IELTS Reading: Time Management for the 60-Minute Section

Why time management matters

The IELTS Reading section gives you 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, across three passages. Time pressure is the most common reason candidates lose marks. Good time management helps you read smarter, avoid careless errors, and finish every question. Recent news this week shows minor test format updates in some countries, so staying efficient remains essential. See the update for Vietnam about handwriting in Writing, which shows how test delivery evolves, and reminds us that being adaptable is useful on test day. Read the report here: Vietnam handwriting Writing news.

Quick 60-minute time plan, proven in practice

Most candidates follow a simple plan, then adapt as needed. Use this as a starting point.

• First 2 minutes, read instructions, glance at question types and headings, decide passage order.
• 18 to 20 minutes for Passage 1, including answering all its questions.
• 18 to 20 minutes for Passage 2.
• 18 to 20 minutes for Passage 3, answer all remaining questions.
• Last 2 to 4 minutes, transfer answers where needed, check obvious errors, fill blanks.

If you find Passage 1 easy, keep it short and save time for Passage 3, which often has the hardest text. Test winner stories, such as one recent candidate scoring 9, show that strategic pacing and focus matter. See the profile here: Raisa scores a perfect 9 article.

Why allocate time by passage

• Each passage has its own set of questions, so finishing one passage before moving on avoids losing focus.
• The difficulty usually increases from Passage 1 to Passage 3, so budgeting more time for the third passage helps.
• If you run out of time near the end, at least you will have completed the easier texts and collected guaranteed marks.

Tactical reading strategies

Use these tactics to work faster and more accurately.

• Skim then scan. Skim a passage for the main idea and paragraph purpose in 60 to 90 seconds. Then scan for keywords when answering specific questions.
• Read the question first where that helps. For matching headings, skim the passage first, but for sentence completion, read the question before looking in the passage.
• Underline keywords in the question. Short words like prepositions matter, so copy the exact wording when needed.
• Watch synonyms. The test often uses paraphrase, so do not expect the exact word from the question to appear in the passage.
• Manage difficult questions. If a question takes longer than three minutes, mark it, move on, and come back if time allows.

Question type tactics

• True False Not Given. Focus on exact information, not interpretations. If the passage contradicts the statement, answer False. If the passage is silent, choose Not Given.
• Matching headings. Read paragraph first sentence and final sentence. Look for the overall idea. Eliminate headings that are too specific.
• Multiple choice. Predict the answer, then scan for the line that confirms it. Eliminate options that are extreme or not supported.
• Summary and sentence completion. Pay attention to word limits and grammar. Insert the answer into the sentence to check for correctness.

Checkpoints and micro time goals

Set small time checkpoints to avoid surprises.

• 20 minute mark, finish Passage 1 and move on.
• 40 minute mark, finish Passage 2 and check you have at least attempted all questions for passages 1 and 2.
• 55 minute mark, have answers for Passage 3. Use last 5 minutes to review and transfer answers if necessary.

Common time traps and how to avoid them

• Reading every word. Use selective reading. Skim for main ideas and scan for details.
• Getting stuck on one question. Use the three minute rule. Guess, circle it, and move on.
• Poor transfer planning. If you use an answer sheet, leave a few minutes to transfer answers. If you write on the question paper, ensure you have a clear plan for final answers.

Practice drills to build speed

• Timed passage repeats. Practice the same passage three times in a row to reduce reading time and increase comprehension accuracy.
• 60 minute mock tests. Simulate test conditions, including no breaks, to build stamina.
• Targeted question type drills. Spend a session only on matching headings, or only on True False Not Given, to improve patterns recognition.

Resources and next steps

• Check official test information and sample materials at ielts.org.
• For organised practice and interactive lessons, try daily focused drills on a platform that simulates real tests, including Cambridge test styles.

Good time management combines planning, focused reading, and smart guessing. This week we saw reminders that test formats and regulations can change in specific places, and that top scorers recommend disciplined practice. Follow a clear plan, practice with time limits, and learn to move on from hard questions quickly.

Final tip

Before test day, practice at least five full 60 minute Reading sessions. Time your skimming, scanning, and answering. Review mistakes to spot patterns, then repeat.

Ready to build exam speed and accuracy. Practice with real Cambridge IELTS tests at EngBreaker.

This week's education headlines

• IELTS test takers in Vietnam can handwrite Writing section from October - Tuoi Tre News | The News Gateway to Vietnam, Tuoi Tre News | The News Gateway to Vietnam
• IELTS: Raisa scores a perfect 9, here are her tips - Prothom Alo English, Prothom Alo English