1. Skim First, Then Scan for Details
- Skimming: Quickly read through the passage to get the general idea and understand the structure. This can help you locate answers more efficiently when you tackle the questions.
- Scanning: Once you know what the questions ask, go back and scan for keywords or specific information. Focus on spotting names, dates, or keywords related to the questions.
2. Understand the Question Types
- Familiarize yourself with the types of questions commonly found in this section (e.g., matching information, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion). Knowing what to expect can help you approach each question type with confidence.
- Pay close attention to True/False/Not Given questions; ensure you understand what is explicitly stated, as this is critical to selecting the right answer.
3. Look for Keywords
- Identify keywords in the questions to help you locate relevant sections in the text. Words like “require,” “important,” or “necessary” can indicate instructions or rules.
- Note synonyms or paraphrased information. IELTS often rephrases the text in questions, so practice identifying alternative expressions for the same idea.
4. Use Context Clues
- When you encounter unfamiliar words, use surrounding sentences or phrases to deduce their meaning. Context is particularly helpful when the questions are about workplace policies or procedures that might use specialized terms.
5. Practice Time Management
- Allocate around 20 minutes to complete Part 2, but keep in mind the total time for all reading sections is 60 minutes. Avoid spending too long on any one question to ensure you have time left for other parts.
- If a question is taking too long, make an educated guess and move on. You can return to it later if time permits.
6. Pay Attention to Instruction Words
- Be aware of specific instructions in each question (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”). If the instruction is to answer with a certain number of words, stay within that limit, as exceeding it will make your answer incorrect.
7. Answer in Order
- In IELTS Reading, questions often follow the order of information in the text. For example, if you find the answer to question 5 in the third paragraph, the answer to question 6 is likely to be in the same or subsequent paragraphs. This helps you locate answers more quickly.
8. Double-Check for True/False/Not Given Questions
- For these questions, carefully check the text. “True” means the statement matches information in the text, “False” means it contradicts the text, and “Not Given” means there’s no relevant information. Avoid assuming information not explicitly stated.
9. Practice with Workplace-Related Materials
- To get comfortable with Part 2 topics, read sample documents such as employment contracts, health and safety guidelines, or workplace manuals. This will familiarize you with typical language, formatting, and vocabulary used in workplace documents.
10. Develop Vocabulary for Workplace Contexts
- Strengthen your vocabulary around employment, workplace rights, safety, and related areas. Recognizing workplace terms can help you grasp the context of passages faster and answer questions more accurately.
