IELTS READING: FINDING KEYWORDS TECHNIQUE
The “keyword” technique is a strategic approach used in IELTS Reading to quickly identify and understand key information in passages, thereby improving your efficiency and accuracy when answering questions. This method focuses on identifying and utilizing specific words or phrases that help pinpoint relevant sections of the text. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use the keyword technique effectively:
Understanding the Keyword Technique
1. Identifying Keywords:
– Definition: Keywords are words or phrases that hold significant meaning in the context of a question or passage. They often convey the main idea or critical detail required to answer a question.
– Types of Keywords:
– Content Words: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that are central to the meaning (e.g., “environment,” “decline,” “improvement”).
– Names and Dates: Specific names of people, places, organizations, and dates that are often crucial for accurate answers.
– Terms and Concepts: Specialized or technical terms related to the topic.
2. Role of Keywords in IELTS Reading:
– Skimming and Scanning: Keywords help you locate the relevant sections quickly when skimming (getting the general idea) or scanning (looking for specific details).
– Context Understanding: By focusing on keywords, you can better understand the context and meaning of the passage related to your question.
Steps to Apply the Keyword Technique
1. Read the Questions First:
– Before diving into the passage, read through the questions and highlight the keywords in each question. This step helps you focus on what you need to look for in the passage.
2. Identify Keywords in Questions:
– Example: If the question is, “What is the primary reason for the increase in urban pollution mentioned in the passage?” Key terms might be “increase,” “urban pollution,” and “primary reason.”
3. Locate Keywords in the Passage:
– Scanning for Keywords: Use the keywords identified in the questions to scan the passage. Look for these terms or related synonyms in the passage.
– Example: If the keyword is “urban pollution,” scan the passage for this phrase or synonyms like “city pollution” or “metropolitan contamination.”
4. Read around Keywords:
– Once you find the section of the passage containing the keywords, read the surrounding sentences carefully to understand the context and how the keyword fits into the overall argument or description.
5. Answer the Question:
– Use the information gathered from the keywords and their context to answer the question accurately. Ensure that your answer is directly supported by the text.
Practical Tips for Using the Keyword Technique
1. Be Aware of Synonyms and Paraphrasing:
– IELTS passages often use synonyms or paraphrased versions of keywords. For instance, if the passage uses “environmental degradation” instead of “pollution,” you should recognize them as related.
2. Manage Your Time:
– Spend a few seconds scanning for keywords rather than reading the entire passage in detail. This approach saves time and helps you focus on the most relevant parts of the text.
3. Practice Regularly:
– Regular practice with IELTS Reading passages will help you become more adept at identifying and using keywords. Try practicing with past papers and timed exercises to enhance your skills.
4. Cross-check Answers:
– After answering a question, briefly cross-check your answer with the passage to ensure it is supported by the text. This verification step helps reduce errors.
Example Application of the Keyword Technique
Question: “What are the environmental impacts of deforestation mentioned in the passage?”
Keywords: “environmental impacts,” “deforestation”
1. Locate Keywords: Scan the passage for “environmental impacts” and “deforestation.”
2. Read Context: Once you find these terms, read the sentences around them to understand the specific impacts discussed.
3. Formulate Answer: Based on your reading, provide a concise answer detailing the environmental impacts mentioned.
By mastering the keyword technique, you can significantly enhance your ability to quickly and accurately navigate the IELTS Reading section, leading to better performance and higher scores.
IELTS READING