Characteristics of the IELTS Reading Comprehension: Implications for Development of EFL Reading Comprehension Instruction

Abstract

—Question type and format in reading tasks are essential characteristics that have been proven to affect students' performance. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of questions used in the IELTS reading comprehension tasks, including (1) question types and (2) question formats. The researchers collected 240 reading question items from six test modules in Barron's IELTS Preparation Test, authored by Lougheed (2016). The categorization criteria for different question types were adapted from Nuttall's (2005) taxonomy of questions. Question formats were categorized based on common question formats (Lougheed, 2013; Hughes, 2003). Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage. The findings revealed three common question types in the reading sections of IELTS preparation tests, including questions of literal comprehension (43.8%), questions of reinterpretation (43.3%), and questions of inference (12.9%). Five question formats were commonly used in the reading tests, including multiple-choice (33.3%), identifying information (28%), completion (25%), matching (11.7%), and short answer (2%). In addition, the study revealed four main patterns of question arrangement in the reading test as supplementary findings. This study discussed the characteristics of IELTS question items and patterns of question arrangement to contribute towards a more accurate interpretation of reading tasks and a prospective design for reading practice for EFL students.