IELTS Reading Speed & Accuracy

Find answers fast without reading every word · with Prof. Marcus Bennett

You will be able to skim a passage for structure in under two minutes

You will be able to scan for specific detail without reading fully

You will be able to tackle True/False/Not Given with confidence

You will be able to match headings by identifying paragraph main ideas

You will be able to pace all three passages within 60 minutes

Course content

3 modules · 9 lessons

Module 1: Core Reading Techniques

Module 2: Question Types Deep Dive

Module 3: Vocabulary and Exam Readiness

video

Skimming vs Scanning

12 min

Two different fast-reading skills that solve two different problems in IELTS Reading.

Skimming for the big picture

Skimming means reading quickly to grasp the overall topic and structure. Read the title, first and last sentences of each paragraph, and any headings.

Aim to know what each paragraph is broadly about
Do not stop for unknown words while skimming

Give yourself roughly 90 seconds to skim a passage before looking at any questions.

Scanning for specifics

Scanning means hunting for a specific piece of information, like a date, name, or figure, by letting your eyes jump across the text without reading linearly.

Use for questions with unique keywords: names, numbers, capitalised terms
Move your eyes in a zig-zag, ignoring everything irrelevant

Key Takeaways

Skimming builds a mental map of the passage
Scanning locates specific facts quickly
Neither technique requires reading every word