IELTS General Training · Reading · R1
IELTS General Reading Section 1: Everyday Texts
IELTS General Training Reading Section 1 uses two or three short texts from everyday life, such as notices, advertisements, timetables or leaflets. You answer questions that check whether you can find specific facts quickly, using tasks like TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN, matching and sentence completion, within the single 60-minute Reading timer.
- Texts
- Two or three short everyday texts (notices, adverts, timetables)
- Questions
- Part of the 40 Reading questions (our mocks use 14)
- Time
- Shares one 60-minute timer with Sections 2 and 3
- Typical tasks
- TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN, matching, sentence or note completion, multiple choice
How it works
- 1The texts appear on the left, often as tabs (Text A, Text B); questions are on the right.
- 2Each question group says which text it refers to and gives its instructions and word limit.
- 3Scan the text for the detail, then select or type your answer.
- 4Move on to Section 2 whenever you are ready; the timer covers all three sections.
Sample question
Original sample · not from an official test
TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN. Text A (notice at a community swimming pool): "From 1 May, lane swimming runs 6.30 to 8.30 a.m. on weekdays. Members may book a lane online up to three days ahead; non-members pay at reception on arrival." Statement: Non-members can book a lane online in advance.
- ATRUE
- BFALSE
- CNOT GIVEN
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Answer: FALSE
Online booking is for members only; non-members 'pay at reception on arrival'. The notice directly contradicts the statement, so the answer is FALSE, not NOT GIVEN.
Tips that work
- Spend about 15 to 17 minutes here so Section 3 gets the most time; these texts are shorter and more direct.
- Read the question first, then scan for its key noun or number rather than reading the whole notice.
- FALSE means the text says the opposite; NOT GIVEN means the text says nothing on the point.
- For completion questions, copy the words exactly as they appear in the text.
Common mistakes
- Answering from common sense ('pools usually allow this') instead of the text.
- Looking in the wrong text when a section has more than one.
- Exceeding the word limit in completion answers.
Questions candidates ask
Is Section 1 the easiest part of General Training Reading?
It is usually the most direct, with short everyday texts. It is still worth full attention, because every question carries the same mark and quick, accurate answers here buy time for the longer Section 3 text.
What kinds of texts appear in Section 1?
Material you meet in daily life in an English-speaking country: building notices, product or course adverts, bus and library timetables, and leaflets about local services.
Is General Training Reading easier than Academic?
The texts are different, not a lighter version. General Training uses everyday and workplace texts, and the raw score is converted to a band with its own scale. Check the official IELTS site for how General Training Reading is banded.
Other IELTS General Training Reading tasks
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