As far as you know, IELTS candidates will have only 60 minutes for this IELTS

Reading part with a total of 40 questions. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary

that you invest time in practising the real IELTS reading tests for this module.
Besides the Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests series published by Oxford
University Press, IELTS General Reading Recent Actual Tests with Answers aims
to develop both test-taking skills and language proficiency to help you
achieve a high IELTS Reading score. It contains IELTS General Reading Tests in
the chronological order of the recent tests and an Answer Key. Each test
contains three sections which cover a rich variety of topics and gives a lot of
practice for a wide range of question types used in the IELTS Exam such as
multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, sentence completion,
summary completion, classification, matching lists/phrases, matching
paragraph headings, identification of information – True/False/Not Given, etc.
When studying IELTS with this e-book, you can evaluate at the nearest
possibility how difficult the IELTS Reading section is in the real exam, and what
the top most common traps are. Moreover, these tests are extracted from
authentic IELTS bank sources; therefore, you are in all probability to take these
tests in your real examinations.
Don’t just trust luck in your IELTS exam – the key is practice!
IELTS Material https://ieltsmaterial.com | admin@ieltsmaterial.com
 How to Make Use of the IELTSMaterial.com
Reading Book?

Preparing for the IELTS exam can seem overwhelming at times, but it
doesn’t have to be. As long as you have patience, a willingness to learn,
and determination, you will do well. One more thing you’ll need to succeed
—preparatory books! These books will help you better understand the
material covered on the exam, obtain a high score, and stand out from
the crowd. Our Ebook is a good source of self-study that is perfect for IELTS
Reading Here are some of the pointers on how to make use of our Reading
ebook:

The IELTSMaterial Reading EBook can be used for practice and to get
an understanding of your shortcomings and strengths.
Our Reading Book contains practice tests with a performance check, at
the end of each test which will help you understand your progress and
assist in mastering the targeted skill.
Our book is entirely self-contained; a helpful and convenient answer
key is included towards the end of the book, allowing you to quickly
check your responses as you proceed through the book.
For instance, we have provided an insight on the characteristics of
good reading, tips and tricks to ace the IELTS Reading module,
explanation on tackling distractors and signpost language.
Thus, there are several concepts in our ebook that, when well
comprehended, can elevate you to the level of an expert.

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 Introduction to Reading Academic
Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It
consists of three sections of reading passages of increasing difficulty,
and there are a total of 40 questions to answer. The IELTS academic
reading passages are taken from notices, advertisements, leaflets,
newspapers, instruction manuals, books or magazines.

What does the test consist of?

The IELTS academic reading test is divided into three passages. All the
IELTS academic reading passages differ from each other in terms of the
text shared. The three passages of the IELTS academic reading test
format are tabulated below:

Consist of two to three factual texts one of which may be

Passage 1 composite while others are related to everyday life in an
English native country.

Consists of two short factual texts that focus on work-

Passage 2 related issues like organizational behavior, policies of a
company, facilities at the workplace, etc

Consists of a long and difficult text in terms of

Passage 3 complexity. The data is taken from advertisements,
official documents, newspapers, or magazines.

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 How Am I Going to be marked?
An important part of your IELTS preparation is understanding how you
will be marked and scored. The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions.
Each correct answer is awarded one mark. Scores out of 40 are
converted to the IELTS nine-band scale. Scores are reported in whole
and half bands ranging from 0 to 9. For example, you need 30 correct
answers to get a band score of 7.0. Here is the chart denoting the raw
score and its conversion to Band Score for Academic Reading Test.

Band Score Threshold Basic Score Out of 40

9 40

8.5 39

8 38-38

7.5 36

7 34-35

* The IELTS Reading band score charts that are shown here highlight the
average number of marks required to achieve a particular IELTS band
score. Actual marks may vary slightly between tests due to the variation
in texts used on different occasions.

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 Learning Pathway

Here’s a student learning pathway you will follow. The rest of the learning
pathway can be seen as a study guide so please Follow this pathway

Band Descriptors: The IELTS band score descriptors explain the

scoring to help you calculate and understand your score.

Understanding Different Question Types: The first step to

performing well on IELTS Reading is understanding the question
type.

Study Method: Our study methods will guarantee sure-shot

success in the IELTS Reading test and ace it with higher band
scores.

Tips & Tricks: Our tips and tricks will help you prepare well and
ensure good band scores in your first attempt.

Practice With Help: Candidates' chances of getting a high band

score can be boosted by practice, so attempting all question types
will help them become more efficient for the examination.

First CheckPoint: There’ll be performance checks for you to

evaluate your scores, and understand where you lack, and where
you can improve

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 Band Descriptors

Based on the score range, the IELTS band descriptors describe how each
band score is aligned with a specific performance level. The IELTS Results
are usually calculated on a Band scale of 9. The scores are represented
on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). Here is a table representing the
description of each IELTS band score from 6-9.

English
Band Description
Level

Has good command of English but also has

occasional inaccuracies, misunderstandings or
Expert
9 inappropriate words. Can use complex language
User
quite well and understands detailed argumentation
quite well.

Has complete command with only rare errors (which

Very are unsystematic) or inappropriate words. Deals
8 Good with complex situations well but has rare errors in
User complex situations but can deal with detailed
argumentation.

Has good command of English but also has

occasional inaccuracies, misunderstandings or
Good
7 inappropriate words. Can use complex language
User
quite well and understands detailed argumentation
quite well.

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 Understanding Different Question Types in
IELTS Reading

The Academic Training Reading test requires you to read extracts from books,
magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and
guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter daily in an English-
speaking environment. There are three parts to the test, with Part 1 containing
two to three short texts, Part 2 containing two texts and Part 3 containing one
long text.

The 9 types of Reading questions are as follows:

1. Multiple choice: Each question has multiple possible answers and the
candidate needs to choose the correct answer. Sometimes, there could be
multiple answers for a question so read the instructions carefully.

2. Sentence completion: Candidates are required to complete sentences in a

given number of words from the listening text. Read the instructions to clear
how many words should be used to answer.

3. Summary, note, table, flow-chart, completion: Candidates are given the

summary of a section of the text, and are required to complete it with the
information drawn from the listening text/reading text.

4. Plan, map, labeling diagram: Candidates need to complete labels on a

plan, map, or diagram which relates to a description contained in the listening
text. Read the instructions to clear how many words should be used to answer.

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5. Short-answer: Candidates have to answer questions which usually relate to
factual information about the listening text. The answers should be given
using the words from the listening text.

6. Identify information: Candidates will be given a number of statements and

asked: “Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?”
which has three possible answers: 'true’, ‘false’, or ‘not given.

7. Identify writer’s views and claims: Candidates will be given a number of

statements and asked “Do the following statements agree with the
views/claims of the writer?” which has three possible answers: 'yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not
given’.

8. Matching information/headings/features: Candidates need to

locate/match specific information, an example, headings, a reason, a
comparison, a summary, an explanation, research findings to a list of
researchers, characteristics to age group or events to historical periods, etc.
within the given paragraphs/sections.

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Study Method

How do I score a high band in the Reading section?

One of the easiest modules in the IELTS is the Reading module, which
boosts your band score. All you have to do is follow these IELTS Reading
tips.

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Study Method 1: Skimming
It is a form of speed reading long texts to get a general overview of the
text i.e. to know the central theme and get the main idea behind the
passage.

Tips for Skimming a text:

1. Read the first paragraph to get the idea of what would be discussed in
the passage.
2. Read first sentence of each paragraph to get an overview of the text.
3. Read the last paragraph in detail as it generally includes the theme
behind text.

Study Method 2: Scanning:

It is a form of speed reading long texts to locate name, dates, figures,
terms, and other such particular information from the paragraph.

Tips for Scanning a text:

1. Look for the paragraph which may contain the required name, number
or date and read that paragraph to locate that particular information.
2. Headings, or highlighted texts can help to quickly locate the required
information.
3. For summary completion related questions, read the last few
sentences.

Study Method 3: Reading in Detail:

It is a form of slow reading long and complicated texts from start till end
to get accurate information.

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Tips on Reading for detail in a text:
1. Read each sentence carefully to get clear understanding of the overall
text.
2. Don’t focus on the meaning behind each word, else you will run out of
time.
3. Reading for detail can be very helpful to write the summary or the
main idea of a passage.

Study Method 4: Paraphrasing:

It is a method to rewrite a sentence or phrase by using different words
but the meaning of the sentence should not change. It is used to prevent
reiteration of the same words and secure you from losing marks.

Tips on paraphrasing a sentence:

1. Read the text carefully to understand the meaning of the text.
2. Identify the main idea and the independent clause in the sentence.
3. Change as many words as possible using synonyms and antonyms.
4. Interchange the structure of the sentence using:
- Active <-> Passive
- Complex <-> Simple
- Phrases <-> Clauses
5. While making these changes make sure the new sentence is
grammatically correct and has not lost its original meaning.

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 Practice With Help
Let’s Decode IELTS Reading by implementing your learnings.

Exercise 1: Completion Task

Marks: 5

Read the passage and Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the
passage for each answer.

The “Phi Phi Island Resort” is an eco-friendly hotel that aims at providing
excellent service without hurting the local environment. The pool is
created in the local stone quarry. Since the water in the pool is replete with
natural salts and minerals, there is no need for further disinfection with
chlorinated compounds and the pool is absolutely chemical-free. The
hotel provides soaps, gels and creams, which are all-natural and organic.
Waste is recycled to the garden via a biocycle septic system, and “Phi Phi
Island Resort” uses hydroelectricity from a Pelton wheel and solar power.

The restaurant values locally sourced products. That’s why only locally
grown vegetables and fruits along with natural sea products are served.
Visitors can take advantage of the free bike rentals, free shuttle service in
an electric vehicle and even a green spa, with all organic products. This
beautiful resort combines the seclusion much sought after in Thailand
with the refinement of a 4.5-star resort. Privacy is certain on 70 tranquil
acres of swaying coconut palms, fragrant gardens, and a half-mile of
sparkling shore overlooking the crystal Andaman Sea.

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 1. Due to the fact that the pool is rich in natural salts and minerals, there
is no need to use ___________ for further disinfection.
2. The "Phi Phi Island Resort" uses a bio-cycle __________ to recycle
waste.
3. The restaurant serves only natural __________ products.
4. Visitors can take free bike rentals, free shuttle service and even
________
5. Phi Phi Island Resort has a refinement of a 4.5 __________

Handy tips to answer Completion questions:

1. Read the first half of the sentence to spot the key words
2. The key strategy is to find keywords in the text related to the given
sentences
3. Candidates should copy the exact language given in the passage
4. Stick to the word limit mentioned in the instructions (one, two, three
words maximum)

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Exercise 2: True/False/Not given
Marks: 5

Complete by reading the paragraph and answering the questions with,

True/False/Not Given.

SPAM texting, as every user of mobile phones in China is aware of their

intense annoyance, is a roaring trade in China. It’s delivery-men drive
through residential neighbourhoods in "text-messaging cars", with illegal
but easy-to-buy gadgetry they use to hijack links between mobile-phone
users and nearby communications masts. They then target the numbers
they harvest, blasting them with spam text messages before driving
away. Mobile-phone users usually see only the wearisome results:
another sprinkling of spam messages offering deals on flats, investment
advice and dodgy receipts for tax purposes.

Chinese mobile-users get more spam text messages than their

counterparts anywhere else in the world. They received more than 300
billion of them in 2013, or close to one a day for each person using a
mobile phone. Users in bigger markets like Beijing and Shanghai receive
two a day, or more than 700 annually, accounting for perhaps one-fifth to
one third of all texts. Americans, by comparison, received an estimated
4.5 billion junk messages in 2011, or fewer than 20 per mobile-user for the
year out of a total of more than two trillion text messages sent.

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Read the above passage and write your answers in boxes 1-5, write
TRUE if the statement is true
FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage

1. In China, SPAM text messaging is a successful business.

2. People's phone numbers are collected through the use of technology
which cannot be readily bought.
3. In no other country do people receive more Spam texts than in China.
4. In 2013, the number of SPAM texts increased considerably to reach 300
billion.
5. The majority of all texts received in Shanghai and Beijing are SPAM.

Exercise 3: Yes/ No/ Not Given

Marks: 5
Complete by reading the paragraph and answering the questions with,
Yes/ No/ Not Given.

Thanks to a newly developed system of drifting buoys, scientists from the

Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Townsville, QLD, will have a much
better chance of hearing beaked whales in their deep water habitat off
the West Coast. About 20 buoys will be deployed from Centre’s ship Lotus,
each with a listening device suspended 330 feet below the ocean surface
to record the whales’ vocalizations. Over the 20-day deployment, each
buoy is expected to drift as much as 10 nautical miles per day and cover
100 to 200 miles over the course of the survey

1. The new system will help scientists to hear whales.

2. Each buoy will be suspended 10 miles below the surface.
3. Scientists will use this survey to compare whale vocalizations.

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Handy tips to answer True/False/Not Given or Yes/ No/ Not Given
1. Spend time analyzing the statement in the question before you try to
find the answer
2. Many words will be paraphrased so watch out for that (for example,
work = employment / changing = altering)
3. Don’t match just keywords, you are aiming to match meaning. Some
of the key words might be the same in the passage but it doesn’t
mean the answer is true or yes.
4. The meaning of false or no is that the statement contradicts the
claims or information in the passage. This means the statement
gives one meaning but the passage gives another meaning –
therefore the statement is FALSE/ No
5. Not Given means that the whole meaning of the statement is not in
the passage. Some key words might be found but not the full
meaning of the statement.
6. You can write T/Y instead of True/Yes on your answer sheet but make
sure your handwriting is clear.
7. The answers follow the order of information in the passage for these
questions. Other types of reading questions might not have answers
that come in order.
8. Learn common challenges or problems that you have in reading.
Make a list of paraphrases you have struggled with.

Exercise 4: Diagram Completion

Marks: 4

Choose ONE WORD from the Reading Passage for each answer and write
in blanks below.

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The blade is the broad, flat part of the leaf. Photosynthesis occurs in the
blade, which has many green food-making cells. If you look closer at
leaves, you will notice networks of thin threads. Those networks are
called veins: they support the structure of the leaf and transport
substances to and from the cells in the leaf. The main vein of a leaf,
running down the center of the leaf, is called midrib. The area of some
plants that connects the plant's stem and leaf is called the petiole. The
petiole is the pipeline through which the products of photosynthesis are
moved from individual leaves to the rest of a plant and through which
necessary chemicals and nutrients from other parts of the plant are
brought to individual leave.

1. _________ 2. __________
3. _________ 4. __________

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Handy tips for Diagram Completion:

1. These questions are usually asked from a part of the passage, don’t
read the full passage until necessary
2. The answer are not likely to be in the same order like sentence
completion questions
3. Carefully skim/scan the text for answers
4. Carefully investigate the diagram to make predictions
5. Candidates should always answer within the given word limit

Exercise 5: Matching Headings

Marks: 1
A list of headings are given. Read and match the headings to the given
paragraph.

A. A greenhouse is a house made entirely of glass: both walls and roof

are glass. One of the main purposes of a greenhouse is to grow
tomatoes, flowers and other plants that might struggle to grow outside.
A greenhouse stays warm inside, even during winter. Sunlight shines in
and warms the plants and air inside. But the heat is trapped by the glass
and cannot escape. So during the daylight hours, it gets warmer and
warmer inside a greenhouse, and stays quite warm at night too.

List of Headings
i. Temperatures on Earth
ii. The Greenhouse
iii. Creating Global Warming
iv. Use of a Greenhouse
V. Our Choices
vi. Greenhouse Gases
vii. Earth's Atmosphere

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Handy tips for Matching:
1. Skim and scan the passage to get a quick understanding of each
paragraph
2. Always look for more general headings i.e. the first paragraph and
the last one (conclusion)
3. Read the short paragraphs first to choose it’s heading to reduce
possible options for the other questions
4. A good understanding of synonyms will be very helpful while
answering such questions
5. Not all headings will be used.

Exercise 6: Short Answer Question

Marks: 5

Answer the questions below. Choose No more than two words from the
passage for each answer.

As the largest animal in the world, the blue whale also has the most fat.
In a 1968 study involving 49 different species of mammal from across
the US and Brazil, researchers deduced that the blue whale had the
highest percentage of body fat – more than 35%. With the whales
weighing in at up to 180 tonnes, that’s easily a record-breaking amount
of fat for one animal.
But if we look at things proportionally, you might be surprised by some of
the world’s full-fat species. We’ll begin with blubber, the fat-rich tissue
belonging to marine mammals that has myriad benefits for
streamlining, buoyancy, defence, insulation and energy storage. In
waters further north live bowhead whales. To survive in these frosty,
remote waters they have a layer of blubber almost half a metre thick. In
his studies, Dr Craig George found blubber mass ranged from 43% to
50% of the body mass of yearling whales.

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 1. Which animal has the most fat?
2. How is called tissue of marine mammals that is rich with fat?
3. Which marine animals need a thick layer of fat to survive in cold
waters?

Handy tips for Short Answer Questions:

1. Read the instructions carefully and note the word limit.

2. Read and understand the questions. Think about the information you
will need to find.
3. Underline any keywords in the questions.
4. Think about synonyms or paraphrases for these keywords.
5. Find part of the text question 1 relates to.

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 Sample Answers

Exercise 1: Summary Completion

1. chlorinated compounds
2. septic system
3. Sea
4. green spa.
5. star resort

Exercise 2: True/ False/ Not Given

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. Not given (The passage only gives one fixed number in time = over
300 billion. "Over 300 billion" means "more than 300 billion", it “does
NOT indicate an increase or a decrease.”)
5. False

Exercise 3: Yes/ No / Not Given

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not given

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Exercise 4: Diagram Completion

1. veins
2. Midrib
3. blade
4. petiole

Exercise 5: Matching Headings

The greenhouse

Explanation: This Passage what a greenhouse is and how it works.

Though it does give information about the use of the greenhouse, such
as planting (iv), it is not the actual aim of the paragraph.
The information about the use of the greenhouse is additional
information.
The paragraph actually explains a) what a greenhouse is b) what use it
has and c) how it works day and night. If you list that information on
paper, the best heading is "The Greenhouse" - the paragraph gives an
overview of a greenhouse.

Exercise 6: Short Answer Question

1. Blue whale
2. Blubber
3. Bowhead whales.

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