IELTS Reading Tips: Reading Comprehension Is More Fun Than You Think!

Hello English lovers!
Have you ever opened the IELTS Reading test and felt like you were facing a “giant rock”? Or wondered: “How can I read quickly and still understand everything?” Don’t worry, I will reveal to you some great tips to turn this part of the test into an exciting adventure. Ready? Let’s explore!

Reading and Comprehension – “The Perfect Couple” in IELTS Reading

First, think of IELTS Reading as a “treasure hunt” game. You can 60 minutes to "excavate" 40 answers from three surprising passages. These passages come from books, newspapers, magazines – they can be about science, history, or even super cool cultural stories. Sound interesting?

Your mission is:

• Get the main idea: Find the “soul” of the paragraph.
• Skimming: Like surfing on the waves, just catch the big idea!
• Scanning: Search keywords as fast as “lightning”.
• Deduce: Read between the lines for deeper understanding.

Once you understand the "rules of the game" you will be much more confident!

General Strategy: “Keep Calm and Win”

Manage time like a “ninja master”

Time in IELTS Reading is like a formidable opponent. The trick is: divide it evenly. 20 minutes for each passage. Got a tough one? Don’t “run your head against the wall” – guess quickly and move on. Don’t let one question keep you up at night in the middle of the test!

Skimming and Scanning: “The Superpower Duo”

• Skimming: Imagine you are an eagle flying by – read quickly to get the main idea. The first sentence of a paragraph is often the “guiding light”!
• Scanning: Like a superman scanning the radar, find specific keywords or figures in a split second.

For example: The question asks “When did the event happen?” – you just scan for the year or date, no need to read the whole paragraph!

New word? “Don't be afraid, I can guess!”

See an unfamiliar word like “flabbergasted”? Don’t panic! Just guess the meaning from the context. For example: “She was flabbergasted by the news” – she must have been surprised. Right?

“Defeat” Each Type of Question: One Trick for Each Type!

Each type of question in IELTS Reading has its “weak points”. Let’s “explore” them with me!

Multiple-choice: “Exclusion is survival”

• Read the questions and answers carefully.
• Eliminate “wrong” choices from the start.
• Find keywords in the passage to “lock in the target”.

For example: “What's the main idea of paragraph 1?” – Quickly skim the first sentence of the paragraph, and you'll find out!

True/False/Not Given: “Truth Detective”

• True: Match the cards – Bingo!
• False: Contradicts the article – Wrong!
• Not Given: Not seen in the article – Don't imagine more!
• Tip: Don't let personal feelings "overwhelm", just rely on the article!

Matching headings: “Getting the pulse of the paragraph”

• Read the list of titles first.
• Find the “soul” of the paragraph – usually in the first or last sentence.
• For example: A paragraph about “How animals survive in winter” then the title “Animal Survival Tactics” is correct!

Practice: “Plowing and Hoing is the Golden Key”

Did you know? Practice is like going to the gym – the more you work out, the more muscle you’ll build in IELTS Reading! Try:

• Do sample exercises from books or the web.
• Set the clock 60 minutes to try the real exam feeling.
• Join a course at the center to receive detailed instructions from a "coach".

Try it now: Read a passage from an English newspaper, then summarize it in your own words. Have fun and learn a lot!

Avoiding Common “Traps”: “Learning From Mistakes”

• Stuck in a difficult sentence: Don't "wait for the rabbit", guess and then move on!
• Skip instructions: Read the requirements carefully to avoid confusing “False” with “Not Given”.
• Self-deduction: Just base on the article, do not add from your own knowledge.

Avoid these “traps” and you'll be well on your way!

Vocabulary: “Secret Weapon” To “Fly High”

Want to read smoothly? Load up on vocabulary:

• Read English newspapers, stories, blogs – the more variety the better!
• Use flashcards: “Hope” – “Hope”, “Challenge” – “Challenge”.
• Join a vocabulary class at the center to “level up” faster.

Vocabulary is like “fuel” – the more, the further you “go”!

Conclusion: “You Can Do It, Believe In Yourself!”

IELTS Reading is not a “monster”, but a challenge for you to discover your ability. Be patient, practice regularly and keep a positive spirit. Little by little, you will see yourself making great progress.

Try it today!
Find a short English article, skim it, and write down the main idea in your own words. Practice reading and thinking at the same time! If you need help, visit our English Center to conquer IELTS together!

Wish you "conquer" the Reading test and achieve your dream score!

Register for the course now at Chau Thanh Foreign Language Center Get detailed instructions and conquer IELTS with our super enthusiastic team!