Reading · Unit 5: Practice and exam day
R49: The last 7 days before your Reading test
Target all levels
In the last week, your reading speed and vocabulary won't change much. What can change is how well you use them. This week is about locking in your time plan, protecting your confidence, and arriving rested. Here's a simple plan.
Why this matters
Reading is the module where tiredness hurts most. A tired brain misreads qualifiers, loses track of time, and makes careless slips. On test day, Reading usually comes right after Listening, so you need fresh energy.
What to stop this week
- No new strategies. Use what you've practised.
- No more than one full test a day. Quality, not quantity.
- No vocabulary cramming. You won't remember 200 new words. Review your word bank instead.
- No late nights. Sleep is part of your preparation.
The 7-day plan
| Day | What to do |
|---|---|
| 7 days before | Full Reading test, strict timing. Review with the 3-reason method (R41). |
| 6 days before | Practise your weakest question type for 45 minutes. |
| 5 days before | Full Listening then Reading test, back to back, in the morning. |
| 4 days before | Review your word bank and paraphrase tables. 30 minutes. |
| 3 days before | Official computer familiarisation test. Practise highlighting and scrolling. |
| 2 days before | One passage only. Easy reading for pleasure in the evening. |
| 1 day before | No tests. Read something enjoyable for 15 minutes. Pack your ID. Sleep early. |
Your personal Reading checklist
On day 6, write one page of reminders, just for you. For example:
- My plan: 17, 20, 23 minutes.
- Checkpoints at 17 and 37 minutes.
- 90-second rule.
- Highlight qualifiers: all, some, only, always.
- FALSE says the opposite. NOT GIVEN is silent.
- Matching information last.
- No empty answers.
Read this page on the morning of the test. Nothing else.
On the day
- Eat breakfast. Reading needs energy.
- After Listening, take one slow breath before you start Reading. Leave Listening behind.
- Start Passage 1 calmly. Don't rush the first few minutes because you're nervous.
Honest note
If your practice scores are well below your target in the last week, think honestly about moving your test date, if your plans allow it. Check the rules and fees for changing your date with your test centre first.
Your task today
Write your personal Reading checklist now, even if your test is weeks away.