If you are new to IELTS, one of the first things you want to know is: how many questions are in IELTS Academic Reading? The answer is simple: there are 40 questions in total. You have 60 minutes to answer them. This article will explain what that means for your test strategy.
Why this matters. Knowing the exact number of questions helps you plan your time. With 40 questions and 60 minutes, you have 1.5 minutes per question on average. But you also need time to read the passages. So, a better plan is to spend about 20 minutes on each of the three passages, including reading and answering. That leaves no extra time, so you must move quickly.
What the 40 questions look like. The 40 questions are divided among three long texts. These texts are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. They are academic in style, but you do not need any specialist knowledge. The questions test your ability to find information, understand main ideas, and follow arguments.
There are several question types. You might see multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, summary completion, and diagram labeling. Each question is worth one mark, so all questions are equally important. There is no negative marking, so you should always answer every question, even if you are not sure.
How to use this number in your practice. Because you know there are 40 questions, you can practice with a clear goal. When you do a practice test, try to finish all 40 questions in 60 minutes. If you run out of time, note which question types take you longer. Then, work on those skills.
A practical time plan. Here is a simple time plan for the test: - Passages 1 and 2: aim to finish each in about 18-20 minutes. - Passage 3: it is often the most difficult, so you might spend a few extra minutes there, but try to finish in about 20-22 minutes. - Keep an eye on the clock; do not spend too long on one question. If you are stuck, guess and move on. You can come back if you have time, but you rarely will.
Common mistakes beginners make. Many beginners panic because they think 40 questions is a lot. But remember, the passages themselves are not too long. The main challenge is to read efficiently. Do not try to read every word. Instead, read the questions first, then scan the passage for answers. This saves time and helps you focus.
Another mistake is to leave questions blank. Never leave blank answers. If you guess, you have a chance to get it right. If you leave it blank, you get zero for sure.
What to do next. Now that you know exactly how many questions are in IELTS Academic Reading, you can start practicing with a clear target. Use timed practice tests to get used to the pace. Readlify offers practice passages and mock tests that mimic the real format, so you can build your skill and confidence. Try a set today and see how close you can get to answering all 40 questions within the time limit.
Remember, 40 questions is a fixed number, but your preparation is not fixed. With practice, you can answer them all correctly. Good luck!