IELTS Academic Reading Test Format - Spark English Center

For many international school students in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the IELTS exam becomes an important step when preparing for university abroad.

While speaking and listening often feel familiar, the IELTS Academic Reading test is where many students struggle.

The reason is simple: this section measures how well students can process complex academic texts under time pressure, a skill that many learners—even fluent English speakers—have not fully developed yet.

Understanding the format of the test is the first step to improving performance.

What Is the IELTS Academic Reading Test?

The IELTS Academic Reading section measures whether students can understand university-level English texts.

These texts are similar to what students encounter in academic environments, including:

• Academic journals
• Research articles
• Books and textbooks
• Newspapers and magazines

Students are not expected to know the topic beforehand. Instead, the exam tests their ability to quickly understand new information and locate key details.

For students receiving ESL support for international school in Vietnam, these reading skills often develop gradually through consistent practice.

IELTS Academic Reading Test Structure

The reading section contains:

• 3 passages
• 40 questions
• 60 minutes total

All answers must be written directly on the answer sheet because there is no additional transfer time.

That means students must read, answer questions, and manage their time carefully within the same hour.

The Three Reading Passages

Each passage increases in difficulty.

Passage 1

Usually, the most straightforward text has factual information.

Passage 2

Introduces more complex explanations and arguments.

Passage 3

The most challenging passage often contains abstract ideas or multiple viewpoints.

Many students find the final passage difficult because it requires strong academic reading skills and vocabulary recognition.

Why Time Management Matters

Students must answer 40 questions in 60 minutes.

A common strategy is:

• 20 minutes per passage

Spending too much time on difficult questions can reduce time for easier ones later in the test.

Learning how to scan for answers quickly is essential.

Building Strong Reading Skills Early

Students who succeed in IELTS reading usually develop strong reading habits long before the test.

These skills include:

• Recognizing main ideas quickly
• Understanding academic vocabulary
• Locating information efficiently

At Spark English Center Vietnam, many students begin developing these abilities early through phonics and structured literacy, which helps children become confident readers before tackling academic texts.

Serving international school families across HCMC (Saigon), Spark focuses on helping students move from foundational reading to advanced academic English—including preparation for exams like IELTS.

Classes remain intentionally small, with a maximum of six students, allowing teachers to guide each student carefully as they develop strong literacy skills.

FAQs

How long is the IELTS Academic Reading test?

The test lasts 60 minutes and includes three reading passages with 40 questions.

Are the passages difficult?

Yes. They are designed to reflect university-level reading materials.

Do students have time to transfer answers?

No. Answers must be written directly on the answer sheet during the test.

Which passage is hardest?

Usually, Passage 3 contains more complex arguments and vocabulary.

When should students start IELTS preparation?

Many international school students begin preparation between the ages of 13 and 16, depending on their English level.

Free English Assessment

If your child studies at an international or bilingual school in HCMC (Saigon) and struggles with academic English, a clear assessment can help identify the problem.

A Spark assessment evaluates:

• Reading fluency
• Academic vocabulary
• Writing ability
• Overall international school readiness

Parents receive practical feedback on what their child needs next.

The assessment is free with no pressure to enroll.

👉 Book your free assessment here:

https://www.sparkvn.com/Assessment