IELTS Reading Test: How to Manage Your Time?

 

The Role of Time in the IELTS Reading Section

Preparing through IELTS training in Ahmedabad gives you a clear picture of how intense the reading test can be. It’s not just about how well you understand English—it’s about how fast you can understand it under pressure. With 60 minutes to read three long passages and answer 40 questions, time can feel like your biggest enemy. But with the right mindset and habits, it can become your strongest ally.

Understanding the Structure of the Test

What You're Up Against

The IELTS Reading test has:

Three reading passages

40 questions in total

No extra time to transfer answers

Each passage is longer and more complex than the last. That’s why a smart time strategy is essential—not optional.

Why Time Feels So Tight

Common Time Traps

Reading too thoroughly on the first attempt

Overanalyzing every sentence

Obsessing over one tough question

Losing track of time altogether

Without a game plan, it’s easy to fall into these traps.

Creating a Time Strategy That Works

Section-by-Section Timing

Try dividing your 60 minutes like this:

15 minutes for Section 1

20 minutes for Section 2

25 minutes for Section 3

This gives you more time for the difficult texts at the end without rushing the beginning.

Reading Techniques to Save Time

Skimming for the Big Picture

Skimming is about understanding the general idea of the passage. You don’t need every detail—just enough to know where to look when a question comes up.

Scanning for Specifics

Scanning means quickly locating keywords or phrases in the passage. This is especially useful for matching names, dates, or facts with the questions.

Handling Questions the Smart Way

Don’t Get Stuck

If a question starts to eat up your time, skip it and come back later. Getting one question wrong is better than running out of time and missing five easy ones.

Use the Question to Find the Answer

Most questions include keywords. Use those as clues to locate the answer in the passage. No need to reread everything—just the parts that matter.

Leave Time for Review

Aim to finish five minutes early. This gives you time to review, make quick changes, and check that you haven’t missed anything.

Understanding Question Types Efficiently

True/False/Not Given

These questions often slow people down. Trust the passage, not your own assumptions. If you don’t see the info, it’s probably “Not Given.”

Matching Headings

Look at the topic sentence (usually the first sentence of each paragraph). It often tells you what the paragraph is about.

Sentence and Summary Completion

These questions test understanding and vocabulary. Focus on grammar clues and sentence structure—they often guide you to the correct answer.

Building Habits That Help With Timing

Practice With a Stopwatch

Time yourself during practice sessions. This helps you learn how fast you need to go and when to slow down for accuracy.

Review Mistakes and Timing Issues

After every practice test, reflect: Where did I lose time? Which section felt rushed? Did I get stuck? Use those answers to tweak your strategy.

How to Stay Calm During the Test

Don’t Panic Over Unknown Words

You’ll probably see words you don’t know. That’s okay. Focus on the overall meaning of the sentence or paragraph. Don’t waste time guessing one word.

Reset Mentally When Needed

If your focus starts to fade, pause for 10 seconds, breathe, and continue. A short break can refresh your brain without wasting much time.

The Power of Practice With Purpose

Consistency Over Intensity

It’s better to practice 30 minutes daily than cram for hours once a week. Small, regular sessions help build reading speed and stamina.

Replicate Real Exam Conditions

Sit at a table. Set a timer. Eliminate distractions. This builds endurance and trains your brain to focus under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Time management isn’t just a skill—it’s a strategy. And the more you practice, the better you get at it. The IELTS Reading section rewards those who stay sharp, move fast, and stay calm. With simple habits like skimming, scanning, and smart skipping, you can gain the edge you need. So next time you take a mock test, don’t just focus on the right answers—focus on the time it takes to get them.

FAQs

1. How can I avoid running out of time in the IELTS Reading test?

 Divide your time smartly between sections and avoid getting stuck on hard questions.

2. Is skimming enough to answer all questions?

 Skimming helps you get the main idea, but scanning and close reading are needed for details.

3. What if I can't understand a part of the text?

 Don’t panic. Focus on what you do understand. Most questions don’t require full comprehension.

4. Should I leave questions blank?

 Never. Make an educated guess if needed—there’s no penalty for wrong answers.

5. How often should I practice to build reading speed?

 Practice at least 4–5 times a week under timed conditions for the best results.