As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who struggle with the reading section, especially when the topic involves social issues like bullying. Understanding complex texts and extracting key information under time pressure can be challenging. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively tackle IELTS reading passages focusing on steps schools can take to reduce bullying.
Understanding the Importance of this Topic in IELTS Reading
The IELTS exam often features passages related to current social concerns, and bullying in educational settings is a recurring theme. Therefore, understanding this topic and the related vocabulary is crucial for achieving a good score. You might encounter texts discussing:
- Types of bullying: Physical, verbal, psychological, cyberbullying
- Causes of bullying: Social dynamics, family background, individual factors
- Effects of bullying: Mental health, academic performance, social development
- Preventative measures: School policies, teacher training, parental involvement
- Intervention strategies: Counseling, peer support, restorative justice
Effectively Approaching IELTS Reading Passages on Bullying
Here’s how you can tackle these passages effectively:
1. Skim and Scan
- Skim the passage quickly to grasp the main idea and overall structure.
- Scan for keywords related to bullying, such as “harassment,” “intimidation,” “victim,” “bystander,” “prevention,” and “intervention.”
2. Identify Key Information
Pay attention to:
- Statistics and facts supporting the arguments.
- Expert opinions and quotes from researchers or educators.
- Specific examples of school programs or initiatives.
3. Understand Vocabulary in Context
Don’t panic if you encounter unfamiliar words. Use context clues to infer their meanings. For example, if the text mentions “cyberbullying and its detrimental impact on mental well-being,” you can infer that “detrimental” means harmful.
school-bullying-prevention-program|School Bullying Prevention Program|A diverse group of students participate in a school bullying prevention program, engaging in activities that promote empathy, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Example from an IELTS Reading Passage
Let’s consider an excerpt:
“Schools are implementing various strategies to combat bullying. One approach is promoting social-emotional learning programs that teach students empathy, conflict resolution, and responsible online behavior.”
- Keyword: “Social-emotional learning” – even if you don’t know the term, you can understand it’s a type of program.
- Context clues: The phrase “teach students empathy, conflict resolution…” helps define what social-emotional learning entails.
Tips for Success
- Expand your vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with common terms related to bullying and education.
- Practice active reading: Underline keywords, jot down notes, and summarize paragraphs in your own words.
- Time management: Allocate your time wisely during the exam to ensure you have enough time to read and answer all questions.
Conclusion
By understanding the significance of the topic, employing effective reading strategies, and familiarizing yourself with relevant vocabulary, you can confidently approach IELTS reading passages on bullying. Remember, consistent practice is key!
