As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students perplexed by the infamous “What do managers actually do?” IELTS reading question type. This question format, often appearing in the IELTS Academic Reading section, can be tricky if you don’t approach it strategically. This article will delve into understanding this question type, equipping you with the skills to confidently tackle it and boost your IELTS Reading score.
Deciphering “What Do Managers Actually Do?” Questions
This question type focuses on identifying specific information presented in the text about the actual roles and responsibilities of managers. It goes beyond general management knowledge and tests your ability to:
- Locate specific details: You need to pinpoint exact information embedded within the passage.
- Understand inferences: The answer may not be stated outright; you might need to infer meaning from the context.
- Differentiate between ideas: The passage might present contrasting viewpoints or multiple perspectives on managerial roles. You must distinguish between these to select the correct answer.
Mastering the Approach
- Keyword Focus: Carefully read the question and identify keywords. These keywords will guide you to the relevant section in the reading passage.
- Scan the Passage: Don’t read the entire text meticulously. Instead, use your keywords to locate the specific paragraph(s) containing the relevant information.
- Read Carefully: Once you’ve found the relevant section, read it carefully, paying attention to how the information is presented and any contrasting ideas.
- Match and Eliminate: Match the information you’ve found with the answer choices provided. Eliminate any options that contradict the text or are not supported by evidence.
Modern Manager Workplace
Example from an IELTS Reading Passage
Let’s imagine an IELTS reading passage discussing the evolving role of managers in the 21st century. A potential “What do managers actually do?” question could be:
According to the text, what is one task that modern managers are now expected to perform?
(A) Solely focusing on achieving organizational targets
(B) Maintaining strict hierarchical structures within teams
(C) Fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
After scanning the passage, you locate the relevant sentence: ” Unlike their predecessors, today’s managers are tasked with cultivating collaborative environments that encourage innovation and employee growth.”
By carefully reading and matching the information, you can confidently eliminate options (A) and (B). The correct answer is (C) Fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Tips for Success
- Practice Skimming and Scanning: These techniques are essential for quickly finding relevant information within a text.
- Improve your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary will help you understand complex ideas and nuances in meaning.
- Familiarize yourself with Paraphrasing: The answer choices will often rephrase information from the passage.
- Time Management: Don’t spend too long on a single question. If you’re struggling, move on and return to it later if you have time.
Conclusion
“What do managers actually do?” questions in the IELTS Reading section might seem daunting at first. However, by understanding the question format, adopting a strategic approach, and practicing your reading skills, you can confidently tackle them. Remember, the key is to be meticulous in your reading, focus on keywords, and use the text to support your answers. With consistent effort and the right strategies, you can achieve your desired IELTS score.
