IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
1. Develop Skills For Each Question Type
IELTS reading questions come in 14 different types. Each assesses reading proficiency differently. A set of abilities and methods must be developed, depending on the type of inquiry. You must comprehend each question type and be able to identify keywords, synonyms, and paraphrase in order to build skills for each and provide accurate answers.
2. Skimming
In order to read a text more quickly, skimming necessitates quick eye movements and the use of keywords. It facilitates reading and helps you comprehend the core concept, subject, or structure. To gain a general idea, you can quickly scan the passage in two to three minutes. Start reading the opening paragraph of a passage, concentrate on the first few phrases to get the core idea, then read the last paragraph for a summary if you want to skim it. Key words that you see can be highlighted.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
3. Scanning
Reading quickly to pick out specific information, such as facts, technical terminology, or jargon, is known as scanning. If you are given a reading essay, utilize scanning to locate important details such as names, dates, figures, and unfamiliar phrases. You can move your finger or eyes swiftly to scan a section. Make a note of any significant words or phrases you come across, such as figures, statistics, etc. Read the material slowly and carefully if you want to pay closer attention. You have three minutes or less, and you should be quick, concentrated, and aware.
4. The Answer Is Paraphrased
The reading test response is always paraphrased. This means that there is ALWAYS a paraphrased passage with the same meaning for EVERY valid answer selected from the list. It evaluates your comprehension of the same (or comparable) concepts expressed in a variety of ways. It will also help you get more comfortable with sophisticated language.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
5. Improve Your Reading Speed
You have just 60 minutes to complete the reading portion to the best of your ability. As a result, you find solutions and develop your speed reading abilities. Set a timer and focus on reading three words at a time to help you form the habit of reading swiftly. Read a variety of English-language materials, such as glossaries, handbooks, periodicals, and newspapers. Additionally, speed reading an article with a pointer works well for online reading comprehension assessments.
6. Practice Focusing On The Ideas, Not The Words
Reread and reword a paragraph you’ve read to ensure it makes sense. It is helpful to concentrate on the concepts and messages rather than the words. The three components of the Reading test (General Training) benefit from the application of this mini-analysis method. Two or three factual texts (short texts) and a few slightly longer writings on general topics, work-related concerns, etc. are included in each part.
Please remember that the answers which you’re looking for are paraphrased.
7. Try Different Exam Strategies And Choose The Best
To get a general understanding of the topic, start with a quick read. You can carefully read it to locate the answers if you’re comfortable with it. If not, you could read the text just to concentrate on the details before moving on to the question and its possible answers. Try out these several exam techniques to determine which works best for you.
8. Improve Your Reading Vocabulary
You can get closer to your desired score on the IELTS by increasing your reading vocabulary, or lexical resources. It’s not about understanding word meanings. But there are situations when you can’t utilize it. In addition, you need to be aware of the collocations that work with verbs, match nouns, and other often used paraphrases. To aid you on your journey, consult a thesaurus or dictionary. When copying from the passage, make sure to spell everything correctly.
9. Identify Keywords, Then Underline And Number
Read the introduction, main body, and conclusion attentively to determine keywords. You have proof of that. Learn to identify important terms and see whether they can be paraphrased to determine the precise location of the keywords. Next, contrast them with the options (rephrased replies) that are accessible. To avoid wasting time speculating, emphasize the revised line when you’ve determined which is the correct one. Put the number at the top of the question that that line answers, to finish.
10. Don’t Panic. Use Context To Understand Unknown Words
Try observing the new words and phrases around you. It assists you in comprehending unknown terms in a sentence and determining if they refer to a person, a job, an animal, a product, or a feature, and whether they are positive or negative. Prefixes, suffixes, idioms, phrases, linking words, etc. are examples of unknown words. Prefixes like re-, which indicates to repeat, and un-, which implies to halt or cancel an action, are examples. On the other hand, prefixes like -wise denote reference to something. When it comes to nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, grammar is helpful. So, to ace the test, apply these easy-to-use tools.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
11. Don’t Leave Any Questions Unanswered
Please respond to all questions, as there is no way to receive a lower score. If time is of the essence, simply hazard a guess and enter it in the response space. With any luck, your estimated response will contain one point, which might move you up to band 7. Write your responses on the answer sheet if you’re taking the IELTS on paper. You will receive a zero on the answer sheet if the cell is left blank.
12. Read Different English Text
Your reading comprehension won’t increase until you read a variety of English literature. There are many English texts available, ranging from business letters, press announcements, and corporate reports to newspapers, periodicals, and journals. You can read novels, books, etc. for longer literary works. Listen to broadcasts like CNN and the BBC occasionally when you’re bored to learn about their vocabulary, sentence structures, and synonyms.
13. Don’t Compromise Retention For Speed
Asking yourself the following six question words will help you avoid sacrificing retention for speed when reading. Keep in mind that each chapter or paragraph has its own set of question tags.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
Who?
What?
Why?
How?
When?
Where?
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
14. Be Realistic
Be reasonable while setting an IELTS band score goal. A 7-band or higher is not what you should expect if your English is weak. Suppose you are taking the Academic Reading portion of the IELTS exam. You will receive a variety of extracts, from factual and descriptive to discursive and analytical. So, you should be able to get a strong band score on this test if you are comfortable with non-verbal aspects (diagrams, graphs, or pictures). If not, you extensively practice them.
15. Improve Your Time Management Skills
With three sections, forty questions, and a 60-minute time limit in both the Academic and General Training formats of the IELTS Reading, time management is essential. Examinees such as yourself might take at least 20 minutes on each section, with the final five minutes dedicated to reviewing your responses. Select reading portions that range in length from 700 to 1000 words, make a list of the significant terms and ideas, and then summarize your response for efficient time management.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
16. Improve Your Reading Comprehension
You can find a number of online IELTS reading activities with answers to help you get better at reading comprehension. After completing that, you can attempt higher levels with further ESL exams.
17. Do Active Reading
For students who are taking exams on paper, an active reading is appropriate. Highlight the key phrases that best capture the context as you read. Put asterisks in the margin and make a note of the keywords. It acts as a guide when looking for solutions.
18. Plan Your Training For IELTS Reading
You can prepare for the IELTS Reading section by strengthening your paraphrasing limitations, expanding your vocabulary (lexical resources), practicing various question formats, and increasing your speed at finding information. It acts as a manual for training. Practice outside of an exam setting first, then under one to gauge your overall performance and score.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
19. Address Your Weak Points
As you studied for the reading portion of the IELTS, you undoubtedly became aware of your shortcomings. It can be a misreading of the passage, the identification of unrelated keywords, reading slowly, or the use of inefficient methods and approaches. Therefore, you need to identify it, deal with each one individually, and enhance your English language abilities.
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING
IELTS EXAM TIPS FOR READING