Do you run out of time during the IELTS Reading test? You are not alone. Many candidates find it hard to finish all three passages. But there is a simple trick you can start using today. It is called the 20-minute rule.
The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. You have three passages to read, and each one has about 13 to 14 questions. If you spend too long on the first passage, you will have no time left for the last one. That costs you easy marks. The 20-minute rule helps you split your time evenly and stay on track.
First, look at the whole test. You have three passages. Give each one a maximum of 20 minutes. This includes reading and answering all questions for that passage. When the time for passage 1 is up, move to passage 2, even if you have not finished. Then do the same for passage 3. At the end, you will have a few extra minutes to go back and check your answers.
Try this at home. Take a practice passage and set a timer for 20 minutes. Do not stop until the timer rings. When it rings, put your pen down and count how many questions you answered. This will show you your real pace. If you only finished half the questions, you know you need to speed up. If you finished with time to spare, great – you can use the extra time to check your answers.
If you spend more than one minute on a question, you are stuck. Do not keep reading the same sentence again and again. Instead, skip that question and move on. Mark it lightly in your booklet, like with a small dot in the margin. You can come back to it later if you have time. But remember, every question is worth one mark. It is better to answer two easy questions than to miss them because you were stuck on one hard question.
Speed reading is not about reading every word. It is about reading smart. For each passage, first read the title and the first sentence of each paragraph. This gives you the main idea. Then read the questions and look for keywords. When you see a keyword in the text, read that sentence more carefully. This way, you do not waste time on parts that are not important.
Another good habit: do not read the whole passage before looking at the questions. Many top scorers read the questions first, then scan the text to find the answers. This saves a lot of time.
Sometimes the last passage is the hardest. But if you follow the 20-minute rule, you will still have time for it. And if you finish a passage late, do not panic. Just adjust your plan. For example, if you spent 22 minutes on passage 1, give passage 2 only 18 minutes. The important thing is to keep moving and not lose your cool.
One final tip: practice with a timer. Do not just read – time yourself. This will make you used to the pressure. When you are used to it, the real test feels easier.
If you want to practice this skill with realistic texts, you can try Readlify's practice passages and mock tests. They are designed to help you build your speed and confidence. Start using the 20-minute rule today, and you will see a big difference in your score.