Listening and Reading
General overview of IELTS Listening and Reading sections
In the listening and reading parts of the exam, you'll face various kinds of questions. They may be 'True/False/Not Given', 'Multiple choice', 'Choosing Headings', 'Diagram completion' and so on.
However, before you learn the methods and strategies to find the answers to certain types of questions, it is essential that you understand the difference between 'reading as a skill' and 'reading for the language'.
'Reading for the language' - It is when you read a book or novel for pleasure or in order to learn new lexis and enlarge your passive vocabulary.
'Reading as a skill' - It is when you read a certain type of text in order to answer the questions.
IELTS reading is a skill that can be improved by loads of practice. However, you need to remember that without an appropriate strategy, your level won't progress.
The Strategy
First and foremost
You need to find authentic papers used in the real examination before. There are plenty of materials published by Cambridge University Press for both general or Academic IELTS.
DON'T trust online tests or applications.
Once you collect the genuine materials, follow the rules - Listen to the recordings once only, test yourself, identify an appropriate score for you. Measure the time for reading - You have to answer all 40 questions in less than 60 minutes.
Having detected your true level, it's time to improve your level.
Never read every single word
DON'T read the article meticulously. There is no biggest waste of time than reading the text first and looking for the answers later. Initially, read the questions and identify the key words (see the link how to find the key words), then try to find the answers according to those words in the text.
REMEMBER
Your errors are essential in developing listening and reading skills.
NEVER ignore your mistakes.
Once you've determined the mistakes, you need to do the task again and ANSWER 2 crucial questions:
1. What made you decide to choose the incorrect answer?
2. Why is the suggested answer correct?
For instance:
Question 15 from 'Cambridge IELTS 13, Test 4, Listening, Section 2'
The cost of accommodation in the mountain hut includes
A a supply of drinking water.
B transport of visitors' luggage.
C cooked meals.
You chose C but the answers suggest it's A.
You need to listen to the recording again and figure out what word or phrase made you select the incorrect answer.
The recording says:
You'll spend the night in our hut half-way up the mountain. That's included in your package for the stay. It's got cooking facilities, firewood and water for drinking.
So, you may have chosen C because of the word cooking.
Having recognized your mistake, next time you'll be more attentive and your score will improve respectively.