Spadework Guidelines for IELTS READING
1) Technique and Method
Majority of aspirants prefer to read the text first, and only then answer the questions, while some say it’s better to read the answer first. We often recommended to our students that they should read the answers first as that it the way, they can practice in a best way. Practice IELTS Reading samples and determine the method that fits you best.
2) Instructions
Pay attention to the word limit. For instance, if you are asked to complete a sentence using no more than two words if the correct answer is ‘Silver medal’, the answer ‘medal made of silver ‘ would be wrong. Just pay attention to the details. Look thoroughly through the text. Any striking characteristic such as capital letters, underlining italics, figures, graphs and tables are likely to matter.
For example, the instructions might state ‘write two words and /or a number ‘.
This could mean:
One word
One word and or a number
Two words
Two words and or number
3) Skimming and Scanning
Skimming refers to searching for the main thoughts and Scanning means looking for the specific detail only. Skim and scan the text to look for general information. You aren’t require to read every word attentively. Think about the general data and not the detail. Skim the title, content words, and the basic structure of the sentences/clauses . Remember, you only need to answer the questions, nothing more, you are reading for a purpose.
Spadework Guidelines for IELTS READING
4) Time Management
You have only 60 minutes to read 3 passages and answer 40 questions. You won’t get any additional time so be ensure manage your time properly. We suggest our students to try and get each section finished in 20 minutes. This breaks down to 17-18 minutes to read and answer the questions and 2-3 minutes for transferring your answers. You can also choose to save your time in the first passage and utilize it in the 3rd one as the last passage is considered as the toughest. If you don’t know the answer to a question, do not waste your time over it, move quickly onto the next one.
5) Mark the Keywords
When you skim the text, mark or circle the most important phrases or words. It will assist you to save some time when you will search for answers. Look out for the title, headings and any special features such as capital letters, underlining, italics, figures, graphs and tables.
6) Cross out the incorrect answers
If you see an answer that you’re sure is wrong, cross it out. This will lessen your option and will aid you to find or match the answers. You would not get confused and will be able to save your precious time.
7) Question Order
Keep in mind that the questions follow the order of the text in most cases. Thus, the answer to question 4 will come after the answer to question 2 and so on. The only type of question which will not follow order is the matching headings questions.
8) Spelling and Grammar
Do check your spellings and grammatical errors while transferring your answers to the answer sheet. You will get no point for the answer if its spelled incorrectly. The word(s) you use must be taken from the reading text. Be careful to the singular and plural correctly. Check the words if they are fitted grammatically correct.
THANK YOU 🙂
Spadework Guidelines for IELTS READING
Spadework Guidelines for IELTS READING