IELTS Academic Reading Part 2 Overview
(1) About Academic Reading Part 2
Part Total Time: Around 20 minutes
Number of questions: 13
Academic Reading Part 2 Screen
Overview of Part 2
- Text Type: Part 2 often contains a passage that is factual or discursive, and it could focus on areas like science, history, or current events.
- Question Types: In Part 2, you may encounter various question types like matching headings, identifying writer’s views (Yes/No/Not Given), multiple-choice questions, or summary completion. Understanding each question type is crucial for this section.
Key Strategies for Part 2
1. Preview the Passage and Questions
- Skim the passage to get a sense of its main ideas, but don’t dive too deeply at first. Focus on understanding the general topic, main ideas in each paragraph, and any headings or highlighted words.
- Read the questions before returning to the passage. Highlight any keywords or phrases in the questions that will help you locate the answers faster.
2. Look for Synonyms and Paraphrasing
- IELTS often uses synonyms or rephrased information rather than repeating exact words from the questions.
- For example, if a question asks about "significant environmental changes," the text might refer to it as "major shifts in climate." Becoming familiar with this approach can help you find answers more efficiently.
3. Handling Matching Headings
- For questions requiring you to match headings with paragraphs, read the entire passage to understand the main idea of each paragraph.
- Identify any topic sentences or repeating ideas in each paragraph to find the closest matching heading. Avoid choosing a heading based on specific details that may not capture the main idea.
4. Yes/No/Not Given (Identifying the Writer’s Views)
- Carefully read the question and ensure you understand the writer’s stance. Yes means the passage agrees, No means it disagrees, and Not Given means there’s no information to confirm or deny the statement.
- Avoid guessing based on your own knowledge. Stick strictly to what the text says or implies.
5. Practice Scanning Techniques
- Quickly scan the passage for specific information related to keywords in the questions. This is especially helpful for questions like sentence completion or summary completion where you need to fill in missing words.
- Practice moving your eyes across the passage while focusing on locating relevant words or synonyms.
6. Use Context for Sentence Completion
- When completing sentences, pay attention to the context. The missing word should logically fit within the sentence structure and maintain the overall meaning.
- If you’re unsure, check for grammatical hints, such as verb forms or articles, which may help guide you to the correct answer.
7. Time Management Tips
- Spend approximately 20 minutes on Part 2. This will leave enough time for Part 3, which can be even more challenging.
- If you encounter a difficult question, make a note and move on, returning to it later if time permits.
8. Develop Critical Reading Skills
- As Part 2 often includes passages with arguments or complex ideas, practice identifying the writer’s main points, supporting details, and any contrasting viewpoints.
- This skill helps not only with understanding but also with accurately answering questions like matching statements to paragraphs or Yes/No/Not Given questions.
9. Practice with IELTS Reading Passages
- Regularly practicing with IELTS-style reading passages and timing yourself will help you become familiar with the structure and level of detail required in Part 2.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overinterpreting the Information: Stick to what is directly implied or stated. Don’t make assumptions or add information based on your knowledge.
- Spending Too Much Time on a Single Question: If you’re stuck, make an educated guess and return to it if there’s time.
- Misunderstanding Synonyms or Paraphrased Content: Pay close attention to words that could be rephrased in different ways to avoid confusion.
