IELTS Reading Approaches

There are two primary approaches to IELTS Reading, each with distinct advantages. As a teacher, you should experiment with both methods to understand their strengths and limitations. Students have achieved Band 9 using either approach.

Question-Based Reading Strategy

Core Principles

1. Use questions to guide your reading - Let questions determine what to focus on
2. Scan for keywords and special terms - Names, dates, numbers are quick locators
3. Prioritize easier questions - Build confidence and momentum
4. Leverage question order - Many question types follow passage order

Step-by-Step Method

Preparation

• Check the passage title and subtitle (if any) to get a general idea of what it is about
• Quickly check the question types used with the passage
• Identify which questions are ordered (T/F/NG, completion) vs unordered (matching)

Question Priority Strategy

• Start with easier questions for quick wins: ordered questions, clear keyword markers.
• Some types of questions may be best done last e.g. matching information.

Reading Process

1. Read a question
2. Scan the passage for keyword(s) from the question
3. When you find a keyword, read that section carefully
4. Answer the question
5. Mark the location where you found the answer
6. Move to next question and continue scanning

Paragraph-Based Reading Strategy

Core Principles

1. Read each paragraph carefully - Don't skim the entire passage first
2. Work on ALL questions simultaneously - Don't complete one question type before moving to another
3. Always read ahead 2 questions for ordered question types
4. Mark paragraph letters (A, B, C, etc.) if not already labeled
5. Track answer locations using coordinates (e.g., A-5 = Paragraph A, Line 5)

Method

Preparation

• Label all paragraphs with letters (A, B, C, etc.)
• Identify question types: Ordered (T/F/NG, completion) vs Matching (headings, information matching)

Question Type Strategy

For Ordered Questions (T/F/NG, Completion):

• Read questions BEFORE reading the paragraph
• Always read 2 questions ahead
• For multiple question types, read 2 questions from each type (4-6 total)

For Matching Questions:

• Read the paragraph FIRST
• Then check all matching options after each paragraph
• Note names/keywords and their locations as you read

Reading Process

1. Read 2 questions from the first question type
2. Read 2 questions from the second question type (if any)
3. Read Paragraph A carefully
4. Check which questions can be answered from this paragraph
5. Answer immediately and note the location (e.g., A-5)
6. Read the next question to maintain 2-question buffer
7. Move to Paragraph B and repeat

The "2-Question Rule"

Reading 2 questions ahead serves critical purposes:

• Locates NOT GIVEN answers: If Question 1 is between coordinates (A-5) and (B-6), and you can't find the answer, it's likely NOT GIVEN.
• Creates reference points: Each answered question becomes a coordinate marker.
• Prevents missing questions: You know where to look for unanswered questions.

Teaching Considerations

Recommended Teaching Strategy

1. Introduce both approaches in your reading lessons
2. Model each approach with practice passages
3. Let students try both methods on different passages
4. Discuss pros and cons after practice sessions
5. Allow students to choose their preferred approach

Key Points to Emphasize

• Both approaches are equally valid
• Success depends on practice and consistency
• Students should choose based on their personal strengths
• The "best" approach is the one that delivers results for each individual student