English course IELTs Reading Techniques and Strategies Part B

1. Dealing with research based texts

A lot of IELTs Academic reading passages are about... more A lot of IELTs Academic reading passages are about research. Often these passages describe a research process and provide information on the method, data and the results. less

2. Following the writers argument

When you first read a passage you should quickly form an... more When you first read a passage you should quickly form an overview of the main ideas/arguments. After that, you need to use the appropriate reading strategies to answer each set of questions. less

3. Identifying main and supporting ideas

The best overall preparation for IELTS is to read as widely... more The best overall preparation for IELTS is to read as widely as possible, so that you develop your vocabulary and ideas about popular topics. This wil help you in ALL parts of the test. When you read a passage for IELTs, it is important to note these things: the topic, the main idea and the development of the main idea. IELTs reading questions often test your understanding of main ideas and supporting points. less

4. Locating information

If the passage is divided into paragraphs A, B, C, etc, you... more If the passage is divided into paragraphs A, B, C, etc, you will either be tested on your understanding of the main idea of each paragraph (paragraph headings), or you will be asked to say which paragraph contains certain information (locating information). These are different types of questions that need to be approached in different ways. less

5. Matching (people)

IELTS passages often present an arguiment and, in order to... more IELTS passages often present an arguiment and, in order to support the argument, the writer may make references to other experts. This is typical in academic writing. To show that you can understand the references, you may have to match the people to their opnions/actions or to facts that relate to them. less

6. Picking from a list

Some IELTs questions ask you to select correct answers from... more Some IELTs questions ask you to select correct answers from a list. This is a bit like an extended multiple choice question. less

7. Reading Practice Test 1

Practice test Practice test less

8. Reading Practice Test 2

Practice Test Practice Test less

9. Understanding the writers views

Exercise on summarising the writers main view Exercise on summarising the writers main view less

10. Yes / No / Not Given

In the IELTs Reading Test you may be asked to say whether a... more In the IELTs Reading Test you may be asked to say whether a statement agrees with the view or claim of the writer, whetehr it contradicts the view or claim (i.e. it is the opposite) or whether the writer says nothing about this. less

Course plan

Skills involved