Test Format & Prep Tips-Reading
IELTS Format – READING MODULE
Test Format
- 3 sections, 40 questions (1 hour)
- Academic / General texts (700-1,000 words each)
For further information on the contents of the Reading module, go to the CityU ELC IELTS site:
- FAQs booklet – http://www.cityu.edu.hk/elc/booklet/FAQs.pdf
- How to Prepare booklet (Reading) – http://www.cityu.edu.hk/elc/booklet/Reading.pdf
For other IELTS information, go to our HKBU SALL Resources on the Web IELTS page.
Examination Hints
In the examination:
- Keep an eye on the time. There is a lot of reading to do in a limited period of time. If you spend too long on one reading task, you will run out of time to complete the reading paper.
- Don’t try to understand in detail all the reading you are given to do. First, read the questions, then read the text for those specific answers.
- Ignore any vocabulary in the texts you don’t understand. You can usually answer the questions adequately without knowing all the words. For any key words, look at the context and try to deduce the meaning.
- Answer ALL questions. But don’t waste a lot of time trying to figure out one answer. Do the answers you can do first; then if you are running out of time and cannot finish, guess the answers for any questions you have missed out – there’s still a chance you could get them right!
Preparation Tips:
- Use materials that have timed reading tasks. Alternatively, give yourself time limits for reading tasks, and make sure you stick to them!
- Practise reading the questions first before you read the text. Decide what kind of information you need to look for, and what kind of reading sub-skill you need to use, e.g. do you need to scan for specific information? For the general gist? etc.
- Ignore any new vocabulary while you are completing the reading tasks. When you’ve finished, go back to the new words and try to deduce their meaning from the context. Then check in the dictionary to see if you are right. Learn any new words you come across that could be frequently used.
HKBU IELTS Reading Resources – Reading
| Computer programs in ‘Language Learning Oasis’(OEM707) | |
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Introductory information and exercises:
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Introductory information and exercises:
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For extra practice:
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For extra practice:
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HKBU IELTS Reading Resources – Vocabulary
| Computer programs in ‘Language Learning Oasis’(OEM707) | |
Introductory information and exercises:
| How to deal with unfamiliar vocabulary while reading:
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To expand your vocabulary for IELTS Reading / Writing:
| To expand your vocabulary for IELTS Reading / Writing:
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How long before you plan to sit IELTS?
- More than 6 months? (Long-term Study Plan)
- Less than 6 months? (Short-term Study Plan)