IELTS reading is really a test of 2 things:
- Can you find the part of the text that contains the answer?
- Do you understand that part of the text?
Finding
You need to be able to find the right part of the text quickly. I practise this a lot with my students: we decide which words in the question we need to search for, then we try to locate those words (or words with the same meaning) in the text.
Understanding
When you have found where the answer is, you need to read that part of the text carefully. Read the sentences before and after the keywords that you found. Then it becomes a test of your vocabulary knowledge: if you don't understand the words that you are reading, it will be difficult to get the right answer.
I agree with you sir .In the begining, i felt
tomuch difficulty in finding the answer.But graduallu after alot of practise i can easily find the answer sometimes with little up and down.But i can say that i am good at reading.
Posted by: jk | October 30, 2017 at 10:09
i'm still struggling in comprehending the idea even though the words are not that difficult. i still need practicing and enhancing my skills
Posted by: star | October 30, 2017 at 12:32
Dear Simon
Would you mind please give some ideas or sample in terms of space topics in essay. I find it too difficult to develop ideas for this recent exam task 2 question: Some scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Posted by: Sarah | October 30, 2017 at 16:04
In reading I have a simple mantra, "You cannot FIND something you do not KNOW. You also cannot UNDERSTAND something you cannot FIND."
Again, IELTS Reading is a Vocabulary exam. Even if you are able to find the exact word but unable to understand it, then you are in trouble. One handy skill in this situation is understanding CONTEXT CLUES.
Posted by: Yves | November 03, 2017 at 07:19
thank you very much. There are many bottle-neck on my way to find out the right answer because of my small word storage. Moreover, my grammar is very weak. This is the first time I enjoy your website and leave with a comment. Can you check my grammar? thanks.
Posted by: cp | November 07, 2017 at 13:12