How IELTS Reading is scored
Both Reading modules contain 40 questions in 60 minutes, and each correct answer earns one mark. The raw score is then converted to a band score — but Academic and General Training use different tables. Academic Reading uses longer, more abstract texts from books, journals and newspapers; General Training uses everyday and workplace texts, so its table asks for more correct answers at every band.
Academic vs General Training at a glance
| Band | Academic (approx.) | General Training (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 35–36 | 37–38 |
| 7.0 | 30–32 | 34–35 |
| 6.0 | 23–26 | 30–31 |
| 5.0 | 15–18 | 23–26 |
Worked example
An Academic candidate scores 31/40: that is band 7.0. The same 31/40 in General Training is only band 6.0, because General Training needs 34 for band 7.0. Always check you are using the right table for the module you will take.
Tips for a higher Reading band
- Skim each passage for its structure first, then scan for the specific information each question needs.
- For True/False/Not Given, separate “the text says the opposite” (False) from “the text doesn’t say” (Not Given).
- Spend about 20 minutes per passage and never leave a blank — there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
- Copy words from the passage exactly for completion questions and respect the word limit.
Add your Reading band to the others in the overall band score calculator.