As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve witnessed countless students grapple with the complexities of the reading section. A recurring theme, particularly for those aiming for higher band scores, is the struggle with intricate passages dealing with business and management topics. One such area of difficulty often revolves around the question, “What do managers actually do?” This frequently appears in IELTS Reading, and understanding how to tackle such passages is crucial for success.

Understanding the Significance of Management-Focused Passages in IELTS Reading

The IELTS exam is designed to assess your ability to comprehend and analyze information presented in academic contexts. Therefore, it’s not surprising to encounter passages related to various professional fields, including management. These passages often explore:

• Roles and Responsibilities of Managers: Expect to delve into the various functions managers perform, such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
• Management Theories and Styles: Passages might discuss different management approaches like autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire, requiring you to distinguish between them.
• Organizational Structures and Hierarchy: Understanding how companies are structured and the flow of authority is often key to answering questions accurately.
• Current Trends in Management: Be prepared to encounter topics like globalization, technological advancements, and their impact on management practices.

Decoding Management Jargon: Essential Vocabulary

One of the main challenges in these passages is the specific vocabulary used. To effectively navigate them, familiarize yourself with common management terms, such as:

• Delegation: The act of assigning tasks to others.
• Empowerment: Giving employees the authority to make decisions.
• Motivation: The factors that encourage employees to perform.
• Performance Appraisal: The process of evaluating employee performance.
• Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and determining how to achieve them.

management-concepts-mind-map|management concepts mind map|A colorful mind map illustrating various management concepts such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, with connections and sub-branches showing their interrelationships.

Applying Reading Strategies for IELTS Success

• Skimming and Scanning: Quickly skim the passage to grasp the main idea and then scan for specific information related to the questions.
• Identifying Keywords: Circle or highlight key terms in both the passage and the questions to guide your reading.
• Understanding Context: Pay close attention to the surrounding sentences to decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
• Making Inferences: Sometimes, answers are not directly stated. You may need to infer meaning based on the information provided.

Example from an IELTS Reading Passage

Let’s consider a hypothetical example:

“Traditionally, managers were viewed as taskmasters, solely focused on efficiency and output. However, contemporary management emphasizes a more holistic approach, recognizing the importance of employee well-being, motivation, and development.”

Question: What is the primary difference between traditional and contemporary management styles?

Answer: By understanding the context and key terms like “taskmasters” and “holistic approach,” you can infer that the answer revolves around a shift from a purely task-oriented style to one that values employee well-being.

Achieving IELTS Excellence: Tips and Tricks

• Practice Regularly: Engage with various IELTS reading materials, particularly those focused on business and management themes.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Make flashcards, use a vocabulary-building app, or read business articles to enhance your understanding of management terminology.
• Time Management: During the exam, allocate your time wisely for each passage and question. Don’t dwell too long on a single question.

By following these strategies and consistently practicing, you can confidently approach even the most challenging IELTS Reading passages and boost your chances of achieving your desired band score.