As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked this question: “Should I Learn Every New English Word From Ielts Reading?”. It’s a valid concern, considering the vast vocabulary used in the IELTS Reading test. While a strong vocabulary is undeniably helpful, trying to learn every single new word you encounter can be overwhelming and, frankly, unnecessary.
Understanding the Importance of Vocabulary in IELTS Reading
The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to comprehend complex texts on various topics. A rich vocabulary undoubtedly aids in understanding the passages, identifying keywords, and answering questions accurately. However, the test focuses more on your ability to:
- Grasp the overall meaning of the text: You need to identify the main ideas, supporting details, and the writer’s tone and purpose.
- Scan for specific information: This requires quickly locating specific names, dates, numbers, or keywords within the text.
- Understand the relationship between ideas: You’ll be tested on your ability to identify cause and effect, compare and contrast, and understand inferences and implications.
Therefore, while vocabulary is important, it’s not the only factor determining your IELTS Reading score.
Strategies for Effective Vocabulary Building for IELTS Reading
Instead of trying to memorize every new word, adopt a more strategic approach:
1. Focus on High-Frequency Words
Prioritize learning high-frequency words commonly used in academic and general English texts. Several resources, like the Academic Word List (AWL), provide a comprehensive list of such words.
2. Learn Words in Context
Don’t just memorize word lists. Instead, learn new words in the context of sentences and paragraphs. This helps you understand their meaning, usage, and collocations, making them easier to remember and apply.
3. Use Context Clues
When you encounter unfamiliar words in IELTS Reading passages, try to deduce their meaning from the surrounding context. Look for synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations within the text.
4. Practice Skimming and Scanning
Develop your skimming and scanning skills to quickly locate specific information without needing to understand every single word.
5. Expand Your Reading Horizons
Read a variety of English texts, such as articles, books, and journals, on diverse subjects. This will naturally expose you to a wider range of vocabulary and help you become familiar with different writing styles.
Example from IELTS Reading Practice Test
Let’s consider an example from an IELTS Reading passage about “The History of Chocolate”:
“The ancient Mayans were among the first to cultivate cacao beans, which they ground and mixed with spices to create a bitter beverage called xocolatl.”
Ancient Mayan Xocolatl
Suppose “xocolatl” is a new word for you. Instead of panicking, use context clues:
- “Cacao beans,” “ground,” “mixed,” and “beverage” suggest something edible and drinkable.
- “Bitter” provides a clue about the taste.
Thus, you can infer that “xocolatl” likely refers to an ancient Mayan drink made from cacao beans, known for its bitter taste.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Panic Over Unfamiliar Words: Remember, you don’t need to understand every single word to answer the questions correctly.
- Use a Dictionary Wisely: Refer to a dictionary only for words crucial to understanding the overall meaning or answering specific questions.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with IELTS Reading materials is key to improving your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while encountering new words during your IELTS Reading preparation is inevitable, attempting to learn every single one is not the most effective approach. Instead, prioritize high-frequency words, learn vocabulary in context, utilize context clues, and practice regularly. By adopting these strategies, you can build a strong vocabulary foundation and enhance your overall reading comprehension, ultimately leading to a higher IELTS score.
