How is the IELTS Reading section structured, and how much time will I get for it?
16 Oct 2026 · Answered by Sai Sunayan Reddy P · 1 min read
Quick Answer
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The IELTS Reading section typically has three parts with 40 questions to complete in 60 minutes. It tests skimming, scanning and detailed reading. Academic texts are longer and harder, while General Training texts are simpler. Confirm the latest format on the official IELTS website.
The IELTS Reading section usually has three parts with 40 questions, to be finished in 60 minutes. It checks how well you skim, scan and understand complex texts.
IELTS Reading at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of parts | Three |
| Number of questions | 40 |
| Time | 60 minutes |
| Skills tested | Skimming, scanning and detailed reading |
| Question types | Multiple choice, matching headings and sentence completion, among others |
Academic vs General Training
- The IELTS Academic test has long, difficult texts from books and newspapers.
- The IELTS General Training test features simpler texts, such as advertisements.
My Advice
Practise under a timer so you learn to skim and scan quickly. Get familiar with each question type through practice tests, and check the official IELTS site for any format updates.
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