Reading

Introduction

The Academic Reading test consists of three long, complex texts with 40 questions to answer in 60 minutes. Managing your time and employing the right reading techniques is absolutely critical for success.

1. Skimming and Scanning

Skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific information will save you precious time. Do not try to read every single word. Use your pencil to trace your eyes quickly over the text.

2. Dealing with True/False/Not Given

Be careful with these questions. Remember that "Not Given" means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the text. Don't use outside knowledge.

3. Matching Headings

Read the headings first, then skim each paragraph to find the main idea. Often, the topic sentence (first or last sentence of a paragraph) contains the core meaning.

4. Time Management

Allocate 20 minutes per passage. Do not spend more than 1.5 minutes on a single question. If you are stuck, guess, mark it, and move on.

Academic Reading Checklist

• Read the title and subheadings first to grasp the context.
• Underline keywords in the questions before looking at the text.
• Pay attention to transition words like "however" or "although".
• Ensure spelling is correct when transferring answers.

Common Mistakes

Spending too much time reading the passage in detail and failing to complete the test within the 60-minute limit. Overthinking "False" vs "Not Given" is also a major trap.

Conclusion

Mastering skimming and scanning takes time, but it's essential for a high score in the Academic Reading module.

Want to boost your reading speed? Register for classes at Pitas today!