Skimming and scanning are indispensable techniques for excelling in the IELTS reading practice test. Here's why:

Time Management: Skimming and scanning allow candidates to quickly navigate through the passages, helping them manage their time efficiently during the test.
Locating Information: These techniques enable candidates to swiftly locate specific information required to answer questions accurately, saving valuable time.
Understanding Structure: Skimming provides a general understanding of the passage's structure and main ideas, while scanning helps in pinpointing relevant details.
Prioritizing Relevance: Skimming and scanning help candidates discern the relevance of various parts of the passage to specific questions, guiding them on where to focus their attention.
Improving Accuracy: By skimming and scanning effectively, candidates can reduce the chances of missing crucial details or misinterpreting questions, thus improving their overall accuracy in the test.