Learn IELTS Academic Reading with Free Lessons & Tips

As we have very less time to read all through the passage, still we need to find the correct answer within stipulated time. So how do we do that?

1. Find the answer in first 2 sentences and last two senteces of the passage.

2. If don't find the answer in first two or last two lines, then don't waste your time in reading full passage, first try to find the answer for other paragraphs.

3. Once you are done with all other paragraphs then go back to paragraphs whose headings you were unable to get.

4. Now probably you are left with 2 paragraphs without heading and 3 headings in question, so now your time is saved to get the answer and you can read whole paragraph and get the answer.

Let us understand this with an example

A. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, have emerged as pivotal players in the global effort to mitigate climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases upon combustion, renewable energy harnesses natural resources that are continually replenished, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. As the detrimental effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the urgency to transition towards renewable energy grows more pronounced.

B. One of the primary advantages of renewable energy lies in its environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to air and water pollution, renewable energy helps to improve air quality and protect ecosystems. Additionally, renewable energy technologies produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation, thereby mitigating the key driver of climate change. The deployment of renewable energy infrastructure also minimizes habitat destruction and ecological disruption associated with fossil fuel extraction.

C. Beyond environmental advantages, the transition to renewable energy presents significant economic opportunities. Investments in renewable energy infrastructure stimulate job creation across various sectors, from manufacturing and construction to research and development. Moreover, as renewable energy technologies mature and scale, they become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, offering long-term economic benefits by stabilizing energy prices and reducing dependence on volatile global energy markets.

D. The adoption of renewable energy is not merely a domestic concern but carries profound global implications. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, underscore the collective commitment to limit global temperature rise by transitioning towards renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. However, achieving these ambitious targets requires coordinated policy efforts, including subsidies, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks that incentivize investment in renewable energy infrastructure and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into existing energy systems.

i Renewable energy contribute to combating climate change -------

ii Economic Opportunities and Job Creation---- C

iii Introduction to Renewable Energy----- A

iv Challenges and Considerations in using renewal energy.-----

v Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy---- B

vi Global Implications and Policy Considerations----- D

As we can see that most of the answers are found in first few lines of the paragraph. Let us see, when we do not get exact same word to word heading.

A. Cities worldwide are witnessing a significant diversion towards sustainable modes of transportation, driven by environmental concerns, traffic congestion, and the desire for improved public health. This transition encompasses various initiatives, including the promotion of public transit, the proliferation of electric vehicles, and the development of infrastructure to support walking and cycling. By prioritizing sustainable mobility options, urban centers aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance air quality, and create more livable, vibrant communities.

B. A notable trend in urban transportation is the rise of communal mobility services, such as ride-hailing, bike-sharing, and car-sharing platforms. These services leverage technology to provide convenient, on-demand transportation solutions that complement existing public transit networks. Shared mobility offers flexibility and affordability, allowing users to choose from a range of transportation options based on their specific needs and preferences. Moreover, by promoting shared vehicle use, these services contribute to reducing traffic congestion and optimizing urban transportation systems.

C. Despite the progress towards sustainable and shared mobility, cities face various challenges in transforming their transportation systems. Limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and regulatory barriers often hinder the implementation of innovative transportation solutions. Additionally, issues related to equity and accessibility must be addressed to ensure that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or location, have access to reliable and affordable transportation options. However, these challenges also present opportunities for collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and community organizations to develop inclusive and resilient urban transportation systems.

D. Looking ahead, the urban transportation holds promise for further innovation and transformation. Emerging technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and mobility-as-a-service platforms, have the potential to revolutionize how people move within cities. Moreover, the integration of data analytics and smart city initiatives can optimize transportation networks, improve traffic flow, and enhance the overall efficiency of urban mobility systems. By embracing these advancements and fostering collaborative partnerships, cities can pave the way for more sustainable, accessible, and equitable transportation solutions.

i Future Directions and Urban Mobility Solutions--- D

ii The Rise of Shared Mobility Services ---- B

iii Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Transportation ----- C

iv Shift Towards Sustainable Mobility---- A

vi Can enhance community relationships.

The difficulty level of this exam varies from person to person. Some say it is easy, while others disagree with the claim. It is extremely challenging for some people to get a band of even 6. To be honest! It depends on your English proficiency.

But to answer your questions, IELTS is not a very difficult exam to clear. People with even the slightest knowledge about grammar and pronunciation will be easily able to score a band of 6. We know not everybody's first language is English. So, it might be difficult for you to crack this exam. 

Before appearing for any language proficiency exams, you must learn the basics of the English language. You can find a lot of tutors who can teach you this language. You can take classes for spoken English and then start learning for IELTS.

Talking about the cost,  the coaching is a little bit of the expensive side. But the advantage is that you get to learn everything about a new language. If you're going to join an institute, then you must research thoroughly. 

IELTS exam is not something that you can by-heart to crack. In case to get band score above 7, you need guidance from a proficient language tutor. If you wish to seek experts' advice, then you'll have to pay. 

As we all know, IELTS comprises four modules or sections, i.e., Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. You need to score well in all four parts to get the desired band score, be it for higher education or immigration process. First, you can start preparing with the difficult sections. Many test-takers find it hard to nail the writing and reading sections. There are so many tricky things to keep in mind when it comes to these two sections. 

The listening and reading sections are comparatively easy to score as they are more manageable with proper practice. However, do not neglect these sections as they can be nerve-racking too.

Take as many demo tests or mock tests as possible. This is like a real-time IELTS test, which is scored by certified IELTS Trainers. It's precisely like IELTS, the same amount of difficulty and the same duration for each section, the only difference is that it is a practice exam. There are tons of free IELTS practice materials online or you can even take the help of books and friends who are good at English. You'll also get a reference/practice book from IDP or British Council when you book your exam slot. 

IELTS is a tricky exam; every word you write or say, adds up to your score. So, make sure you're cautious when you speak or write anything in the test. If your someone who is already fluently in English, then it is easily manageable. 

Hope this helps!

It is not easy to get a band of 8 in all the four sections in the IELTS test. It needs utmost dedication and a perfect practice regimen.

You need to make a time table about your study schedule and follow it at least for five weeks straight. However, the duration might vary from one person to another, depending on their grasping power and speed of learning. To perform well in all the four sections, you'll have to practice all the parts every day. Or you can even follow a schedule of practising two sections per day so that you can give your full concentration on those two sections for the day.

If you're already good at speaking English, then you don't have to spend a lot of time preparing for that module. Having said that, if you want to score 8, then you'll have to be extra careful and answer to the point. Make sure you answer the question in the first line itself and elaborate it in a very focused manner in the remaining lines.

Taking about the writing module, it is pretty challenging to score a band of 8. However, it's not impossible either. This means that there's absolutely no room for errors. Read the dictionary and learn new words. Make sure your grammar and language are to the point. Improve your overall vocabulary to make a positive impact on the examiner.

Common mistakes include:

1) Not revising the topic the same day they attended the class for

2) Not completing their homework and no regular practice

3) Not asking questions during class

4) Learning the topic just before the exam

5) Not preparing notes and highlighters

IELTS is a kind of test where the more you practice, the better you score. Since there are four sections to it, each section requires ample practice so that you can nail all the four parts, without any hurdles. Coming back to your question, there are many practice materials for this English language proficiency test. 

For this, there are mock tests conducted. These mock tests have the same difficulty levels and time limit as the actual IELTS exam. Hence, candidates appearing for it will find it very helpful, and certified IELTS trainer or educators also evaluate these mock tests.

Apart from online mock tests, there are also a few practice/reference books such as the Cambridge IELTS practice book. iPhone and Android users can download this book for reference. There is also a book called "Road to IELTS"; this book helps candidates to prepare themselves for their IELTS exams. They have a practice section for all the modules, be it Reading, writing, listening and speaking.

There are also applications on your iCloud or google play store, where you can have a quick practice session on the module that you want to learn or practice. Besides all these, You can easily find several mock tests videos on YouTube as well. You can practice those whenever you get time. You'll also receive a reference book when you book your exam slot, be it from IDP or British council.

There aren’t any unusual or unexpected topics in IELTS or TOEFL exams. When it comes to IELTS speaking section topics, these questions are generally repeated. IELTS  question bank is renewed every four months. As a test taker, you must comprehend the fact that a large number of questions comes from a core bank. There aren't any unexpected topics as such but just the normal ones. For example, tell me about the food you like etc. 

Some of the most common questions or topics of IELTS part one are work, hometown, childhood, birthdays, family & friends, food. Computers, daily routine, music, internet, shopping, hobbies, reading, sports, movies etc. If you talk about part two, then questions are like describe a book you have read? What is it about? etc.

To prepare thoroughly, you'll have to read the books of IELTS for reference. Also, do some research on Google as you’ll find several other topics to practice with. 

When the examiner asks you to go ahead and start the speaking test, you'll have a choice of jotting down the points and making a summary of it. This will give you a chance to process your thoughts and give it some direction so that you don't stammer or forget your points.

The topics used for both IELTS and TOEFL only cover a broad spectrum. These are English exams, not knowledge quizzes. Stick to the ranges you have seen and read about.

Are you expecting to see topics such as nuclear physics or a similar subject? No way…..

Everyone must have told you to practice more for sure since you have already got a reasonably good score. But, there is a limit too much improvement which you may do at your end. If you need to improve your score to band score eight from six, then you will need to improve in all sections uniformly.

First of all, you must focus on visual learning as IELTS is nothing but improvising on how you speak and comprehend. Always remember that the person evaluating you is also a human being and is just marking you, based on how well you understand and write what you have followed. There are a lot of people who can listen well and speak well too, but what makes the difference in how well you can pen your thoughts.

The best way to do this is to practice each section independently. Give importance to all areas within the section and focus on understanding the concept behind the questions being asked. This should help you greatly in your test prep. You can also seek experts’ guidance to improve your band score since your next attempt is in 2 months from now. If you want, you can join a coaching academy to help reach your goals.

All the best!

Statistically speaking, the difference between 7 and 9 is huge. As we university know, Canada has the option to get entry or admission into a university without writing language proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL. However, having score 9 to enter to Canada has a higher advantage. Arriving with a score of 9 makes the transition to Canada faster, and you can be "settled" more quickly and easily. Here stats come to the rescue.

When you immigrate to Canada, you enter the vast statistical population that Stats Can feeds off. Each year, when you file your tax return, they prepare charts and graphs showing how immigrants are doing. Assuming making money is equivalent to "doing well". There are other data points they can check at census time which happens every five years.

Immigrants face different challenges when they land in Canada, such as recognition of foreign credentials or the ability to speak at least one of the official languages. Although increasing over the last few years, the median wages of recent immigrants remain lower than those of the Canadian population. So this is why they are cherry-picking the applicants who have stretched and are well-prepared with good IELTS scores.

Also, as this study shows, the better your English is, the better your health will be! 

Whenever you think about flying abroad for higher studies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Yes, it is the language proficiency tests. There are a lot of such tests, and the most popular among them are the IELTS and TOEFL. If you're already proficient in English, then it is a piece of cake for you. But, what if you're not? And what if you don't clear these tests in the very first attempt? Then it is an added cost for tutoring or coaching and applying and appearing for the exam. But there are countries that do not require you to write any of these languages proficiency testes, like Germany, the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.

If the students want to study abroad without IELTS, then they have to check the requirements of the universities thoroughly they're applying for and shortlist the colleges. This will make their process less complicated. However, if the students want to get admissions in these counties, then they'll have to undergo a pathway program, which lasts anywhere between 10 to 15 months.

UK: If a candidate wants to join a university in the UK, then he/she should have at least 70% in their 12th and should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Canada: To gain access in any of the Canadian universities without IELTS, then you should've attended a school whose primary language is English and bound to have language proof. 

US: Students who have completed one-year full-time study at any US institution are exempt from meeting the criteria of applying through IELTS or TOEFL.

European countries:  If the candidate possesses excellent communication skills and can prove that their prior education was conducted entirely in English, then they can avail the privilege of not going through IELTS.