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David Lewis, Neil McLaren, Alister Widdowson, and Genevieve White

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. IELTS teachers will also find it useful.

Topics Covered

  • The IELTS Reading test format
  • Reading strategies
  • IELTS Reading task types
  • Dealing with vocabulary
  • What to expect on test day

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive ielts reading preparation

Learners say 'Understanding IELTS: Reading' provides a comprehensive foundation for the IELTS Reading test, with many praising its practical strategies and effective practice questions that closely mimic the real exam. The course's clear explanations of test format and valuable vocabulary tips are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. While it's considered a great standalone guide for many, some advanced learners or those seeking in-depth time management techniques might find certain sections too basic or wish for more diverse and challenging practice materials, suggesting it's most beneficial for beginners to intermediate test-takers. Overall, it's seen as a highly beneficial resource for IELTS preparation.
Offers helpful guidance on expanding and applying vocabulary.
"The tips on vocabulary were a lifesaver; they really helped me improve."
"I found the guidance on dealing with new vocabulary very useful."
"The section on vocabulary acquisition provided practical advice for the test."
Offers clear explanations of the test format and reading tasks.
"The instructor explained concepts clearly, making the test format easy to grasp."
"It laid out the IELTS Reading test format very clearly."
"I felt much more confident approaching the reading tasks after completing this course."
Provides practical strategies and high-quality practice materials.
"The strategies taught were practical and immediately applicable."
"I especially found the practice questions very helpful, mimicking the real test well."
"The breakdown of different question types was invaluable for my preparation."
Some learners may seek additional, more challenging practice materials.
"More challenging practice materials would be beneficial to push my skills further."
"I did have to supplement with additional practice books for variety."
"I wish there were more diverse reading passages, as some felt a bit predictable."
Most beneficial for those new to IELTS or with foundational English.
"Some sections felt a bit basic for someone already familiar with English, but for true beginners, it's perfect."
"It caters mostly to beginners, I needed more advanced strategies."
"I felt like it covered the basics but didn't delve deep enough into advanced techniques."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Understanding IELTS: Reading. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding IELTS: Reading will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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Targets a band score of 7 in the IELTS Academic module, offering strategies, practice exercises, and expert guidance for each section of the test.
Focuses on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, providing key concepts, model answers, and practice exercises to improve writing skills.
This step-by-step guide to IELTS Writing focuses on improving clarity, coherence, and accuracy, with practice exercises and expert tips to enhance writing skills.
This comprehensive package includes two practice tests, a review of grammar and vocabulary, and strategies for each section of the IELTS test.
Focuses on expanding IELTS vocabulary, providing definitions, example sentences, and practice exercises to improve understanding and usage.
This set of audio CDs provides listening practice and exercises for intermediate-level IELTS candidates, covering various accents and topics.
This advanced course book for IELTS preparation provides a comprehensive review of all four sections of the test, with challenging practice exercises and authentic exam materials.
This official guide provides comprehensive coverage of the IELTS test format, question types, and strategies for success. It includes practice tests and sample answers.
Explores the neural basis of reading and provides insights into how the brain processes and understands written language. It is suitable for readers interested in the cognitive science of reading and the latest research in the field.
This classic work challenges traditional views of reading comprehension and emphasizes the importance of the reader's background knowledge and experiences in constructing meaning from text. It must-read for anyone interested in the cognitive processes involved in reading.
Provides a collection of evidence-based strategies and activities for improving reading comprehension. It is suitable for educators, parents, and students looking for practical ways to enhance reading skills.
Provides a comprehensive framework for teaching reading comprehension. It covers various aspects of comprehension, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, and text analysis.
Focuses on strategies for teaching reading comprehension in content-area subjects such as science, social studies, and mathematics. It valuable resource for educators looking to integrate reading and content instruction effectively.
Provides a comprehensive collection of resources and activities for teaching reading comprehension. It includes lists of vocabulary words, comprehension questions, and graphic organizers.
Offers a collection of ready-to-use strategies for teaching reading comprehension. It is suitable for educators looking for practical and effective ways to improve students' reading skills.
Synthesizes research on comprehension instruction and provides practical guidance for educators. It covers various aspects of comprehension, including vocabulary development, text analysis, and metacognition.
Synthesizes research on effective literacy instruction and identifies the most impactful strategies for improving reading and writing skills. It valuable resource for educators and researchers interested in evidence-based practices.
This handbook offers a practical guide to teaching and learning reading comprehension. It covers various aspects of comprehension, including vocabulary development, inferencing, and critical thinking. It valuable resource for educators and students alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of reading comprehension strategies, including theoretical foundations, research findings, and practical applications. It is suitable for students, educators, and researchers interested in developing and improving reading comprehension skills.

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