#Typical Mistakes
Очень многие путают in the end / in the beginning (of) и at the end /at the beginning.
Давайте разберемся с этим:
👉если мы хотим сказать, что что-то начинается или заканчивается, используем предлог at
🔺at the beginning of the week/year/story/movie etc
🔻at the end of our journey/life/working day etc.
👉in the beginning означает ‘сначала’ (at first) и предполагает контраст с последующей ситуацией. Соответственно, in the end – в конце концов, его синонимами будут finally или eventually.
🔺In the beginning, we tried to catch up with the others, but later on we just gave up.
🔺What did you decide in the end?
Очень многие путают in the end / in the beginning (of) и at the end /at the beginning.
Давайте разберемся с этим:
👉если мы хотим сказать, что что-то начинается или заканчивается, используем предлог at
🔺at the beginning of the week/year/story/movie etc
🔻at the end of our journey/life/working day etc.
👉in the beginning означает ‘сначала’ (at first) и предполагает контраст с последующей ситуацией. Соответственно, in the end – в конце концов, его синонимами будут finally или eventually.
🔺In the beginning, we tried to catch up with the others, but later on we just gave up.
🔺What did you decide in the end?
#Speaking
How to sound more fluent?
Use linking words in your speech. They help connect what we're saying and tell the listener what information is coming up.
💡to give some surprising information or correct some information – “actually” (на самом деле)
💡a thought that contrasts with the information that came before – “mind you” (заметь)
💡to come back to the previous idea – “As I was saying” (как я уже говорил)
💡to summarize what you're going to say – “Basically” (по сути)
💡if you just remembered or thought about something while talking – “Come to think of it” (если задуматься)
How to sound more fluent?
Use linking words in your speech. They help connect what we're saying and tell the listener what information is coming up.
💡to give some surprising information or correct some information – “actually” (на самом деле)
💡a thought that contrasts with the information that came before – “mind you” (заметь)
💡to come back to the previous idea – “As I was saying” (как я уже говорил)
💡to summarize what you're going to say – “Basically” (по сути)
💡if you just remembered or thought about something while talking – “Come to think of it” (если задуматься)
#Listening
Подборка детективных подкастов для прокачки Listening
Missing Richard Simons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSojStfq6IY&ab_channel=Topic
Реальная история о таинственном исчезновении актера в 2014 году. Подкаст записывает его ученик, который пытается найти актера. В итоге, актер найден, но вот про свое таинственное исчезновения рассказывать желанием не горит.
To Live and Die in LA - https://livediela.com/
В начале 2019 года журналист Rolling Stone Нила Страусса начал расследование об исчезновении актрисы и модели Адеи Шабани. Практически весь сезон - это расследование в реальном времени и общение с людьми, которые по своим причинам не хотели обращаться в полицию.
S-Town - https://stownpodcast.org/chapter/2
Журналист Брайан Рид едет в небольшой город по просьбе местного жителя, чтобы разобраться в убийстве, которое сошло с рук сыну городского бизнесмена. Оказывается, что убийства на самом деле не было, но кто-то в городе погибает уже после его приезда.
Подборка детективных подкастов для прокачки Listening
Missing Richard Simons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSojStfq6IY&ab_channel=Topic
Реальная история о таинственном исчезновении актера в 2014 году. Подкаст записывает его ученик, который пытается найти актера. В итоге, актер найден, но вот про свое таинственное исчезновения рассказывать желанием не горит.
To Live and Die in LA - https://livediela.com/
В начале 2019 года журналист Rolling Stone Нила Страусса начал расследование об исчезновении актрисы и модели Адеи Шабани. Практически весь сезон - это расследование в реальном времени и общение с людьми, которые по своим причинам не хотели обращаться в полицию.
S-Town - https://stownpodcast.org/chapter/2
Журналист Брайан Рид едет в небольшой город по просьбе местного жителя, чтобы разобраться в убийстве, которое сошло с рук сыну городского бизнесмена. Оказывается, что убийства на самом деле не было, но кто-то в городе погибает уже после его приезда.
В Instagram я периодически выкладывала полезные видео на разные темы. Если вы их не видели, предлагаю изучить.
IELTS Writing -- Making Concessions
https://www.instagram.com/tv/COcuiyCICDG/
Как написать эссе за 40 минут
https://www.instagram.com/tv/COLTuv3Kj9S/
Books for IELTS Preparation
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDbF44ongjL/
С чего начать подготовку к IELTS?
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCY1WUtn1qi/
Complex Sentences
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBL8X3YAwNu/
IELTS Writing -- Making Concessions
https://www.instagram.com/tv/COcuiyCICDG/
Как написать эссе за 40 минут
https://www.instagram.com/tv/COLTuv3Kj9S/
Books for IELTS Preparation
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDbF44ongjL/
С чего начать подготовку к IELTS?
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCY1WUtn1qi/
Complex Sentences
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBL8X3YAwNu/
#Speaking на 8
По моим наблюдениям, студенты, которые смогли получить 8 за Speaking помимо беглости речи, отсутствия грамматических ошибок и знания лексики по темам IELTS всегда также демонстрируют знание идиоматического языка – устойчивых сочетаний слов, которые невозможно перевести дословно без потери смысла.
Поэтому всем своим студентам, вне зависимости от уровня, я рекомендую заготовить небольшой список любимых идиом и идиоматических выражений и постараться использовать хотя пару из них на экзамене. При этом идиомы должны:
📍звучать естественно и соответствовать контексту
📍не быть устаревшими
📍быть правильно заучены.
Проблема в том, что многие идиоматические выражения крайне специфичны. Вряд ли удастся вставить в любой разговор, что-то вроде a blessing in disguise или hit the road.
Однако, есть среди них те, которые можно использовать чаще, и относятся они к выражениям, связанным со временем. В IELTS Speaking много вопросов, где вам нужно рассказать историю, которая случилась давно/недавно, ответить на вопрос как часто что-либо вы делаете или пробовали что-либо в жизни.
Итак, идиоматические выражения, связанные со временем.
always = all the time /at all times /day and night
usually = as a rule /nine times out of ten
often = time after time, time and again
occasionally = (every) once in a while /every now and then /from time to time /every so often
regularly = on a daily basis /on a weekly basis /as a matter of routine
sometimes = on occasions /now and then
seldom = hardly ever /once in a blue moon
never = at no time /under no circumstances
recently = the other day /a while ago
a long time ago = many moons ago /way back
Напишите в комментариях, если вам удалось вспомнить что-то еще💪.
По моим наблюдениям, студенты, которые смогли получить 8 за Speaking помимо беглости речи, отсутствия грамматических ошибок и знания лексики по темам IELTS всегда также демонстрируют знание идиоматического языка – устойчивых сочетаний слов, которые невозможно перевести дословно без потери смысла.
Поэтому всем своим студентам, вне зависимости от уровня, я рекомендую заготовить небольшой список любимых идиом и идиоматических выражений и постараться использовать хотя пару из них на экзамене. При этом идиомы должны:
📍звучать естественно и соответствовать контексту
📍не быть устаревшими
📍быть правильно заучены.
Проблема в том, что многие идиоматические выражения крайне специфичны. Вряд ли удастся вставить в любой разговор, что-то вроде a blessing in disguise или hit the road.
Однако, есть среди них те, которые можно использовать чаще, и относятся они к выражениям, связанным со временем. В IELTS Speaking много вопросов, где вам нужно рассказать историю, которая случилась давно/недавно, ответить на вопрос как часто что-либо вы делаете или пробовали что-либо в жизни.
Итак, идиоматические выражения, связанные со временем.
always = all the time /at all times /day and night
usually = as a rule /nine times out of ten
often = time after time, time and again
occasionally = (every) once in a while /every now and then /from time to time /every so often
regularly = on a daily basis /on a weekly basis /as a matter of routine
sometimes = on occasions /now and then
seldom = hardly ever /once in a blue moon
never = at no time /under no circumstances
recently = the other day /a while ago
a long time ago = many moons ago /way back
Напишите в комментариях, если вам удалось вспомнить что-то еще💪.
#Listening
How to improve your Listening Score.
First of all, get to know the test so that there are no surprises on the day of your IELTS. Use official preparation materials to understand the Listening test and example topics that might come up. For example, here.
📌Listen to accents from a variety of English-speaking countries. Search online for radio stations in these countries and listen every day.
📌Practise multitasking. During the test you need to read the questions, listen for the answer and write down the words all at the same time! Use contractions when taking notes (Wed – Wednesday, info – information).
📌Learn to predict. During the test you have time at the beginning of each part to look at the task. Use this time to read the questions carefully and think about the topics. The questions always follow the order of the recording. Don’t panic if you miss a question – look ahead and think about the next one.
📌If you have comprehension difficulties, listen with slow speed and take notes then check with a transcript
📌Listen to current affairs and documentary programmes, or online talks, without pausing or repeating the recording. Try to remember as much as you can, including new words, main ideas, specific points, and their relationship to each other. Afterward, reconstruct what you’ve heard. How much are you able to reconstruct? Listen more and try to increase the amount that you can reconstruct.
📌In the IELTS Listening exam, your answer will need to be grammatically correct. It is important to read the questions carefully and decide what kind of words is missing. For example, some words must be followed by specific prepositions, and knowing which these are will help you write a grammatically correct answer. When you learn new verbs, make sure you know if they have a dependent preposition. A good dictionary will usually tell you this. Don’t try to rephrase what you hear or change the word form.
📌Speakers and lecturers indicate the stage of their talk through the use of signposting words (e.g. moving on to .... the next area I’d like to talk about ...) These words direct our listening: they warn us that more information is coming and suggest what kind of information this may be.
How to improve your Listening Score.
First of all, get to know the test so that there are no surprises on the day of your IELTS. Use official preparation materials to understand the Listening test and example topics that might come up. For example, here.
📌Listen to accents from a variety of English-speaking countries. Search online for radio stations in these countries and listen every day.
📌Practise multitasking. During the test you need to read the questions, listen for the answer and write down the words all at the same time! Use contractions when taking notes (Wed – Wednesday, info – information).
📌Learn to predict. During the test you have time at the beginning of each part to look at the task. Use this time to read the questions carefully and think about the topics. The questions always follow the order of the recording. Don’t panic if you miss a question – look ahead and think about the next one.
📌If you have comprehension difficulties, listen with slow speed and take notes then check with a transcript
📌Listen to current affairs and documentary programmes, or online talks, without pausing or repeating the recording. Try to remember as much as you can, including new words, main ideas, specific points, and their relationship to each other. Afterward, reconstruct what you’ve heard. How much are you able to reconstruct? Listen more and try to increase the amount that you can reconstruct.
📌In the IELTS Listening exam, your answer will need to be grammatically correct. It is important to read the questions carefully and decide what kind of words is missing. For example, some words must be followed by specific prepositions, and knowing which these are will help you write a grammatically correct answer. When you learn new verbs, make sure you know if they have a dependent preposition. A good dictionary will usually tell you this. Don’t try to rephrase what you hear or change the word form.
📌Speakers and lecturers indicate the stage of their talk through the use of signposting words (e.g. moving on to .... the next area I’d like to talk about ...) These words direct our listening: they warn us that more information is coming and suggest what kind of information this may be.
На каком языке вы предпочитаете читать полезности про IELTS и в целом про изучение английского:
Anonymous Poll
48%
только hardcore, мы не ищем легких путей – все на английском
42%
преимущественно English, но сложное пусть на русском
12%
преимущественно English, но сложное пусть на русском
17%
главное понимать - русский с примерами на английском
#Listening
Why might some young adults think that their childhood has been stolen?
Watch this short video (4.57 min) on the reasons for constant online presence and Facebook and Instagram algorithms.
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Why might some young adults think that their childhood has been stolen?
Watch this short video (4.57 min) on the reasons for constant online presence and Facebook and Instagram algorithms.
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
BBC News
The science of social media addiction
Facebook has come under fire for the impact its apps can have on teens and their mental health.
#Error Correction
I see pretty often the same error with the verb ‘compare’.
⛔️The group of people aged 18-34, comparing to those ...
⛔️Energy supplies increased significantly in 2017 as compare to 2002.
My guess is that the cause for this mistake is that when we hear this, we don’t hear the ‘d’ sound at the end.
Well, what are the ways to say ‘по сравнению с, в сравнении’? Let’s examine all of them through the following sentences:
The most common is:
This indicates an increase in sales compared to 2020 when the figures were 38.6%.
However, there are a couple of alternatives:
The bar chart shows that the average American consumes in a year compared with other nationalities.
This indicates an increase in sales as compared with 2020 when the figures were 38.6%.
Truck sales are relatively low in comparison with the car's ones
I see pretty often the same error with the verb ‘compare’.
⛔️The group of people aged 18-34, comparing to those ...
⛔️Energy supplies increased significantly in 2017 as compare to 2002.
My guess is that the cause for this mistake is that when we hear this, we don’t hear the ‘d’ sound at the end.
Well, what are the ways to say ‘по сравнению с, в сравнении’? Let’s examine all of them through the following sentences:
The most common is:
This indicates an increase in sales compared to 2020 when the figures were 38.6%.
However, there are a couple of alternatives:
The bar chart shows that the average American consumes in a year compared with other nationalities.
This indicates an increase in sales as compared with 2020 when the figures were 38.6%.
Truck sales are relatively low in comparison with the car's ones
#IELTS writing
Is it okay to write 350 words in IELTS task 2?
👩🏼🏫 There is no maximum word limit in IELTS but you must write at least 250 words. So, if you can write accurately, why not. Many candidates with a very high level of English write pretty long essays and manage to get a high score.
However, it really depends a lot on your level of English. If you’re struggling to achieve 6 or 7, don’t write that much. By writing long pieces, you will multiply your mistakes with grammar and vocabulary. Try to aim for 260-290 words and then use the remaining time to check, edit and proofread it. None expects great ideas or stylish figures of speech from you, so simply answer the question based on the knowledge and skills you possess, without trying to impress the examiner. Focus on your goal, which is the IELTS score and nothing more.
Is it okay to write 350 words in IELTS task 2?
👩🏼🏫 There is no maximum word limit in IELTS but you must write at least 250 words. So, if you can write accurately, why not. Many candidates with a very high level of English write pretty long essays and manage to get a high score.
However, it really depends a lot on your level of English. If you’re struggling to achieve 6 or 7, don’t write that much. By writing long pieces, you will multiply your mistakes with grammar and vocabulary. Try to aim for 260-290 words and then use the remaining time to check, edit and proofread it. None expects great ideas or stylish figures of speech from you, so simply answer the question based on the knowledge and skills you possess, without trying to impress the examiner. Focus on your goal, which is the IELTS score and nothing more.
#Writing Charts
Comparison is mandatory when describing IELTS charts. There are several ways to do this relatively easily.
1. We can say that X is greater than Y, using:
more … than...
a great deal more… than...
a bit more… than...
e.g. Asians drink a great deal more tea than Americans.
American films are much more popular than French ones.
2. We can denote that Х is equal to У
as much ... as...
as many… as...
nearly as much… as...
e.g. China consumes nearly as much rice as Indonesia.
3. We can use negative comparisons:
not as… as...
less … than...
e.g. Mashed potatoes are less harmful than French fries.
e.g. Fast food is not as popular as home-made meal.
4. We can also include superlatives in our report.
(By far) the least
(By far) the most
e.g. India consumes by far the least meat.
Now it is your turn. Which sentence is incorrect?
Comparison is mandatory when describing IELTS charts. There are several ways to do this relatively easily.
1. We can say that X is greater than Y, using:
more … than...
a great deal more… than...
a bit more… than...
e.g. Asians drink a great deal more tea than Americans.
American films are much more popular than French ones.
2. We can denote that Х is equal to У
as much ... as...
as many… as...
nearly as much… as...
e.g. China consumes nearly as much rice as Indonesia.
3. We can use negative comparisons:
not as… as...
less … than...
e.g. Mashed potatoes are less harmful than French fries.
e.g. Fast food is not as popular as home-made meal.
4. We can also include superlatives in our report.
(By far) the least
(By far) the most
e.g. India consumes by far the least meat.
Now it is your turn. Which sentence is incorrect?
#IELTS Writing
Легко и быстро начать свое эссе.
На эссе вам дается всего 40 мин. Поэтому меньше всего, что вам нужно — это зависнуть минут на пять, придумывая красивые фразы для вступления. При этом у вас не будет второго шанса произвести хорошее первое впечатление.
Даю несколько шаблонных фраз, которые можно применить к большинству IELTS эссе. Естественно, все они нуждаются в легкой адаптации.
📌 XXX is a subject of considerable debate in society.
e.g., Excessive sugar consumption in the daily diet is a subject of considerable debate in society.
📌There has been much debate on the issue of XXX.
e.g., There has been much debate on the issue of whether physical education should be included in the curriculum for all school-age children or replaced with more academic subjects.
📌At present, there is a general public perception that ...
e.g., At present, there is a general public perception that modern life provides us with an overwhelming number of choices.
📌XXX is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today.
e.g., Shopping as one of the most popular leisure activities is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today.
Легко и быстро начать свое эссе.
На эссе вам дается всего 40 мин. Поэтому меньше всего, что вам нужно — это зависнуть минут на пять, придумывая красивые фразы для вступления. При этом у вас не будет второго шанса произвести хорошее первое впечатление.
Даю несколько шаблонных фраз, которые можно применить к большинству IELTS эссе. Естественно, все они нуждаются в легкой адаптации.
📌 XXX is a subject of considerable debate in society.
e.g., Excessive sugar consumption in the daily diet is a subject of considerable debate in society.
📌There has been much debate on the issue of XXX.
e.g., There has been much debate on the issue of whether physical education should be included in the curriculum for all school-age children or replaced with more academic subjects.
📌At present, there is a general public perception that ...
e.g., At present, there is a general public perception that modern life provides us with an overwhelming number of choices.
📌XXX is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today.
e.g., Shopping as one of the most popular leisure activities is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today.
У меня новость: открываю новый курс по Writing Task 1 Graphs (академический модуль).
Давно его планировала, так как не понаслышке знаю, что многие пугаются этих непонятных графиков. Курс для тех, кому нужен результат.
Желательный уровень: Inter и выше
Длительность: 5 недель (с возможностью продления до 2 месяцев)
Базовый тариф: 6,500
Занятость в неделю: 3-4 часа
Что входит:
📌7 уроков, в т.ч короткие видеоуроки по каждому типу графика (на русском), упражнения на отработку скиллов и написание 1-2 графика за урок (English).
📌Подробный фидбэк ваших работ
📌от 4 индивидуальных консультаций в зуме в удобное для вас время (English, по 30 мин)
📌лексика в Quizlets
📌финальный тест с приблизительным баллом за WT1.
Гарантирую уверенность на экзамене при выполнении всех работ.
Запись, оплата и программа на сайте. Отзыв можно посмотреть в Instagram здесь.
Давно его планировала, так как не понаслышке знаю, что многие пугаются этих непонятных графиков. Курс для тех, кому нужен результат.
Желательный уровень: Inter и выше
Длительность: 5 недель (с возможностью продления до 2 месяцев)
Базовый тариф: 6,500
Занятость в неделю: 3-4 часа
Что входит:
📌7 уроков, в т.ч короткие видеоуроки по каждому типу графика (на русском), упражнения на отработку скиллов и написание 1-2 графика за урок (English).
📌Подробный фидбэк ваших работ
📌от 4 индивидуальных консультаций в зуме в удобное для вас время (English, по 30 мин)
📌лексика в Quizlets
📌финальный тест с приблизительным баллом за WT1.
Гарантирую уверенность на экзамене при выполнении всех работ.
Запись, оплата и программа на сайте. Отзыв можно посмотреть в Instagram здесь.
#IELTS Writing Academic
Про предлоги
Неправильный предлог может с легкостью исказить смысл предложения, а точность передачи данных влияет на балл.
Давайте сравним эти два предложения:
🔖In 2002, only 15% of students chose computer science as their major, but in 2010, this figure rose BY 37%.
🔖In 2002, only 15% of students chose computer science as their major, but in 2010, this figure rose TO 37%.
Разница в одном маленьком предлоге, но смысл уже совсем другой. В первом предложении показатель увеличился на 37%, во втором он вырос до 37%.
Пробежимся по основным предлогам, которые вам понадобятся в описании графиков.
Для описания снижения, падения или роста чего-либо IN:
a decrease IN the consumption of milk
a fall IN spending
Однако, если приводим конкретную цифру, предлог OF:
a decrease of 10%, a rise of 10% - снижение на, рост на
Альтернативный вариант – добавить цифру к существительному.
There was an 11% drop IN energy output
Чтобы показать диапазон from... to... или between ... and ...:
Prices rose from $19 to $27.
Prices fluctuate between $20 and $40.
Чтобы показать величину изменения – by:
Prices rose by 20%.
fluctuate by as much as 10 degrees
Чтобы показать рост или падение до какой-либо величины – to:
slip to 10%
climb to 2,560 students
surge to $32
plummet to an all-time low.
Try yourself. Which preposition is correct?
Про предлоги
Неправильный предлог может с легкостью исказить смысл предложения, а точность передачи данных влияет на балл.
Давайте сравним эти два предложения:
🔖In 2002, only 15% of students chose computer science as their major, but in 2010, this figure rose BY 37%.
🔖In 2002, only 15% of students chose computer science as their major, but in 2010, this figure rose TO 37%.
Разница в одном маленьком предлоге, но смысл уже совсем другой. В первом предложении показатель увеличился на 37%, во втором он вырос до 37%.
Пробежимся по основным предлогам, которые вам понадобятся в описании графиков.
Для описания снижения, падения или роста чего-либо IN:
a decrease IN the consumption of milk
a fall IN spending
Однако, если приводим конкретную цифру, предлог OF:
a decrease of 10%, a rise of 10% - снижение на, рост на
Альтернативный вариант – добавить цифру к существительному.
There was an 11% drop IN energy output
Чтобы показать диапазон from... to... или between ... and ...:
Prices rose from $19 to $27.
Prices fluctuate between $20 and $40.
Чтобы показать величину изменения – by:
Prices rose by 20%.
fluctuate by as much as 10 degrees
Чтобы показать рост или падение до какой-либо величины – to:
slip to 10%
climb to 2,560 students
surge to $32
plummet to an all-time low.
Try yourself. Which preposition is correct?
Which sentence is correct?
Anonymous Quiz
44%
A significant decrease OF fossil fuel consumption is expected.
56%
A significant decrease IN fossil fuel consumption is expected.
Which sentence is correct?
Anonymous Quiz
64%
A drop OF 80% is expected to affect the whole industry.
36%
A drop at 80% is expected to affect the whole industry.
Which sentence is correct?
Anonymous Quiz
16%
The number of goods sold fluctuated AT 2,500-4,500 items.
84%
The number of goods sold fluctuated BETWEEN 2,500 and 4,500 items.
#IELTS Reading
As you know, there are 3 reading texts and your reading skills will be tested through a number of tasks including COMPLETION, LABELLING, SENTENCE COMPLETION and TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN.
The questions are always in the same order as the information in the text.
To answer exam questions efficiently and quickly, you need to use the right reading strategies. They really work!
SKIMMING means reading very quickly for a general idea of the text, the overall topic and the main subject of each paragraph. This strategy is especially useful in tasks such as Multiple Choice and Matching Headings.
How to do:
read the questions first
read all the titles
read the first paragraph
read the first sentence of each paragraph
read the summary in the last paragraph
see how any diagrams or pictures relate to the article
While skimming, you should:
try to read three times faster than normal
get a general idea without looking up new words in the dictionary
underline key words (dates, places, figures)
SCANNING is also reading fairly quickly but in this case to find a specific fact, such as a name, date or place. Tasks: Short Answer, Sentence Completion
For example, when you search for your flight gate in an airport timetable, you don’t need to read all the flights that depart today. You scan the display just for your flight number.
It is useful to:
• read the questions to know what you are looking for
• find the relevant part of the text as quickly as possible
• avoid reading the text line by line
• avoid saying/whispering the words you read
While scanning, you should:
• look for key words in the text that reflect the questions, and words like problem, solution, idea, danger, etc.
• look for key words that help you understand the text and writer’s opinion - verbs like must, can, help, increase, offer, measure and adjectives and adverbials like possible, without doubt, much worse, definitely, etc.
• think of paraphrases/synonyms for key words from questions and look for them in the text.
READING FOR DETAIL means careful study of the text so that you understand exactly what the author is saying. Tasks: True/False/Not Given
While reading for detail, you should:
• read each statement and underline key words
• find the relevant part of the text and study the information carefully
• look for synonyms which mean the same as words in the statement
• only write TRUE if the statement exactly matches information in the text.
As you know, there are 3 reading texts and your reading skills will be tested through a number of tasks including COMPLETION, LABELLING, SENTENCE COMPLETION and TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN.
The questions are always in the same order as the information in the text.
To answer exam questions efficiently and quickly, you need to use the right reading strategies. They really work!
SKIMMING means reading very quickly for a general idea of the text, the overall topic and the main subject of each paragraph. This strategy is especially useful in tasks such as Multiple Choice and Matching Headings.
How to do:
read the questions first
read all the titles
read the first paragraph
read the first sentence of each paragraph
read the summary in the last paragraph
see how any diagrams or pictures relate to the article
While skimming, you should:
try to read three times faster than normal
get a general idea without looking up new words in the dictionary
underline key words (dates, places, figures)
SCANNING is also reading fairly quickly but in this case to find a specific fact, such as a name, date or place. Tasks: Short Answer, Sentence Completion
For example, when you search for your flight gate in an airport timetable, you don’t need to read all the flights that depart today. You scan the display just for your flight number.
It is useful to:
• read the questions to know what you are looking for
• find the relevant part of the text as quickly as possible
• avoid reading the text line by line
• avoid saying/whispering the words you read
While scanning, you should:
• look for key words in the text that reflect the questions, and words like problem, solution, idea, danger, etc.
• look for key words that help you understand the text and writer’s opinion - verbs like must, can, help, increase, offer, measure and adjectives and adverbials like possible, without doubt, much worse, definitely, etc.
• think of paraphrases/synonyms for key words from questions and look for them in the text.
READING FOR DETAIL means careful study of the text so that you understand exactly what the author is saying. Tasks: True/False/Not Given
While reading for detail, you should:
• read each statement and underline key words
• find the relevant part of the text and study the information carefully
• look for synonyms which mean the same as words in the statement
• only write TRUE if the statement exactly matches information in the text.