As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous students perplexed by the “Can animals count?” theme, often appearing in the IELTS Reading section. These passages explore the fascinating cognitive abilities of animals, focusing on their mathematical prowess (or lack thereof). Today, let’s delve into how to effectively tackle such passages and conquer those tricky questions.

Understanding the “Can Animals Count?” Theme in IELTS Reading

This theme goes beyond a simple “yes” or “no.” It delves into scientific studies, experiments, and observations that shed light on animal intelligence. You might encounter:

• Examples of animals displaying numerical competency: Apes selecting a box with more treats, birds returning to a feeder with the most food.
• Contrasting viewpoints: Some scientists argue these are learned behaviors, not true counting, while others champion the idea of animal mathematics.
• Types of studies: Researchers use various methods like mazes, hidden objects, and even symbolic communication to assess animal cognition.

Navigating “Can Animals Count?” IELTS Reading Passages

1. Active Reading is Key:

• Skim for the gist: Quickly identify the main argument – are the authors pro or against animals possessing true counting abilities?
• Scan for keywords: Look for terms like “numerical competence,” “cognitive abilities,” “experiment,” “results,” “conclusions.”
• Highlight key information: Mark sentences containing crucial findings, contrasting viewpoints, or specific examples.

2. Pay Attention to Visuals:

These passages often include graphs, charts, or images depicting experimental setups or results. Analyze them carefully, as questions might directly relate to this visual data.

Animal Cognition Experiment

3. Master Question Types:

Be prepared for:

• True/False/Not Given: These assess your ability to identify information directly stated, contradicted, or not mentioned in the passage.
• Matching headings: You’ll link headings to specific paragraphs based on their main ideas.
• Multiple Choice: These assess comprehension of specific details, inferences, or the author’s overall stance.

Example: Applying the Strategies

Imagine a passage discussing a study where a crow correctly chooses a hidden treat based on the number of taps it hears.

• Question: The experiment proved definitively that crows can count. (True/False/Not Given)
• Answer: Likely “Not Given.” While the experiment suggests numerical understanding, proving definitively that crows “count” is a strong statement the passage might not explicitly confirm.

Tips for Success:

• Expand your vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with scientific terms related to animal behavior and research methods.
• Practice diverse question types: Hone your skills in identifying information, understanding vocabulary in context, and making inferences.
• Read actively: Don’t just read passively; engage with the text, ask questions, and summarize sections to enhance comprehension.

Conclusion

Tackling the “Can Animals Count?” theme in IELTS Reading requires a blend of scientific curiosity and strategic reading skills. By understanding the nuances of this topic, employing active reading techniques, and mastering question types, you’ll confidently navigate these fascinating passages and ace your IELTS exam!