International English Language Testing system is one of the most popular language proficiency test acceptable in most of the countries of the world. Reading module is one of the component of this widely acclaimed language proficiency test which accesses the receptive skills of the candidate taking the test. It can be categorized in two types Academic and General Training. Academic module is for the candidates interested in migrating to foreign land to pursue higher studies. Furthermore, General Training is for those who wish to settle abroad permanently on work permit.
Timing- 60 minutes. No extra transfer time. The test requires a candidate to manage time so as to maintain speed and accuracy.
Types of questions- There are 40 questions:
A variety of question types are: multiple choice, identifying information (True/ False/ Not Given),, indentifying a writers’ views/ claims( Yes/ No/ Not Given), matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion diagram label completion, short answer questions.
There are 3 sections. The total text length is 2, 150-2, 750 words.
Academic Reading- In case of academic, each section contains one long text. Texts are authentic and are taken from various, journals, magazines and newspapers. Texts are appropriate and accessible to, test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. Text varies from the discursive and analytical. Text me contain non-verbal materials such as diagram, graphs, or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms, then a simple glossary is provided.
General Training Reading:
In case of General Training, Section 1 contains two or three short factual texts, one of which may be composite (Consisting of 6-8 short text related by topic), Topics are relevant to everyday life in an English-Speaking country.
Section-2 contains two short texts regarding facts focusing on work-related issues (e.g applying of jobs, company policies, pay and conditions, workplace facilities, staff development and – training).
Section-3 contains one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest.
Text are authentic and are taken from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books and magazines.
Skills accessed while attempting Reading: –
- Reading for gist.
- Reading for main ideas.
- Reading for detail.
- Understanding inferences and implied meaning.
- Recognizing writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose.
- Following the development of an argument.
Marking- Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are commented to the IELTS 9 Band scale. There is no Negative marking in reading module. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.