The IELTS reading test feels tricky for a lot of students. Not because the passages are impossible, but because of the clock. Forty questions, three long texts, just sixty minutes. Sounds tough, right? But here’s the truth—you don’t need to read every word. You need to manage time smartly. And that’s what we’re going to cover.
Why time matters so much
Think about this—one minute per question. That’s all you’ve got. And you still need time to transfer answers to the sheet. If you get stuck in one place, you’ll lose pace fast. The IELTS reading section isn’t about showing off how deeply you can read. It’s about spotting information quickly.
That’s why people often take ielts exam coaching. An expert trainer shows you how to cut down wasted seconds. You learn how to move your eyes faster, how to scan instead of stare. It makes a huge difference.
Quick chart: Suggested time split
| Section | Suggested Time |
| Passage 1 | 15 minutes |
| Passage 2 | 20 minutes |
| Passage 3 | 25 minutes |
The last passage is usually harder, so leave yourself more time there. Stick to this plan and you’ll feel less pressure.
Tip 1: Don’t read everything
Sounds odd, but it’s true. You’re not reading a novel. You’re hunting for answers. Skim the passage first, get the gist, then look at the questions. Once you know what you’re searching for, scan the text. Think of it like a Google search—you don’t read the whole page, you just pick what matters.
Tip 2: Answer as you go
Don’t wait until the end of the passage to write answers. Do it while you’re reading. If you see something that matches, lock it down. Waiting till the end wastes time and memory.
Tip 3: Learn to skip
Here’s a secret. You don’t have to understand every single word. If a sentence feels too complex, don’t panic. Move on. Most answers are straightforward and easier to spot. Obsessing over tough lines eats your minutes.
Tip 4: Practice under pressure
Reading calmly at home feels fine. But under exam timing, it’s another story. Practice with a stopwatch. Push yourself to finish in less than an hour. That way, the real test feels easier.
This is why many students prefer ielts online classes. You get timed mock tests, instant feedback, and flexible study from home. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real thing without sitting in the exam hall.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spending too much time on one tricky question.
- Forgetting to transfer answers until the last second.
- Overanalyzing every paragraph.
- Not practicing under timed conditions.
If you avoid these, you’re already ahead of many test takers.
Tip 5: Keyword spotting
Most questions in IELTS reading link to keywords. These are names, dates, numbers, or unusual terms. Train your eyes to notice them fast. For example, if the question asks about “1990s” or “Dr. Smith,” those words will stand out in the passage. Circle them in your mind and match.
Tip 6: Don’t leave blanks
Even if you’re unsure, guess. There’s no negative marking. An empty answer is guaranteed wrong. A guess gives you a chance.
Tip 7: Keep answers short and exact
For fill-in-the-blank questions, don’t add extra words. If the instructions say “NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS,” follow that. Writing extra costs you marks. Simple but important
Why strategy beats raw skill
You might be great at English but still lose points if you don’t manage time. The IELTS isn’t just testing language—it’s testing how smartly you use the clock. The good part? Time skills can be learned. And once you learn them, you’ll see big improvement.
Final thoughts
So here’s the deal. Skim, scan, split your time, and don’t get stuck. Sounds simple, but these habits save minutes. And minutes save marks.
If you feel you need structure, check out ielts exam coaching from trusted trainers. They’ll walk you through exact techniques that work in the exam.
Or maybe you prefer flexibility. In that case, ielts online classes might be perfect. Learn at your pace, get guidance, and practice under exam-style conditions. You’ll find both at PrepGuru Academy.
Time won’t feel like your enemy anymore. It’ll feel like something you control. And that’s the key to cracking the IELTS reading section.
