As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in the IELTS Reading section: experience. Whether it’s a passage discussing the benefits of work experience, the impact of historical events, or the expertise of researchers, understanding how to approach “experience” themed passages is crucial for IELTS success.
Deciphering the Language of Experience
IELTS Reading passages often employ sophisticated vocabulary to convey experience. Here are some key areas to focus on:
1. Synonyms and Paraphrasing
Be prepared to encounter various ways to express the concept of “experience.” Instead of directly using the word, the passage might use:
- Expertise
- Familiarity
- Proficiency
- Background
- Knowledge
- Practice
- Exposure
Example: A passage might say, “The archaeologist possessed an intimate familiarity with ancient pottery techniques” instead of simply saying “The archaeologist was experienced in ancient pottery techniques.”
2. Time-Related Vocabulary
Passages about experience often involve a temporal element. Look out for words and phrases that indicate:
- Duration: lengthy, prolonged, brief, temporary, decades-long
- Frequency: repeated, occasional, infrequent, constant
- Sequence: prior to, subsequent, preceding, following
Example: A question might ask you to identify a researcher’s previous project, requiring you to understand the order of events described in the passage.
active-reading-ielts|active reading for ielts|A person highlighting an IELTS reading passage with colorful highlighters, focusing on keywords and taking notes in the margins.
Strategies for Success
1. Active Reading is Key
Don’t just skim the passage! Engage actively with the text by:
- Highlighting key terms related to experience.
- Jotting down brief notes in the margin summarizing main ideas.
- Circling any time-related words or phrases that establish a chronology.
2. Focus on the Task
Before you even start reading, carefully analyze the questions. Identify:
- Keywords: What specific aspects of experience are the questions targeting?
- Question Types: Are they asking for factual details, inference, or matching headings?
3. Example from a Real IELTS Reading Passage
Let’s say you encounter a passage about the learning benefits of apprenticeships. A question might ask:
“According to the author, what is one advantage apprentices gain from prolonged exposure to a professional environment?”
To answer this, you’d need to locate where the passage discusses “prolonged exposure” (duration) within the context of an apprenticeship and identify the positive outcome highlighted by the author.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice reading and analyzing passages related to experience, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the nuances of vocabulary and identify key information effectively.
Concluding Thoughts
Remember, success in the IELTS Reading section hinges on your ability to quickly comprehend complex information. By developing a keen eye for the language of experience and employing effective reading strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score. Good luck!