IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks - How I Got a Band 9 THREE TIMES

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares 10 essential tips to improve your IELTS reading score quickly. Key strategies include focusing on specific sections of the passage rather than reading everything, understanding unfamiliar vocabulary through context, and following instructions carefully. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not making assumptions, recognizing transition words, and checking answers for accuracy. Additional tips include eliminating incorrect multiple-choice answers, looking for definitions in the text, and guessing when unsure. The video offers clear guidance on how to manage time effectively and boost your reading score.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't read the entire passage—focus on the questions first and locate the relevant information in the passage.
• 😀 Unfamiliar vocabulary is normal; use context clues to understand unknown words without panicking.
• 😀 Always pay attention to the instructions, especially with True/False/Not Given and Fill in the Blanks questions.
• 😀 Avoid making assumptions in True/False/Not Given questions—only use the information explicitly stated in the text.
• 😀 Watch for transition words (e.g., however, nevertheless) as they indicate shifts in ideas that could be the answer to a question.
• 😀 Cross out incorrect options in multiple-choice or matching questions to narrow down your choices.
• 😀 Look for definitions within the passage, as difficult or technical terms are often defined right after they are introduced.
• 😀 Check your answers immediately after writing them, especially for spelling and correct placement in the answer field.
• 😀 Don’t leave hard questions unanswered—guess if necessary, as incorrect answers don't result in a penalty.
• 😀 Follow the order of the questions—answers generally appear in the same sequence as the questions in the passage.

Q & A

What is the first tip provided in the video to improve IELTS reading score?

The first tip is to avoid reading the entire passage. Instead, focus on the specific sections relevant to each question to save time.

Why is it unnecessary to understand every single word in the reading passages?

The IELTS reading passages contain complex language, but the answers to the questions are often found in specific sentences or parts of the text. It’s more important to focus on the relevant sections of the text.

What should you do if you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary in the reading passage?

Stay calm and try to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words using the context of the sentence or by identifying the word's role in the sentence (e.g., its prefix or suffix).

Why is it important to follow the instructions carefully during the IELTS reading test?

Failing to follow the instructions can lead to losing marks, even if your answers are technically correct. For example, writing 'true' or 'false' instead of 'yes' or 'no' can cost you points.

What common mistake do candidates make in true/false/not given questions?

Candidates often make the mistake of making assumptions based on their own knowledge of the world, rather than strictly relying on the text. For example, assuming that cars are expensive in western Europe just because the cost of living is high.

What role do transition words play in the IELTS reading test?

Transition words indicate changes in topic or opinion. They are crucial for understanding whether a new or opposing idea is being introduced, which might affect the answer to a question.

How can crossing out incorrect answers help in multiple-choice or matching headings questions?

Crossing out incorrect answers narrows down the options, making it easier to focus on the remaining choices and reducing confusion when selecting the correct answer.

How can definitions within the text help candidates with unfamiliar vocabulary?

Many reading passages provide definitions for unfamiliar or technical terms within the same sentence or the following sentence, allowing you to understand the meaning without prior knowledge of the word.

What should you check immediately after writing or typing your answers during the IELTS reading test?

You should check for spelling errors and ensure that your answers are written in the correct field. Incorrectly placed answers or spelling mistakes can result in losing points.

What is the recommended strategy for answering difficult questions during the test?

If you don't know the answer to a question, make an educated guess. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so guessing can help improve your chances of scoring well.