For many candidates the Reading section of the IELTS test is very challenging. The length of the passages, their topics, the position of the questions (before or after the passage) or the types of questions, are some if the issues the candidates have to overcome in order to get the band score they need.

So, one thing I always recommend before the test is to read a lot, on different topics. This will help increase your reading speed and your ability to grasp main ideas from a written text. Also, it will enrich your vocabulary. At this stage is it important to look up unknown words in dictionaries as this will ensure that you remember them and are more likely to use them if you know what they mean.

Having a good vocabulary is important as the questions will not use the same words as the passages. They will use synonyms and paraphrases.

During the actual test, if a reading passage contains words that the test developers consider too difficult there will be a glossary at the end of the passage. However, if you come across an unknown word that is not in the glossary do not panic. Try to figure out its meaning from the context.

– Adriana Mucea (IELTS Reading Teacher)