Score Higher on IELTS Reading in 2023

 

Improving your reading skills is essential for anyone who wants to succeed in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). In this blog, we'll discuss some effective strategies to help you enhance your reading abilities and achieve a higher IELTS score.

1. Develop your Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary is a crucial first step in improving your reading skills for IELTS. Begin by familiarizing yourself with commonly used words in the English language, such as idioms, phrasal verbs, and synonyms. You can accomplish this by reading books, newspapers, and other publications that are written in English. Additionally, you can use online resources, such as vocabulary-building apps and word lists, to supplement your learning.

A robust vocabulary can help you understand complex passages, express your ideas more precisely, and improve your overall IELTS score. Here are some effective strategies for developing your vocabulary for IELTS.

Read Extensively

Reading extensively is one of the most effective ways to develop your vocabulary. By exposing yourself to a variety of texts, you'll come across new words and phrases that you may not have encountered otherwise. Choose texts that interest you, whether it's novels, newspapers, or academic journals, and make a note of any unfamiliar words.

Use a Dictionary

When you come across unfamiliar words while reading, it's essential to use a dictionary to look up their meanings. Use an English-English dictionary, which provides a more comprehensive explanation of the word's meaning, usage, and context. Make a note of the word and its definition and try to use it in a sentence to reinforce your learning.

Watch English Movies and TV Shows

Watching English movies and TV shows can help you develop your vocabulary while improving your listening and speaking skills. Choose programs with English subtitles to help you understand the dialogue better. Pay attention to the words and phrases used in the dialogue, and make a note of any unfamiliar ones.

Use Vocabulary-Building Apps

There are several vocabulary-building apps available, such as Duolingo, Memrise, and Quizlet, which can help you learn new words and phrases. These apps use a variety of techniques, such as flashcards, quizzes, and games, to make learning fun and engaging.

Learn Words in Context

Learning words in context is an effective way to develop your vocabulary for IELTS. Instead of just memorizing words, try to understand their meaning in the context of a sentence or passage. This will help you remember the word better and use it more effectively in your writing and speaking.

Review Regularly

Regularly reviewing the words you've learned is crucial for developing your vocabulary. Create flashcards or a vocabulary journal to keep track of the words you've learned and review them regularly. You can also use online resources, such as vocabulary-building websites and apps, to supplement your learning and practice.

2.     Practice Scanning and Skimming

Scanning and skimming are two reading techniques that are frequently used in the IELTS exam. Scanning refers to reading quickly to locate specific information, such as dates, names, or places. Skimming, on the other hand, is reading quickly to get a general understanding of the text's content.

To practice these techniques, try reading short articles and practice scanning for specific details, such as numbers, dates, or names. Then, skim the article to get a general idea of the content. With practice, you'll be able to read more quickly and efficiently, which can significantly improve your IELTS reading score.

Scanning refers to quickly searching for specific information in a text, while skimming is quickly reading through a text to get a general understanding of its content. Here are some tips for practicing scanning and skimming.

 Identify What You're Looking For

Before you start reading a text, identify what you're looking for. Whether it's a name, date, or specific information, having a clear understanding of what you're looking for will help you scan more efficiently. Make a mental note of the keywords you need to search for.

Use Headings and Subheadings

 Headings and subheadings provide an overview of the content in a text and can be useful for scanning. Look for headings and subheadings that relate to the information you're searching for and read the text under those headings.

Read the First and Last Paragraph

Reading the first and last paragraph of a text can give you a general understanding of its content. Skim through the first and last paragraph to get an idea of what the text is about and identify any keywords or phrases that may be relevant to your search.

Look for Visual Cues

Visual cues, such as bolded text, underlined text, or bullet points, can be helpful for identifying important information. Scan the text for visual cues that may indicate the information you're searching for.

Use Your Finger or a Pen

Using your finger or a pen to guide your eyes while scanning can help you focus and read more efficiently. Move your finger or pen quickly down the text while scanning for keywords and phrases.

Practice, Practice, Practice

As with any skill, practicing scanning and skimming is essential for improving your abilities. Choose texts of varying lengths and difficulties, and practice scanning for specific information and skimming for general understanding. With practice, you'll become more efficient and effective at scanning and skimming.

 3. Use Context Clues

Context clues refer to the words or phrases that surround an unknown word and provide clues to its meaning. Using context clues is an effective way to improve your reading skills, as it can help you infer the meaning of unfamiliar words. Context clues are words, phrases, or sentences in a text that provide clues about the meaning of an unfamiliar word. We'll discuss some effective strategies for using context clues in IELTS reading, along with examples.

Look for Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, while antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Look for synonyms or antonyms for an unfamiliar word in the text. For example:

"The politician was known for his verbosity, or his tendency to speak at great length, even when it wasn't necessary."

In this example, the context clue for "verbosity" is "his tendency to speak at great length," which is a synonym for verbosity.

 Identify Descriptive Language

Descriptive language provides clues about the meaning of a word. Look for descriptive language that may describe the unfamiliar word. For example:

"The novel's protagonist was a plucky young girl who overcame adversity to achieve her dreams."

In this example, the context clue for "plucky" is "overcame adversity," which describes the character's bravery and determination.

Look for Examples or Explanations

Examples or explanations in a text can also provide context clues. Look for examples or explanations that may help you understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word. For example:

"The doctor prescribed an analgesic, or pain reliever, for the patient's chronic pain."

In this example, the context clue for "analgesic" is "pain reliever," which explains the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

Identify Contextual Clues

Contextual clues are words or phrases that surround an unfamiliar word and provide context. Look for contextual clues that may help you understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word. For example:

"The concert was cacophonous, with instruments and voices competing for attention."

In this example, the context clue for "cacophonous" is "instruments and voices competing for attention," which provides context for the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

Use Online Resources

If you're still unsure of the meaning of an unfamiliar word, you can use online resources, such as a dictionary or a thesaurus, to help you. Look up the unfamiliar word and read the definition and any related words.

For example, if you come across the word "penultimate" in a passage, you can use context clues to infer that it means "second to last." Look for other words in the sentence or paragraph that can provide clues to the meaning of unfamiliar words.

4. Read Regularly

Reading regularly is perhaps the most effective way to improve your reading skills. Make it a habit to read every day, whether it's a newspaper, magazine, or book. Choose material that interests you and challenge yourself by reading more difficult texts as your skills improve.

5. Take Practice Tests

Finally, taking practice tests is an effective way to prepare for the IELTS exam. Practice tests can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement. Additionally, taking practice tests can help you become familiar with the exam's format and style, reducing anxiety and improving your performance on test day.