Achieving the best results in the Reading Module requires using multiple strategies in combination. Several strategies and tips are essential to effectively approach the reading section of the IELTS exam.
Essential Reading Comprehension Skills Â
Key comprehension strategies are important during both the Academic and General Training Reading modules.
Skimming and Scanning
Skimming, which involves reading for general ideas, is used to quickly understand the main points of a text. Scanning, on the other hand, involves reading for specific information, like dates or names. Both are important skills for the IELTS, but they serve different purposes: skimming helps with understanding overall structure, while scanning is useful for locating particular details.
Identifying Main Ideas and Details Â
Texts are typically divided into sections that follow a common structure: Â
- Introduction: stating the theme and objective Â
- Body paragraphs: each addressing a key issue with supporting points or details Â
- Conclusion: summarizing the main idea Â
Each paragraph usually contains a topic sentence, followed by supporting information that expands on the main idea.
Understanding Opinion
Distinguishing between facts and opinions is crucial. Opinions are subjective and may not be true, while facts are verifiable. Writers often introduce opinions with phrases like "Several experts claim..." or "In her view...," while facts might be presented with "Research findings confirm..." or "Scientists have discovered...". When answering questions related to opinions, it is important to focus on the writer's perspective, rather than introducing personal views.
General Strategies for the Reading Module
Strategy 1: Make Notes
Candidates are encouraged to make notes, underline key points, or draw symbols on the question booklet. This helps with understanding the text and finding answers more efficiently.
Strategy 2: Predict Content Â
Before reading, try to guess what the passage will be about by analyzing the title, subheadings, and introduction.
Strategy 3: Build a Mental Map Â
As the passage is skimmed, it is helpful to mentally map out its structure by identifying the topic and purpose of each paragraph. Brief notes beside paragraphs can assist in quickly locating answers later.
Strategy 4: Identify the Type of Text Â
Determine whether the passage follows a problem-solution structure, chronological order, or compares positive and negative points, which will aid in understanding the overall flow.
Strategy 5: Study Keywords
Pay close attention to keywords in the questions and scan the text for these words or their synonyms to locate relevant sections quickly.
