In this tutorial, we discuss how to get a high score in IELTS Academic reading with ex-examiner Robert.

We look at:

* What does the average test taker score in IELTS academic reading

* How many correct answers do you need to score 7.0 in academic reading

* What skills do you need to score high in the IELTS academic reading exam

* How to answer a sample IELTS reading question

What does the average test taker score in IELTS Academic Reading?

If we check through the band scores that IELTS test takers obtain, reading comes a very close second to listening. In listening, the average is something like 6.3 whereas in academic reading it’s 6.2, followed by speaking at 6.0 and writing at 5.7.

Of course, there are variations by native language too. Interestingly, in many countries, it’s reading that scores the highest. In Japan, for example, reading averages 6.1 and listening 5.9. Perhaps in countries where students need to read extensively in English at university or in their careers but have less exposure to spoken English, then this trend is not surprising. 

Read more IELTS statistics here.

How many correct answers do you need to score 7.0 in Academic Reading?

The IELTS Academic reading test includes a total of 40 questions. Here’s how many correct answers you’ll need per score.

30 to 32 correct answers- 7.0 

33 to 34 correct answers-  7.5 

35 to 36 correct answers-  8.0 

37 to 38 correct answers-  8.5

39 to 40 correct answers-  9.0

23 to 26 correct answers-6.0 

27 to 29 correct answers- 6.5

In General Training even higher scores are required, probably because the tasks are thought to be easier. You’d need 34 or 35 correct answers for a 7.0, for example.

It’s important to have this clear idea of how many correct answers are required to get the minimum result you’re looking for. It will guide you when you’re doing practice tests. 

What skills do you need to score high in the IELTS academic reading exam?

The IELTS academic reading exam is testing certain skills you need if you want to call yourself  a “good” or “efficient” reader. Applying these skills helps you to understand what you read at different levels. They include:

Being able to pick out relevant facts and data in a written text

Getting a general idea of what a text is about through an initial quick reading

Ability to differentiate between main and secondary ideas

Ability to fully comprehend the writer’s position in an argumentative text

How to answer a sample IELTS reading question

Let’s look at an example taken from a part of the online computer based IELTS reading test practice samples provided by the British Council. 

It’s a multiple-choice task with one answer out of four given options, A, B, C and D. 

The question heading reads: in Paragraph 1, the writer suggests that companies could consider:

Abolishing pay schemes that are based on age

Avoiding pay that is based on piece-rates

Increasing pay for older workers

Equipping older workers with new skills

Paragraph 1. 

The general assumption is that older workers are paid more in spite of, rather than because of their productivity. That might partially explain why, when employers are under pressure to cut costs, they persuade a 55-year-old to take early retirement. Take away seniority-based pay scales and older workers may become a much more attractive employment proposition. But most employers and many workers are uncomfortable with the idea of reducing someone’s pay in later life – although manual workers on piece-rates often earn less as they get older. So,