IELTS Reading: Time Management & Answer Accuracy

When tackling reading comprehension questions, time management is crucial. A common pitfall is selecting an answer that is too absolute, leaving no room for exceptions. Let's look at improved examples to better understand this concept:

• Example 1: "All animals in cold places live longer than animals in warm places."

  This statement is incorrect because it leaves no room for exceptions. Some species in warmer climates may live longer than those in colder regions, and this absolute claim doesn't account for that possibility.

• Example 2: "In severe cold, a young polar bear cub may survive longer than an adult polar bear."

  This answer is correct because it introduces the hedge word “may”, which allows for exceptions. It suggests that while younger animals are generally better suited for cold conditions, there may still be exceptions, such as in the case of extreme cold where adults might survive better.

Tip: Always look for hedge words like likely, may, often, usually, sometimes, and so on. These terms help indicate flexibility in the answer and leave room for exceptions, making the answer more nuanced and generally correct.

Word Usage Questions

In word usage questions, do not rely on your pre-existing knowledge of a word's meaning. The question is likely asking about an unusual or specific usage of the word within the passage. Here's how to approach it:

• Step 1: Read the passage carefully and pay attention to the context in which the word is used.
• Step 2: Use surrounding words or sentences to help define the meaning of the word in this specific context.
• Step 3: Avoid relying on your general knowledge of the word. The goal is to understand how the word is used in the context of the passage.

Example: If the word “conserve” is used in a passage about nature conservation, it may mean something slightly different than when used in a passage about conserving energy. In each case, the word's meaning is determined by the context in which it appears.

Switchback Words

Be aware of “switchback” words. These words signal a change in direction or thought. They often suggest that the author is introducing a contrasting idea or exception to what was just stated. Common switchback words include:

• But
• However
• On the other hand
• Although
• Nevertheless
• Despite
• While
• Even though
• Regardless of

These words signal a shift in the author's point of view and are crucial for understanding how ideas are connected within a passage. Pay attention to these words, as they often lead to the correct interpretation of the question.

Avoid "Fact Traps"

When answering questions, focus on the specific details relevant to the question rather than general facts that may seem true but are not what the question is asking. For example, if a passage talks about a broad topic, but the question asks about a specific detail, don't get distracted by the general discussion.

• Example: If the passage talks about the survival of animals in cold climates but the question asks about polar bear cubs, focus only on the information about cubs, not the entire passage.
• Tip: Read the question carefully and ensure that your answer directly addresses it, rather than picking a fact that is broadly true but irrelevant to the specific inquiry.

Handling Technical Passages

In technical passages, avoid getting bogged down in specialized terms or jargon. These terms may not be critical for answering the questions. Your focus should be on the general understanding of the passage, rather than mastering every technical detail.

• Tip: Skim over difficult phrases unless they are directly related to the question. Don't waste time trying to decipher complex terms unless necessary for answering the question.

Identifying Question Types

Each question type often hints at whether it can be answered by referring directly to the passage or by using your own reasoning skills. Identifying the type of question is essential for determining the right approach:

• Factual Questions: Look for information directly in the passage.
• Inference Questions: Use clues from the passage to make logical assumptions.
• Vocabulary Questions: Determine the meaning of words based on context, not on external knowledge.

Final Warnings: Watch Out for Hedge Phrases

Finally, always be on the lookout for hedge phrases that allow for flexibility. These phrases are inserted by question writers to ensure that no statement is overly definitive. Some common hedge phrases include:

• May
• Can
• Often
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Generally
• Rarely

When answering questions, always remember that statements containing hedge words are typically more nuanced and are often the correct choice, as they leave room for exceptions.