IELTS Reading: I can't read fast enough!

If you believe that you can't read fast enough, you've got the wrong idea about how to improve your reading score.

The key to IELTS reading is to learn to read better, not faster.

Reading better means that you understand what you are reading, and that you notice straight away when you reach the part of the passage that contains the answer. If you read too quickly, you'll probably miss the answer and waste time going back to look for it.

Note: If you really are a very slow reader (when reading English), this is probably because your overall level of English is low. In other words, you're at beginner to intermediate level at the moment, and you have to think about every word as you read. This is a normal stage in language learning, and you shouldn't rush to read more quickly.

Comments

[Akter]

Dear Simon, you are undoubtedly right. I have achieved a score of 6.5 in reading in my first attempt. It's been about three months I took my exam. I haven't been practicing for almost two and a half month, if fact, I kept reading as a daily basis. I appeared in 4 mock tests since the beginning of December. As I read much, I thought I could be able to perform better in reading than before. Honestly, I hope now I can understand the facts and contents when I read any piece of writing from any sources. Also, I am, at present can read faster than before as well. I have improved better in some sections compared to my previous records. However, I still suffering in (Matching Informations, complicated gap-fillings, Twisted Scientific/Experts Theories to match, MCQs with 4 options, Complete the Sentences). I wondered how my time flies so fast when I was doing those parts. I think scholar's theories are kind of PARADOX, I read repeatedly but cannot make it. I don't know why?

[Jen]

Dear Simon,
I read your sample writing about dress codes, there is one thing I don’t understand. Why did you use “create relaxed office environment “, why not “create relaxing office environment”
Thank you

[Simon]

Jen,

There's a small difference between the two adjectives. See if you can work out what that difference is - a little challenge for you!

[Abomuslim]

For reading some advised me to read newspapers and magazines. but it is somehow to understand the meaning of the text. what should i do?

[آیلتس]

You are so right Simon. Can you introduce some sources for practicing reading? Thanks