For both Academic & General candidate students, the test duration is 60 minutes.
Although, for both GT & AT examination the reading tests are usually graded as the same level, the level of AT examinations is considered to be quite challenging in comparison to GT.
Format::
There are in total 3 sections.
They are from magazines, newspaper, journals, or books. The topics usually of general interest.
Section :1 – Short factual texts (easy), consisting of almost 13 questions followed by paragraphs.
Section :2 – Short factual texts (moderate), consisting of almost 13 questions followed by paragraphs.
Section :3 – Long factual texts (slightly more complex), consisting of almost 13 questions followed by paragraphs.
NOTE: For GT candidate, Passage 1 & 2 are different from AT examination. Passage 3 will be same.
Helpful Tips
- Practice is the key to get answer quickly, hence practice reading different kinds of texts in English to develop the habit. It will help to develop a skill to read each type of passage in reading.
- Develop vocabulary and related words to easily understand the texts. Paraphrased answers are there sop one need to have grip on that.
- Skimming and scanning for 2-3 minutes (not longer) provides a general idea about the passage. Do not try to understand full passage.
- Before you answer any of the questions given, make sure to mark the keyword so that it helps to make easy while finding answers. If you are perusing for computer-based test, highlighting the keyword helps a lot.
- Don’t use your own knowledge to write the answers, all the answers are provided in the text itself. Ignore anything you already know about the topic.
- Make sure to note down the same spelling in the answers. Even lookout for the accurate grammar. Be careful while transferring the answer.
- Get yourself used to difficult passage. Know your weakness & improve it.
- To must develop the speed in locating information. Don’t sacrifice retention for the speed.
- Sometimes, questions are there which are based on the understanding of the candidate in consideration to the passage. Eg: What is the central idea of the passage. For that, one should be very attentive to acknowledge themselves with the core message of the given passage.
- It is advisable to mark/underline important words, names and dates as you read along.
- Don’t leave question unanswered. Don’t panic over unknown words.
- Do focus on ideas rather than word. Don’t expect to understand every word. Re-read, and then rephrase it in your own words for the better understanding of the text.
- Read the instructions very carefully (number of words asked)
- While practising use 20 minutes for each paragraph. So, improve the timing as it is very crucial to maintain.