How Scoring High in the Reading Comprehension Section of the IELTS

Many of us are struggling to get an above-average score in the national and international IELTSIELTS exams.

In this case, English is no stranger to our ears or in society even in certain corporate agencies there is a need for mastery in English, and therefore a company not only hears in conversation but also in the form of evidence such as certificates in the mastery of the language.

Especially if the company where we work is part of the movement on an international scale, of course, English is very important and also if we want to work and study in the destination country which is one of the official languages using English, it means that we must prepare ourselves in mastering English in the form of TOEFL, IELTSIELTS and so on.

Therefore, sometimes we try to learn it, but it is not enough because we have to know step by step to make it easier to master the material and it does not take a long time, let's discuss below 

How to Get a High Score in the Reading Comprehension Section in IELTS.

Scoring high in the reading comprehension section of the IELTS requires a combination of effective strategies, practice, and familiarity with the test format. Here are detailed explanations and examples to help you achieve a high score:

1. Understand the Test Format

The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. The questions are based on three reading passages, which can be from books, magazines, newspapers, or journals. The types of questions include multiple choice, true/false/not given, matching information, headings, features, sentence completion, and summary completion Familiarize yourself with the test format 

Understanding the test format is crucial.

Passages: Three passages, each increasing in difficulty.

Questions: 40 questions, including multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, and more.

 

2. Enhance Your Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary helps in better understanding passages and questions:

Daily Practice: Learn new words every day.

Contextual Reading: Read diverse materials like newspapers, magazines, and academic journals.

Example: If you encounter the word "obscure," knowing it means "not clear or hard to understand" will help you grasp the context better.

3. Use Skimming and Scanning Techniques

These techniques save time and improve efficiency.

Skimming: Read quickly to get the main idea.

Scanning: Look for specific information or keywords.

Example:

Skimming: Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph.

Scanning: Search for dates, names, or specific terms from the questions.

4. Practice Different Question Types

Each question type requires a specific strategy:

Multiple Choice: Read all options carefully and eliminate the obviously incorrect ones.

True/False/Not Given: Distinguish between statements that are directly stated, contradicted, or not mentioned at all.

Matching Headings: Identify the main idea of each paragraph and match it with the appropriate heading.
Example: For a multiple-choice question, if the passage states, "Cats are more independent than dogs," and one option is "Cats are less independent than dogs," you can eliminate it as incorrect.

 

5. Develop Inference Skills

Many questions require you to infer information not explicitly stated:

Practice making inferences: Read between the lines to understand implied meanings.

Example: If the passage mentions, "John always carries an umbrella," you can infer that John expects rain or is cautious about the weather.

 

6. Manage Your Time Efficiently

Time management is key to completing all questions:

Allocate time: Spend roughly 20 minutes on each passage.

Prioritize: Answer easier questions first and return to the difficult ones later.

Example: Set a timer during practice to ensure you can complete each section within the allocated time.

 

7. Regular Practice with Materials

Use authentic IELTS materials to get familiar with the test.

Official Guides and Practice Tests: Use materials from Cambridge and other reputable sources.

Analyze Mistakes: Review wrong answers to understand your errors.

Example: Use "The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS" for practice tests and explanations.

 

8. Note-taking and Highlighting

Active reading helps locate answers quickly.

Underline or Highlight: Key points and terms.

Take Brief Notes: Summarize paragraphs in the margins.

Example: If a paragraph discusses several causes of climate change, underline keywords like "greenhouse gases," "deforestation," and "industrial activities."

 

9. Focus on Synonyms and Paraphrasing

IELTS often uses synonyms and paraphrased sentences.

Identify Synonyms: Recognize different words that mean the same thing.

Practice Paraphrasing: Rephrase sentences from the passage.

Example: If the passage states, "The organization experienced significant financial losses," and the question mentions "The company faced major economic downturns," understand that "financial losses" and "economic downturns" are synonymous.

10. Stay Calm and Focused

A calm mind enhances comprehension and accuracy.

Stay Relaxed: Take deep breaths if you feel anxious.

Focus on the Passage and Questions: Avoid distractions.

Example: If you find a passage particularly difficult, take a brief pause, refocus, and tackle it with a clear mind

 

Sample Practice Exercise:

Passage Excerpt: "With the advent of technology, many traditional jobs have become obsolete. Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing manual labor in various industries. However, this technological advancement has also created new job opportunities in fields like data science and software engineering."

Question Types:

True/False/Not Given: Traditional jobs are no longer needed due to technology.

Answer: False (the passage states many jobs have become obsolete, not all).

Multiple Choice: What has technology replaced in various industries?

A) Data science jobs

B) Manual labor

C) Traditional Education

D) Software engineering

Answer: B) Manual labor

Strategies Applied:

Skimming: Quickly read to understand the main idea about technology affecting jobs.

Scanning: Look for keywords like "technology," "obsolete," "automation," and "new job opportunities."

Inference: Understand that "many traditional jobs" imply some, not all, jobs.

By integrating these tips and consistently practicing, you'll improve your reading comprehension skills and increase your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS reading section.

For additional information, make sure to explore more articles available on the Edupulse website.

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