I’ll be that grateful.
Regards
It’s always good to have a bash at the test and as a teacher you should do well. My only tip would be to learn as much as you can about the band scores for writing and speaking. The more you understand about how the examiner assesses your English, the better you will do. This is the failing of most students. Unfortunately, I don’t have a collection of extra tips. I just put up more tips on my blog over time. Start practicing and see how your score is in practice tests then think about where you need to improve.
Good luck – I’m sure you’ll benefit from the experience.
Liz
Hello Liz,
A friend of mine recommended your blog and I found it very useful. 1 weeks back I appeared my General IELTS and scored 8.5 in Listening, 6.5 in Reading, 7.5 in Writing and 8 in Speaking. My Reading exam was a lil complex in terms of length and complex content. I guess the content was not that difficult, but reading all the paras in the time slot was very difficult for me. I just panicked and went blank for a minute. I was frozen. Somehow I managed to re-read and tried to answer questions. My confidence has deterred a lil bit. I need 7 in all bands. I am gonna practice more in all the modules, but I require your help especially in reading. Could you please help me here? I will really appreciate it.
You might be trying to understand the passage too deeply. Your task is to locate answers not to understand all the paragraphs. The only type of question which requires deeper understanding of all paragraphs is matching headings – that’s the only one. See this page for tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-how-can-i-improve-my-score/
All the best
Liz
Hi liz,
My name is Vinod Sharma, I just completed my IELTS with an overall band score of 7.5 (9,7,7,7). With the little time I had to prepare for my exams I came across some very useful tips (videos) of yours that helped me to a great extent. I am writing this to express my gratitude and thank you with all my heart. Those tips of yours are simply very effective.
Regards and best wishes,
Vinod
Hi Vinod,
Well done in your listening – band 9 is amazing! I’m really pleased I could help 🙂
Good luck with your future.
Liz
Really good help for IELTS
Thanks Elizabeath
Thanks
Chirag
Parramatta
Sydney
Australia
I have IELTS book for general and academic training but I have lost it’s CD can you send me it’s audios by email, will really appreciate it.
thanks sweet Liz
Sorry, but I don’t have a copy of the audios to hand. Try posting in an IELTS facebook group – I’m sure one of the students will help.
Liz
Hi liz ,
Honestly you are the best since you teach us lots of things which are constructive and crucial .
With the best wishes
Hello Liz,
Your tips are amazing and very useful. Keep up the good work.
Thank you
Hello Teacher,
I’ve been posted speaking test on blog but
i can’t see any thing.
is there any mistake i made either or deleated all posting?
Hope for reply.
Thank you.
I can’t see your post. It is possible that it didn’t transfer over when I changed my website host this weekend.
Liz
Its ok, i’ll post it again.
Thanks
Regards.
Thanks. It looks like I have lost one month of all posts from my website.
Liz
Teacher i posted.
Regards.
Thanks a lot madam for your valuable pieces of advice.