The Reading section of the IELTS exam pattern is designed to test your ability to understand and interpret written texts. It consists of 40 questions spread across three passages and lasts for 60 minutes. Let’s break it down for better understanding:

1. Question Types in the IELTS Reading Section
You will encounter different types of questions, including:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Select the correct answer(s) from the options.
True/False/Not Given: Decide if statements agree with the passage.
Matching Information/Headings: Match paragraphs to given headings or information.
Sentence Completion: Fill in the blanks using words from the passage.
Summary/Diagram/Table Completion: Complete summaries, tables, or diagrams using details from the text.
Short Answer Questions: Answer questions in 1-3 words based on the passage.

2. Key Features of the Reading Section
Academic Module: Focuses on complex and detailed texts, often taken from journals, books, or newspapers.
General Training Module: Includes more practical texts like advertisements, instructions, and articles.

3. Strategies for Success
Skimming and Scanning: Quickly read the passage to understand the main idea (skimming) and locate specific details (scanning).
Understand the Instructions: Pay attention to word limits for answers, e.g., "Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS."
Highlight Keywords: Underline important names, dates, or figures to find answers easily.
Time Management: Spend about 20 minutes per passage to ensure all sections are covered.
Practice Paraphrasing: Many answers require recognizing synonyms or rephrased sentences.

4. Example Question and Approach
Question: The passage states that "solar energy is becoming more affordable due to technological advancements."

Question Type: True/False/Not Given
Answer: If the passage confirms this, mark True; if it contradicts, mark False; if not mentioned, mark Not Given.

5. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Unfamiliar Vocabulary: Focus on the overall meaning of the sentence rather than individual words.
Complex Sentence Structures: Break long sentences into smaller parts to understand them better.
Running Out of Time: Skip difficult questions and return to them later if time permits.

6. Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
Practice with a variety of text types to build familiarity.
Read English newspapers, articles, and journals regularly.
Take timed practice tests to improve speed and accuracy.

The IELTS exam pattern for the Reading section demands a combination of strong vocabulary, quick comprehension, and effective time management. Consistent practice is the key to mastering this section.