Reading Test Overview
Understand the key differences between the Academic and General Training Reading tests and learn about the common question types.
Test Structure
The Reading test lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 3 sections and 40 questions. Unlike the Listening test, there is no extra time to transfer your answers. You must write your answers on the answer sheet within the 60-minute timeframe.
Academic vs. General Training
Academic Reading
Features three long, complex texts that are authentic and taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. The topics are of general interest but are written for a non-specialist audience. They are appropriate for anyone entering university or seeking professional registration.
General Training Reading
The texts are based on everyday situations.
- Section 1: 'Social survival' with several short texts (e.g., notices, ads).
- Section 2: 'Workplace survival' with two texts (e.g., job descriptions, contracts).
- Section 3: One longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest.
Common Question Types
Both modules test a wide range of reading skills using various question types, including:
- Matching Headings
- True / False / Not Given (or Yes / No / Not Given)
- Multiple Choice
- Sentence Completion
- Summary, Note, Table, Flow-chart Completion
- Diagram Label Completion
- Short-answer Questions