5 tips for time management when taking an English test

The IELTS Reading test structure is to read three passages to answer 40 questions in 60 minutes. These tips will help test takers make good use of their time when doing the test.

Preview questions

Skim the questions before you start reading the passage. The questions will outline the content, helping you read faster because you can visualize what you will read. Of course, you should not immediately answer the questions without reading the passage.

Read in order from the introduction, conclusion, then the body.

This way of reading will help you understand the body of the essay better. Especially since you don’t necessarily have to read all the body paragraphs.

Skim (Don't read every sentence)

The next IELTS Reading tip is skimming. Skimming is reading a text quickly to get the general idea of ​​the paragraph. The best technique is to keep your eyes moving forward and avoid getting distracted by a word you don’t know. Another way is to look for the main idea, usually near the beginning of each new paragraph. Once you have found the main idea, you hardly need to read the rest of the sentences.

Underline specific information

This is also known as scanning, and can be used while reading and before you begin answering questions. When you find the name of a person, place, or organization, underline it. These names are almost certain to appear in the questions.

Spend no more than one minute on each question.

In IELTS Reading, 30 out of 40 correct answers are enough to get a band score of 7. You must manage your time effectively, trying to answer all 40 questions, including the 30 easiest ones. Do not waste a few minutes or more on a difficult question.

Make sure you don't run out of time by spending no more than a minute on each question. You can reread difficult questions at the end of the time and solve them again.

According to VNE