International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Reading Syllabus

Which reading technique is most useful for the practical documents in Section 1 (timetables, adverts, notices)?

Scanning — quickly locating specific details like times, prices, dates or conditions without reading every word.

When scanning a practical document, what visual features help you find information fast?

Headings, subheadings, bold or capitalised words, bullet points, numbers, dates, symbols and table layout act as signposts to relevant information.

Why is reading the question first often recommended before scanning a Section 1 document?

Reading the question first tells you exactly what keyword or detail to scan for, saving time so you don't read irrelevant parts of the document.

On a notice that reads 'Open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–1pm, closed Sundays,' when is it open on Saturday?

From 9am to 1pm (4 hours).

In instructions, what is the difference between the modal verbs 'must' and 'may'?

'Must' expresses an obligation or requirement, while 'may' expresses permission or possibility (something allowed but not required).

In conditions and instructions, what does 'unless' mean?

'Unless' means 'except if' / 'if not' — it introduces the only condition under which something will not happen (e.g. 'You cannot enter unless you have a ticket').

What is the meaning of 'subject to' in formal notices (e.g. 'prices subject to change')?

'Subject to' means 'depending on' or 'liable to be affected by' — the thing may be changed or controlled by that condition.

In conditional instructions, what is the difference between 'provided that' and 'in case of'?

'Provided that' introduces a condition that must be met for something to be allowed; 'in case of' means 'if there is' / 'in the event of' a particular situation (e.g. 'in case of fire').

What is 'functional' or 'transactional' language in the context of survival texts?

Language used to get things done in everyday interactions — e.g. making requests, giving instructions, booking, complaining, applying, or stating rules and conditions.

On a form, what is typically required by the field 'Surname' (or 'Family name')?

Your last name — the family name shared with relatives — as opposed to your given/first name.

On a form, what does the instruction 'BLOCK CAPITALS' or 'PLEASE PRINT' tell the applicant to do?

To write using separate, upper-case (capital) letters rather than joined-up handwriting, so the information is clearly legible.

In an advertisement, what does the abbreviation 'p/w' or 'pw' usually mean?

'Per week' — commonly used for rents or wages (e.g. '£150 pw').

In rental and housing adverts, what does 'incl. bills' or 'inclusive' mean?

That the price already includes utility bills (such as electricity, water, gas) so no separate charge is added.

In a job advert, what does the term 'pro rata' mean?

'In proportion' — pay or benefits are calculated proportionally, e.g. a part-time salary based on the proportion of full-time hours worked.

In employment terminology, what is the difference between 'gross pay' and 'net pay'?

Gross pay is the total earnings before any deductions; net pay is the 'take-home' amount remaining after tax and other deductions are subtracted.

In a workplace text, what does 'probation period' (probationary period) mean?

An initial trial period at the start of employment during which the employer assesses the new employee's suitability before confirming the permanent position.

What is the difference between 'full-time' and 'part-time' employment?

Full-time means working the standard/maximum weekly hours set by the employer; part-time means working fewer hours than a full-time schedule.

In employment terms, what does 'annual leave' refer to?

The paid holiday/vacation days an employee is entitled to take during a year.

In a workplace document, what is meant by 'overtime'?

Hours worked beyond the normal contracted working hours, often paid at a higher rate.

What does the abbreviation 'CV' stand for, and what is its purpose?

Curriculum Vitae — a document summarising a person's education, work experience and skills, submitted when applying for a job.

In a job application context, what is a 'referee' (or 'reference')?

A person who can vouch for an applicant's character or abilities; the 'reference' is the statement or letter that person provides to a prospective employer.

In workplace texts, what does 'redundancy' mean?

A situation where an employee loses their job because the role is no longer needed (e.g. due to restructuring or cost-cutting), not because of poor performance.

In employment terms, what is the difference between 'salary' and 'wage'?

A salary is a fixed regular payment, usually expressed annually and paid monthly; a wage is usually paid by the hour, day or week for work done.

What is 'sick leave' (or 'sick pay') in a workplace context?

Time off work permitted when an employee is ill; sick pay is the money an employer pays the employee during that authorised absence.

In a workplace notice, what does 'mandatory' mean (e.g. 'mandatory training')?

Required by rule or law — compulsory and not optional.

What time-management strategy is recommended given there is no extra transfer time in Reading?

Write answers directly onto the answer sheet as you go (about 20 minutes per section), since there is no separate time to copy answers at the end.

Why is it risky to leave a True/False/Not Given or multiple-choice answer blank in IELTS Reading?

There is no penalty for wrong answers, so every blank should be filled with your best guess — a blank scores zero, but a guess might be correct.

What is a 'distractor' in IELTS Reading tasks?

Information deliberately included to mislead — often a paraphrase or detail that looks like the answer but does not actually match the question's exact meaning.

Why must you watch for paraphrasing/synonyms rather than just matching identical words when answering?

The questions usually restate the passage using synonyms and different grammar, so exact word-matching can lead you to a distractor; you must match meaning, not just vocabulary.

In matching tasks where there is a list of options (e.g. people, dates, categories), how do you handle options not used?

Recognise that some options may not be used at all and others may be used more than once only if the instructions allow it; match strictly by the information in the text.