Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading- Tomorrow is my IELTS exam, and I am worried about what will happen. How should I approach the reading module, especially with its lengthy passages? How do I manage my time efficiently? What are the last minute tips for IELTS reading should I follow?
There are so many concerns that trouble us before the exam, and finding answers to these is crucial for performing well and achieving a good score. In this blog post, we are addressing all these questions by providing you with last-minute tips for the reading module. By following these, you can ensure that your desired band score is within reach.
Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading Test
- Be careful about the instructions
It is essential to read the instructions very carefully, especially when completion-type questions come up, the word count may change section by section, so make sure to check the permissible word count for the questions you are answering.
If needed, circle it in the instructions because if you cross the word count, your answer will be considered incorrect. So, it is crucial to read and follow the instructions and adhere to them. (last minute tips for ielts reading)
2. Picking the Right Section
Before attempting your questions, take a quick look at the entire exam to see what kind of passages are present in each section. It’s possible that in Section 3, there might be a passage that interests you or that you have prior knowledge of. Similarly, in Section 2, you might find a passage that resonates with you.
Generally, it happens that Section 1 has more straightforward passages, Section 2 has slightly more challenging ones, and Section 3 has the toughest. This perception might be true, but it’s also possible that in a passage in Section 3, there’s a topic that interests you, making it easier for you.
If you find such a passage in Section 3, attempt it first, as it might be easy. This way, you can attempt it quickly and have enough time for the other sections. (last minute tips for ielts reading)
In the IELTS reading module, time management is crucial because you have three reading passages to cover in just 60 minutes. These passages contain around 2600 words altogether. So, you must complete your paper within 50 minutes, allowing the last 10 minutes for proofreading and checking. Learning the best time management skills is important, especially for the IELTS reading model.
4. First Read the Questions then the Passage
First, read the questions before you start reading the passage. When you’re reading the questions figure out what you need to look for in the passage. Then, begin reading the passage with those keywords in mind. This way, you’re focused on finding the specific information needed to answer the questions while reading the passage. (Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading)
5. Try to predict your answer
After reading a question, try to predict the type of answer you are supposed to find. It could be a number, a noun, or another type of response.
If a number is expected, think about whether it might be a date or a year. If it’s a noun, consider if it’s a person’s name or a place.
Trying to anticipate your answer will make it easier for you to locate the information in the passage. (last minute tips for ielts reading)
6. Get Main Idea
Quickly read your paragraphs and try to find the main ideas within them. Writing notes on the side is like leaving a message for yourself.
It’s really important so that when you go back to answer your questions, you don’t have to read the entire passage again. Highlighting the keywords will help you understand what the paragraph is trying to say.
It’s like putting a spotlight on the important parts, making it easier for you to grasp the message without having to read the whole thing again when you’re answering your questions.
7. Check Grammar
After you’re done answering, take a moment to check the grammar of your response. Ensure that what you’ve written is grammatically correct because even if your answer is right, it might be considered incorrect if it’s grammatically flawed. (last minute tips for ielts reading)
8. Don’t leave any questions unanswered
One of the best things about the IELTS exam is that there is no negative marking. So, if you happen to get an answer wrong, there’s no need to worry because you won’t be penalized with negative marks.
That’s why it’s important to attempt all 40 questions in a section, whether you’re sure of the answers or not. By attempting, there’s a chance that even if you’re unsure, you might get the answer right. If you don’t attempt, there’s no chance of getting it right.
9. T/F/NG
The biggest challenge in True/False/ Not Given type questions is figuring out whether the information is true, false, or not given. Understanding this requires recognizing that there are often synonyms used in the passage. So, your vocabulary needs to be strong.
Additionally, even a small change in a word can alter the entire meaning of the answer. For instance, “will be” in the passage might correspond to “maybe” in the question, where “will be” implies a kind of surety and “maybe” implies a sense of uncertainty. So, paying attention to these subtle details is crucial. (last minute tips for ielts reading)
10. MCQs and Matching Headings
When dealing with multiple-choice questions, if you quickly realize that an option is incorrect, cross it out. This serves two purposes: firstly, it’s oddly satisfying, and secondly, it helps you concentrate your efforts on the remaining choices.
In matching headings, many times we find two or three options that seem suitable for the paragraph. It can be confusing to determine which one is the best, and this confusion often arises in the starting questions.
No worries! You can mark all the headings you have selected for that paragraph, reserve them on the side, and move ahead. As you progress, your options will narrow down because you’ll find headings for the remaining paragraphs. When you have headings for all the paragraphs, you can finally match just one heading that suits that paragraph, resolving the initial confusion. (Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading)
Must Read Articles:
11. Do not stick
If you’re unable to find the answer to a question, whether it’s a True/False/Not Given, Completion type, or Matching type question, leave that question for the time being. There’s no need to waste your time on it because if you spend time on a single question, you might compromise the time for the next five questions. Then, you won’t be able to answer the next set of questions, which would be a significant loss.(last minute tips for ielts reading)
12. Spellings
In completion-type questions, pay special attention to spelling. Even if your answer is correct, a small spelling mistake will be considered incorrect. So, when transferring your answers, double-check the spelling to ensure accuracy.
13. Short forms are not allowed
Because IELTS is a language exam, remember that using short forms is not allowed. Avoid providing answers in short forms. For example, if the answer is “Steve Jobs,” you should write the full name, not just “S. Jobs.”
14. Don’t write your answer on the rough sheet
Don’t write your answers on the worksheet because your time is already limited. It’s challenging to first jot down your responses on a draft sheet and then transfer them to the answer sheet.
Instead, directly write your answers on the answer sheet. Use the last few minutes to check your spelling, English grammar, and other things.
15. Find the answer
Your goal is to find the right answer, not to understand the passage. So, focus more on locating your answers rather than comprehending the entire passage. The more answers you find, the better. However, remember that accuracy is crucial because you only receive credit for correct answers. (Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading)
16. Capital Letters
Prefer to give your answer in capital letters.
17. Handwriting if PBT
If you are taking a paper-based test, pay special attention to your handwriting. If your handwriting is unclear and difficult to understand, your response might be considered incorrect even if it’s right. So, make sure your handwriting is clear and legible to avoid any confusion in evaluating your answers.
18. Relax
The most important thing is to stay relaxed. Worrying won’t solve your problems; instead, it might make them worse. Being stressed won’t make the exam easier or help you find answers quickly. Relaxing is key. If you stay calm, you’ll perform better and finish the exam more successfully.
19. Stay focused
It’s better to focus on your exam rather than looking around. Pay close attention to what’s written in your exam. You don’t need to worry about what other students are doing.
20. Use breathing space to refresh yourself
Once the reading module is completed, and your next paper starts, utilize the in-between minutes wisely. Avoid talking to other students about how your paper went or asking about theirs. Seal yourself off and rejuvenate during these brief breaks to prepare for the next section. (Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading)
Evaluation Criteria
While preparing for the reading paper, it’s essential to know how many correct answers will get us our target band score. Understanding this helps us tailor our preparation accordingly.
For example, if I aim to achieve a Band 8, I should be aware of the number of correct answers required. For this, it’s crucial to refer to the reading band conversion table.
Please share your feedback for the current post, and don’t forget to explore our other articles for additional information. Your insights are highly valued!
Prepare Well!!
All the Best!!
(last minute tips for ielts reading)
8 thoughts on “20 Pro Last Minute Tips for IELTS Reading for Band 9”