The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a popular English proficiency exam taken by students and professionals around the world. The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is designed to test the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. In this blog post, we will focus on the IELTS Reading section and discuss some of the best strategies to get a high band score in this section.
The IELTS Reading Section: IELTS reading strategies
The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions that need to be answered in 60 minutes. The questions are based on three reading passages, each of which is 700 to 900 words long. The passages are taken from various sources, such as books, newspapers, and magazines. The passages are designed to test the candidate’s ability to comprehend and interpret information presented in written form.
The IELTS Reading section is challenging, and many candidates struggle to achieve a high band score. However, with the right strategies and techniques, it is possible to improve your score significantly. Let’s take a look at some of the best IELTS reading strategies that can help you get a high band score.
Skim the passage first
Skimming is a technique that involves quickly scanning the passage to get a general idea of what it is about. Skimming is an important strategy because it helps you to understand the overall structure and purpose of the passage. This, in turn, can help you to answer the questions more accurately.
When you skim the passage, focus on the headings, subheadings, and the first and last paragraphs of each section. This will give you an idea of what the passage is about and what information is most important.
Scan for specific information
Scanning is a technique that involves quickly searching the passage for specific information. Scanning is important because it allows you to locate specific details that are relevant to the questions you are trying to answer.
To scan the passage effectively, you need to focus on the keywords in the question. Look for these keywords in the passage, and then read the surrounding sentences to find the information you need.
Read the questions carefully
Before you start reading the passage, read the questions carefully. This will give you an idea of what information you need to look for as you read the passage.
It is important to pay close attention to the instructions and the type of question being asked. For example, some questions may require you to match headings to paragraphs, while others may require you to complete a summary or fill in the blanks.
Manage your time effectively
Time management is crucial in the IELTS Reading section. You only have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, which means you have less than 1.5 minutes per question. It is essential to manage your time effectively to ensure that you have enough time to answer all the questions.
One effective strategy is to divide your time equally between the three passages. This means you should spend approximately 20 minutes on each passage. Within each passage, you can allocate more time to the questions that are worth more marks or are more challenging.
Use context clues
Context clues are hints that can help you to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. When you come across a word or phrase that you don’t understand, look for context clues that can help you to decipher its meaning.
Context clues can include the surrounding words, the tone of the passage, and the general topic being discussed. By using context clues, you can improve your understanding of the passage and answer the questions more accurately.
Make educated guesses
In some cases, you may not know the answer to a question, even after using all the strategies we’ve discussed. In this situation, it is
important to make an educated guess. This means using the information you do know to make an informed guess about the answer.
To make an educated guess, look for clues in the question or in the passage that can help you to narrow down the options. For example, if the question asks for a specific year and you know the event happened in the 20th century, you can eliminate all the options that are not in that range.
Conclusion: IELTS reading strategies
The IELTS Reading section is a challenging part of the exam, but with the right strategies and techniques, it is possible to achieve a high band score. Skimming and scanning the passage, reading the questions carefully, managing your time effectively, using context clues, making educated guesses, and practicing regularly are all important strategies that can help you improve your performance.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Reading section is preparation and practice. Use the strategies outlined in this post and make use of the available resources to build your confidence and improve your score. Good luck!
