IELTS Reading: academic and general

There is a difference between the types of articles used in the academic and general reading tests. However, the types of questions and the techniques for answering them are the same. For this reason, I recommend using both types of exam paper for practice.

The main technique for finding answers in both reading tests is the 'keyword' technique: search in the passage for the key words in each question.

Here's a table of keywords from the GT test in Cambridge book 6, page 118:

Comments

[Fareeha]

Dear Sir,

I just joined this site; its really appreciable. Thanks for giving us that
opportunity.

Could you please tell me that 'how many answers(out of 40) should be correct to have 'Band 7' in listening and reading each.

I attempted IELTS first time this month and scored 6 in listening, 6.5 in reading, 6 in writing, 7.5 in speaking.
But i require 7 in each. I have practiced from 'Insight into IELTS', Cambridge IELTS Books 1,2,3,5,6,7,8. What else i can do to achieve 'Band 7' in each. Could you please give me your expert advice.I shall be reaaly thankful to you.

Regards.

[Cathy]

Hi Simon:

Could you tell me difference between the the number of, the amount of and the quantity of? How to use them when describing the graphs in Task 1?

Thanks

[Thang Huynh]

Hi Simon,

is the "create a working space" similar to the "have a space for studying"?

[Simon]

Hi Fareesha,

Look at the table on this page for band scores:

http://www.ielts.org/researchers/score_processing_and_reporting.aspx

There's no special technique that I can give you for band 7. You just need to keep improving your knowledge of English and keep practising. Good luck!

...

Hi Cathy,

Look at this lesson:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/12/ielts-grammar-number-amount-proportion-figure.html

...

Hi Thang,

Yes, it's similar enough to be the correct answer.

[Quy]

Hi Simon.
I have some questions about T/F/NG, I can not understand so I need your helps:
In article:
The Indian revolution started from 1942 to 1947, and India finally got independence in 1947.
In the question:
The Indian revolution started 1942, and India finally got independence in 1947.
WHY IT CAN BE "NOT GIVEN", I THINK IT MUST BE "TRUE"

[Simon]

Hi Quy,

That seems true to me. I don't think that question comes from a real IELTS test.

[Eri]

Hello Simon.

I have a question for the lesson on February 13, 2012.

No.3 use verbs 'involve' and 'rely on' in each passage, so I thought this is Not Given although I understand that the both remaining sentences after the verbs say exactly the same thing.

Involve and rely on is the same meaning?

[Simon]

Hi Eri,

They are not synonyms, but the overall meaning is the same in both sentences.

[snow]

Hi Simon,
i was wondering if there is a "no" in the text and a "little" in the t/f/ng qusetion.what's the answer?f ,t or ng?what if "no" in the question and "little"in the text?thx a lot!