IELTS  Reading Academic test assesses a wide range of reading skills. It consists of 40 questions, divided into three sections, with texts taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Here is a complete structure of the types of questions you may encounter in the IELTS Academic Reading test, along with tips and tricks for each type:

Types of Questions

1. Multiple Choice
2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
3. Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
4. Matching Information
5. Matching Headings
6. Matching Features
7. Matching Sentence Endings
8. Sentence Completion
9. Summary, Note, Table, Flow-chart Completion
10. Diagram Label Completion
11. Short Answer Questions

Question Types and Tips

1. Multiple Choice

Structure: You will be given a question or incomplete sentence and asked to choose the correct answer from four options (A, B, C, or D).

Tips:

• Read the question carefully before looking at the options.
• Skim the passage to find the relevant section.
• Eliminate clearly wrong answers to improve your chances.
• Look for keywords in the passage that match the options.

2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

Structure: You will determine whether statements agree with the information in the passage.

Tips:

• Understand the difference between "False" and "Not Given".
• Skim for the relevant part of the text before reading in detail.
• Look for exact matches or clear contradictions in the text.

3. Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)

Structure: Similar to True/False/Not Given but focused on the writer’s opinions.

Tips:

• Pay attention to the writer’s tone and purpose.
• Skim and scan to find where the writer’s views are expressed.
• Be cautious of synonyms and paraphrasing.

4. Matching Information

Structure: You will match pieces of information to the corresponding parts of the text.

Tips:

• Use keywords to locate the correct part of the passage.
• Pay attention to the specific details mentioned in the statements.
• Be aware of paraphrasing.

5. Matching Headings

Structure: Match headings to the correct paragraphs or sections of the text.

Tips:

• Read the headings first to get an idea of the main points.
• Skim each paragraph to get the general idea before choosing the heading.
• Look for the main idea or topic sentence in each paragraph.

6. Matching Features

Structure: Match a list of features to the correct part of the passage.

Tips:

• Skim the passage to understand the context.
• Use process of elimination for features that are obviously wrong.
• Pay attention to names, dates, and specific details.

7. Matching Sentence Endings

Structure: Complete sentences by matching the beginning of a sentence with the correct ending.

Tips:

• Skim the passage to locate the sentence.
• Read both the beginnings and endings of sentences carefully.
• Match based on meaning rather than exact words.

8. Sentence Completion

Structure: Complete sentences with a word or words from the passage.

Tips:

• Read the incomplete sentence to understand the context.
• Find the relevant section of the text quickly.
• Ensure that the completed sentence is grammatically correct.

9. Summary, Note, Table, Flow-chart Completion

Structure: Complete a summary, notes, table, or flow-chart using words from the passage.

Tips:

• Skim the passage to get an overview of the content.
• Pay attention to instructions about the number of words to use.
• Locate the relevant section of the text and focus on key information.

10. Diagram Label Completion

Structure: Label parts of a diagram based on information in the passage.

Tips:

• Understand the diagram and its components first.
• Locate the relevant information in the text.
• Use the words from the text accurately to complete the labels.

11. Short Answer Questions

Structure: Answer questions with a word or short phrase from the passage.

Tips:

• Read the questions first to understand what information is required.
• Skim and scan the passage for the specific details.
• Ensure your answers are within the word limit.

General Tips for IELTS Academic Reading

1. Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
2. Skimming and Scanning: Practice skimming for the main idea and scanning for specific information.
3. Understanding the Question: Make sure you understand what each question type is asking.
4. Practice: Regular practice with sample tests to get familiar with the format and question types.
5. Vocabulary: Build a strong academic vocabulary to help understand the texts.
6. Paraphrasing: Pay attention to paraphrased information in the questions and the text.
7. Avoid Overthinking: Stick to the information given in the passage without adding your interpretation.
8. Reading Speed: Improve your reading speed without compromising comprehension.