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 , ma…