Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The ielts.org rule
The Academic Reading format page says texts come from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources written for a non-specialist audience, on topics of general interest to undergraduate or postgraduate students, and that "if texts use technical vocabulary, then a simple dictionary definition is provided" (ielts.org). Texts may also contain diagrams, graphs or illustrations.
ielts.org's General Training Reading page describes everyday, work and general-interest texts and does not mention definitions (ielts.org).
| Academic Reading | General Training Reading | |
|---|---|---|
| Texts | For a non-specialist audience | Everyday, work and general-interest topics |
| Technical terms | Simple definition provided | Not mentioned |
| Visuals | May include diagrams, graphs, illustrations | Notices, adverts, timetables in Section 1 |
Words without a definition
An IDP expert says you do not need to understand every word: try to work out the meaning from context, and accept that some words do not affect your understanding of the article or the question (IDP Community). Test-day staff cannot help here: IDP says they will not explain what a word means (IDP).
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Do not fill gaps with what you know
Do not import outside knowledge to fill the gap. ielts.org warns against using what you already know about the topic when answering True/False/Not given and Yes/No/Not given (ielts.org).
Frequently asked questions
Does General Training Reading have a glossary?+
ielts.org's General Training page does not mention one.
Do I need subject knowledge for IELTS Academic Reading?+
No. ielts.org says texts are written for a non-specialist audience.
Do I need to understand every word in IELTS Reading?+
No. An IDP expert says some words do not affect your understanding of the text or question.
Can IELTS Academic Reading include graphs or diagrams?+
Yes. ielts.org says texts may contain diagrams, graphs or illustrations.
What if I do not know a word in a question?+
An IDP expert says work it out from context; test staff cannot explain word meanings.
Keep reading
Related
- Can you use your own knowledge in IELTS Reading?
- IELTS Reading test format
- IELTS Reading: from 6 to 7.5
- All 3112 guides
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