IELTS General Reading Part 3 Overview
(1) About General Reading Part 3
Part Total Time: Around 20 minutes
Number of questions: 13
1. Structure and Content
- Passage Length: Part 3 typically contains one long passage, about 600-700 words.
- Content: The passage in Part 3 is usually a descriptive or argumentative text, which could come from sources like newspapers, magazines, books, or instruction manuals. It might discuss issues of general interest, but it will be less specialized than academic texts.
- Language: The vocabulary and syntax are complex, with a formal or semi-formal tone. Topics often relate to social, workplace, or educational subjects but are generally accessible for a broad audience.
2. Question Types
- Expect around 12-14 questions, which may include the following types:
- Multiple Choice: Choosing the correct answer among given options.
- Matching Headings: Selecting the best heading for specific sections of the passage.
- True/False/Not Given: Identifying factual accuracy based on the passage.
- Sentence Completion: Filling in gaps within sentences to complete ideas based on passage content.
- Short Answer Questions: Answering questions based on specific details from the text.
3. Skills Tested
- Reading for Main Ideas: Grasping the core message and the main points of the passage.
- Reading for Details: Identifying specific information, such as dates, names, places, or particular details.
- Understanding Opinions and Attitudes: Interpreting the writer’s perspective, opinions, or biases if present.
- Identifying Purpose and Function: Recognizing why a specific part of the text is included, its purpose, or its function within the broader context.
- Summarizing: Ability to condense information and understand implied meanings.
4. Scoring
- Each correct answer is worth one mark, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Scores from all three sections contribute to the final IELTS Reading band score.
