IELTS Reading Practice: Mastering Self-Discipline for Success

The IELTS Reading section is a challenging component of the test, requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to comprehend complex texts and answer various question types within a limited time frame. One topic that has consistently appeared in IELTS Reading passages is self-discipline. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we predict that this theme will continue to be relevant in future tests. Today, we’ll explore a practice passage on “Best ways to practice self-discipline” to help you prepare for your IELTS Reading test.

Self-discipline practice techniques

Practice Reading Passage: The Art of Self-Discipline

Medium Text

Self-discipline is often touted as a cornerstone of success in various aspects of life, from academic achievement to professional accomplishments. But what exactly is self-discipline, and how can one cultivate this valuable trait? At its core, self-discipline is the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve long-term goals. It’s the mental fortitude that allows individuals to persevere through challenges, resist temptations, and maintain focus on their objectives.

Research has consistently shown that individuals with high levels of self-discipline tend to perform better in school, enjoy more satisfying relationships, and achieve greater success in their careers. A landmark study conducted by psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that self-discipline was a better predictor of academic performance than IQ. This underscores the importance of developing self-discipline as a key life skill.

Fortunately, self-discipline is not an innate trait but rather a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time. One of the most effective ways to build self-discipline is through the practice of mindfulness. By cultivating awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, and impulses, individuals can gain greater control over their actions. Regular meditation or mindfulness exercises can help develop this awareness and strengthen the “muscle” of self-control.

Another powerful technique for enhancing self-discipline is goal-setting. By establishing clear, specific, and achievable goals, individuals create a roadmap for their efforts and a benchmark for their progress. It’s important to break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, which can help maintain motivation and prevent overwhelm. Additionally, tracking progress and celebrating small victories along the way can reinforce positive behaviors and boost self-discipline.

Creating a structured environment is also crucial for fostering self-discipline. This involves establishing routines, eliminating distractions, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. For example, someone trying to improve their study habits might designate a specific area for work, remove potential distractions like smartphones, and seek out study groups or accountability partners.

One often overlooked aspect of self-discipline is self-compassion. While it may seem counterintuitive, being kind to oneself in the face of setbacks can actually strengthen resolve and prevent discouragement. Research has shown that individuals who practice self-compassion are more likely to persist in their efforts after experiencing failure or setbacks.

Finally, developing healthy habits is a cornerstone of self-discipline. By consistently engaging in positive behaviors, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, or daily reading, individuals can create a foundation of discipline that extends to other areas of their lives. The key is to start small and gradually increase the complexity and duration of these habits over time.

In conclusion, while self-discipline may seem elusive, it is a skill that can be developed through consistent practice and the application of various techniques. By incorporating mindfulness, goal-setting, structured environments, self-compassion, and healthy habits into their daily lives, individuals can strengthen their self-discipline and unlock their full potential for success.

Questions

1. According to the passage, self-discipline is:
   a) An innate trait that cannot be changed
   b) The ability to control impulses and behaviors to achieve long-term goals
   c) Only important for academic success
   d) A skill that decreases over time

2. The study conducted by psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that:
   a) IQ is the best predictor of academic performance
   b) Self-discipline is not related to academic performance
   c) Self-discipline is a better predictor of academic performance than IQ
   d) Academic performance cannot be predicted

3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to build self-discipline?
   a) Practicing mindfulness
   b) Setting clear goals
   c) Creating a structured environment
   d) Competing with others

4. According to the passage, self-compassion:
   a) Weakens self-discipline
   b) Is unrelated to self-discipline
   c) Can strengthen resolve and prevent discouragement
   d) Should be avoided when trying to build self-discipline

5. The author suggests that developing healthy habits:
   a) Is unnecessary for self-discipline
   b) Should be done all at once
   c) Creates a foundation of discipline that extends to other areas of life
   d) Is only important for physical health

6-10. Complete the summary below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Self-discipline is a crucial skill for success in various aspects of life. It can be developed through several techniques, including practicing (6) to increase awareness of thoughts and emotions. Setting clear and (7) goals is another effective method. Creating a (8) environment and eliminating distractions can also help foster self-discipline. Surprisingly, (9) can strengthen resolve in the face of setbacks. Finally, developing (10) ___ is fundamental to building overall self-discipline.

Answer Key

1. b) The ability to control impulses and behaviors to achieve long-term goals
   Explanation: The passage defines self-discipline as “the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve long-term goals.”

2. c) Self-discipline is a better predictor of academic performance than IQ
   Explanation: The passage states, “A landmark study conducted by psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that self-discipline was a better predictor of academic performance than IQ.”

3. d) Competing with others
   Explanation: The passage does not mention competition as a way to build self-discipline. It focuses on internal strategies and personal development.

4. c) Can strengthen resolve and prevent discouragement
   Explanation: The passage mentions, “Research has shown that individuals who practice self-compassion are more likely to persist in their efforts after experiencing failure or setbacks.”

5. c) Creates a foundation of discipline that extends to other areas of life
   Explanation: The passage states, “By consistently engaging in positive behaviors, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, or daily reading, individuals can create a foundation of discipline that extends to other areas of their lives.”

6. mindfulness
   Explanation: The passage mentions “practicing mindfulness” as a way to build self-discipline.

7. achievable
   Explanation: The text states, “By establishing clear, specific, and achievable goals, individuals create a roadmap for their efforts…”

8. structured
   Explanation: The passage mentions “Creating a structured environment” as crucial for fostering self-discipline.

9. self-compassion
   Explanation: The text discusses how “self-compassion” can strengthen resolve and prevent discouragement.

10. healthy habits
    Explanation: The passage states, “Finally, developing healthy habits is a cornerstone of self-discipline.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When tackling a reading passage like this one, be aware of these common pitfalls:

1. Overlooking key phrases: Pay attention to phrases like “according to the passage” or “the author suggests,” which indicate that the answer should be based solely on the text.

2. Making assumptions: Avoid bringing in outside knowledge or personal opinions. Stick to the information provided in the passage.

3. Misinterpreting negatives: Questions that ask for what is NOT mentioned require careful attention. Double-check all options against the passage.

4. Rushing through summary completion: Take time to understand the context of each blank and ensure your answers fit grammatically and logically.

5. Ignoring word limits: In summary completion tasks, adhere strictly to the word limit given (in this case, NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS).

Key Vocabulary

• Fortitude (noun): courage in pain or adversity
• Persevere (verb): continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty
• Innate (adjective): inborn; natural
• Elusive (adjective): difficult to find, catch, or achieve
• Cornerstone (noun): an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of conditional sentences in the passage. For example:

“By establishing clear, specific, and achievable goals, individuals create a roadmap for their efforts and a benchmark for their progress.”

This is an example of a zero conditional sentence, which expresses a general truth or scientific fact. The structure is:

If/When + present simple, present simple

Practice forming similar sentences related to self-discipline:

• When people practice mindfulness, they gain greater control over their actions.
• If individuals track their progress, they reinforce positive behaviors.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Time management: Practice with timed exercises to improve your speed and efficiency.

2. Skimming and scanning: Develop these skills to quickly locate specific information in the text.

3. Vocabulary building: Regularly learn new words and their contextual usage to improve comprehension.

4. Practice various question types: Familiarize yourself with all IELTS Reading question formats.

5. Read actively: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental summaries.

6. Stay focused: Train your concentration to maintain attention throughout the test.

7. Answer all questions: Even if unsure, always provide an answer as there’s no penalty for guessing.

By incorporating these strategies and regularly practicing with passages like the one on self-discipline, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Reading test. Remember, self-discipline is key to online learning success, which applies not only to IELTS preparation but also to many aspects of life and learning.