As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked by my students: “Should we look up every new word while practicing IELTS reading?” It’s a common dilemma for IELTS test-takers, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s delve into the importance of vocabulary acquisition in IELTS reading and explore the best strategies to tackle unfamiliar words.
The Importance of Vocabulary in IELTS Reading
A strong vocabulary is undoubtedly crucial for success in the IELTS reading section. The passages often contain complex vocabulary from diverse fields, and your ability to comprehend unfamiliar words directly impacts your overall understanding of the text and, consequently, your score. However, constantly reaching for the dictionary can disrupt your reading flow and hinder your ability to complete the test within the time limit.
Striking a Balance: When to Look Up New Words
Here’s a strategic approach to dealing with unfamiliar words in your IELTS reading practice:
1. Context is Key:
Before you grab your dictionary, try to decipher the meaning of the word from the context. Look for clues within the sentence and surrounding sentences. Pay attention to:
- Definition clues: The sentence might explicitly define the word using phrases like “which means,” “refers to,” or “in other words.”
- Example clues: The text might provide examples that illustrate the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
- Restatement clues: The same idea might be expressed using different words or phrases within the same paragraph.
- Contrast clues: The sentence might use contrasting words or phrases that highlight the opposite meaning of the unfamiliar word.
2. Focus on Keywords:
Not all words hold equal importance. Prioritize looking up words that are:
- Repeated frequently throughout the passage.
- Crucial for understanding the main ideas and arguments presented.
- Directly related to the questions you need to answer.
3. Time Management is Crucial:
During your practice sessions, set a time limit for each reading passage. If you find yourself constantly looking up words, it’s time to refine your strategy.
4. Develop Intelligent Guessing Skills:
Learn to make educated guesses about the meaning of unfamiliar words based on:
- Prefixes and suffixes: Understanding common prefixes and suffixes can provide valuable hints about a word’s meaning.
- Word roots: Recognizing the root of a word can often give you a general idea of its meaning.
- Part of speech: Identifying whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb can narrow down its potential meanings.
Example from IELTS Reading:
Consider this sentence from an IELTS reading passage:
“The proliferation of social media platforms has significantly impacted interpersonal communication.”
Instead of immediately looking up “proliferation,” consider the context: the sentence discusses the impact of social media. From this, we can infer that “proliferation” likely means an increase or spread, which fits the context of the sentence.
Tips for Effective Vocabulary Building:
- Read Extensively: Engage with a variety of English texts, such as news articles, academic journals, and fiction.
- Keep a Vocabulary Notebook: Jot down new words along with their definitions, example sentences, and even synonyms.
- Use Flashcards: Flashcards are a proven method for memorizing new vocabulary.
- Practice Regularly: The key to retaining new vocabulary is consistent practice.
Conclusion:
While looking up every new word in IELTS reading practice can be tempting, it’s more effective to develop a balanced approach. Utilize context clues, prioritize keywords, and hone your intelligent guessing skills. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to diverse English texts are the most effective ways to expand your vocabulary and boost your IELTS reading score.