Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to allocate your time effectively for each IELTS Reading passage, maintain steady progress throughout the section, and adjust your approach to maximize points scored. You will understand how to avoid wasted time, balance question difficulty, and make strategic choices to ensure every passage is addressed under exam timing.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you are required to develop strong time management skills specific to the Reading section. For revision, focus on these syllabus areas:
- Identify the recommended total and per-passage timing for the Reading paper.
- Calculate and adjust time spent per passage/question to avoid missing answers.
- Recognize the risk of over-investing time in difficult passages or questions at the expense of later sections.
- Practice using clocks or timers to monitor progress and maintain steady pace.
- Develop strategies for moving on quickly when a passage or question is overly time-consuming.
- Apply these techniques to Academic, General Training, and UKVI Reading formats as required.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the recommended time allocation for each Reading passage (in a 60-minute section with three passages)?
- If you spend 35 minutes on the first two passages, how much time remains for the final passage?
- True or false: It is better to answer every question in the first passage, even if it means very little time remains for the last passage.
Introduction
Efficient time management per passage is critical for success in the IELTS Reading section. Although the Reading test has a 60-minute limit, there are three passages (Academic) or three sections (General), each typically increasing in complexity. Effective section management ensures that you attempt all parts, avoid running out of time, and maximize your overall score.
Key Term: Time Management
The process of dividing and controlling your total available time so you can make consistent progress, answer all required questions, and avoid spending too long on any one task.
Recommended Timing per Passage
IELTS Reading consists of three passages and a total of 40 questions to answer in 60 minutes. Unlike Listening, there is no extra time at the end to transfer answers. Every second counts.
Standard Time Allocation:
- Total Paper: 60 minutes
- Passage 1: 20 minutes
- Passage 2: 20 minutes
- Passage 3: 20 minutes
These are guidelines, not rules, but strict adherence is essential for most candidates. The third passage is generally more difficult, so if you overrun on earlier passages, you may lack time to attempt it fully.
Key Term: Passage Allocation
The division of your available exam time equally or proportionally among the three Reading passages, to ensure each receives attention.
Why Time Management Matters
Many IELTS candidates fail to achieve their target score because they mismanage time. Common issues include:
- Spending too long on the first passage's easier questions, leaving too little time for harder, high-mark questions in later passages.
- Struggling with one difficult question and letting it consume several minutes, resulting in unanswered questions later.
Key Term: Strategic Skipping
Intentionally postponing or moving past difficult questions—marking them to return later if time allows—in order to maximize the number of questions answered in the allotted time.
Techniques for Effective Passage Management
Use a Timer or Watch
Check the time before you begin each passage. By 20 minutes into the section, move decisively to the next passage, even if you are not finished.
- After Passage 1: Should be close to 20 minutes spent
- After Passage 2: Should be close to 40 minutes spent
- Final 20 minutes: Reserved for Passage 3 and review
Limit Struggling with Difficult Questions
If a question takes more than one minute and you are unsure, leave it, fill the answer sheet as best you can, and move on. Return to flagged questions if you finish early.
Skim, Scan, and Read Strategically
Skim the passage for the main idea, scan for keywords relevant to the questions, and avoid reading every word closely unless required by the question type.
Worked Example 1.1
Situation:
You are taking the IELTS Academic Reading section. After 22 minutes, you realize you are only halfway through Passage 1, and you have not looked at Passage 2 or 3 yet.
Question:
What should you do to avoid running out of time and maximize your score?
Answer:
You must stop working on Passage 1 after 20-22 minutes, even if some questions are unanswered. Immediately go to Passage 2, allocate 20 minutes there, and ensure you leave at least 18-20 minutes for Passage 3. If time remains at the end, return to the questions you skipped.
Worked Example 1.2
Mini-Passage
In recent years, the development of machine-assisted translation has transformed how individuals communicate across languages. Early software relied on basic dictionaries, but newer models use advanced learning techniques to achieve unprecedented accuracy.
However, successful implementation of these systems requires close cooperation between linguists and programmers, as well as substantial investment from commercial partners.
Question:
If this was Passage 2 and you have only five minutes left, what is the best approach to answer as many questions as possible?
Answer:
Skim the passage for overall meaning, answer the most accessible questions first (e.g., global or "main idea" questions), then quickly attempt the remaining ones, making educated guesses if necessary. Do not get stuck on any one question.
Exam Warning
A common mistake is to focus on obtaining a perfect score for one passage at the expense of leaving the last passage almost untouched. Remember: every question is worth one mark.
Revision Tip
Practice full reading papers under timed conditions. Train yourself to switch passages at fixed intervals—even if your instinct pushes you to finish every question before moving forward.
Summary
Managing time for each passage of IELTS Reading ensures you attempt all questions, avoid last-minute rushing, and make informed decisions for higher scores. Use equal passage allocation, move on promptly, and prioritize the opportunity to score on as many questions as possible.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Define time management and passage allocation for IELTS Reading.
- Explain recommended per-passage timing and standard strategies.
- Describe the risk of running out of time by spending too long on early passages.
- Demonstrate techniques for skipping, returning, and making fast choices under pressure.
- Advise use of timers/watches and training with real exam timings.
- Highlight the importance of moving on, not perfection, and maximizing your score.
- Provide original worked examples relevant to real IELTS time management scenarios.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Time Management
- Passage Allocation
- Strategic Skipping