Getting faster at reading for IELTS comes from practice in a number of areas, which will take time.
Firstly, the old adage of 'practice makes perfect' is very true. The more practice you do to get to know the types of questions that regularly come up, the faster you'll get at doing the test. So in order to improve your speed, work through the IELTS buddy Reading Lessons to practice the different question types. There are also some practice tests on this site.
You also have to watch your timing. Only spend 20 minutes on each reading. Move on if you exceed that and don't spend too much time on one question - if you don't know the answer then move on. Come back to it at the end or make your best guess at the answer.
Learning to skim and scan is obviously a very important factor in speeding up, and that is covered in some of my lessons. Scanning is important as you use that to find key words in questions in the text, so you don't end up reading through too much of it again to find an answer. And skimming is important as you won't have time to read the whole text in detail. So make sure you learn more about skimming and scanning and practice them as they both help with reading faster for IELTS.
Faster reading for IELTS is also of course about improving your vocabulary so that you you understand the reading better and you don't get stuck on words that you don't understand. I have links on the site to vocabulary pages.
For example, try doing my Academic Word List vocabulary exercises. Each set has 10 words so you could set yourself a goal of learning 10 a day or less if you have less time.
And of course simply reading more, any kind of texts or books, is going to gradually improve your skills so you can read faster for IELTS.
There is also a link on the site on the vocabulary pages to a vocabulary builder program but that is a paid for program from an external site.
Jan 16, 2018
Fast reading for IELTS by: Daryoush Mohammadion
Good day friends,
Reading is one of the vital subject of studying for any purpose or for the IELTS exam.
As we all realize, we read to receive information, and the IELTS Reading exam is one of the most challenging skill of the test. In order to have a understanding and control over the test, its a good idea to learn what is reading and how to read different subjects.
In fact, there are several types of reading such as: scanning, skimming, browsing, looking over and viewing which each has its own kind of techniques. Actually, In all sorts of reading mind concentration is the first step. Another major factor is the eye flexibility and coordination which goes along with concentration and constant brain storming over the vocab and the sentences.
Consequently, first we need to learn how to read and then search for the techniques of precision reading.
Meantime, as its been mentioned by the IELTS buddy, the utmost key is to do lots of practice, "practice makes perfection", so after all, practice is the key factor.
Best of luck
Jan 16, 2018
Matching headings...yes no not given questions are my greatest problems by: Anonymous
Pls help me...give me the secrets to pass the reading test.
Jan 20, 2018
Secrets to pass the reading test by: IELTS buddy
Unfortunately there are no secrets to pass the reading test, there are only strategies for the different types of reading question that you can learn and practice in order to help you to read faster for IELTS and to hopefully get a better score.
Jun 11, 2019
Improve Reading by: inspiruseducation
To improve your reading, all you need to do is practice A LOT. Get yourself in the habit of reading and comprehending various books, newspapers, magazines etc. Read every day. With time, you will realize that you are getting better at it and faster. You will be able to finish the reading section within the given time frame.
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