As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous intriguing topics in the IELTS Reading section. One such topic that often surfaces, leaving students both curious and sometimes perplexed, is “why do whales beach themselves?” This article will delve into why this topic appears in IELTS Reading, how to approach such passages effectively, and provide tips to boost your reading comprehension skills for a stellar IELTS score.
Understanding the Relevance in IELTS Reading
The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract key information efficiently. The topic of whale strandings, while seemingly unusual, aligns perfectly with this objective. Here’s why:
- Scientific Context: Whale strandings are a scientific puzzle, and articles on this topic often delve into marine biology, environmental factors, and animal behavior – all areas that showcase your ability to grasp academic language and concepts.
- Vocabulary Enhancement: You’ll encounter specialized vocabulary related to marine life, oceanography, and scientific research, enriching your lexicon and demonstrating your grasp of a wide range of terminology.
- Critical Analysis: Passages about whale strandings often present various theories and hypotheses, requiring you to differentiate between facts, opinions, and potential explanations – a key skill tested in IELTS Reading.
Tackling “Why Do Whales Beach Themselves” Passages
Navigating these passages effectively involves a strategic approach:
- Skimming and Scanning: Begin by skimming the passage quickly to get a general understanding of the content. Then, scan for keywords related to reasons for whale strandings, such as “sonar,” “pollution,” “navigation,” “magnetic fields,” etc.
- Identifying Key Information: Pay close attention to topic sentences and supporting details. Look for cause-and-effect relationships, contrasting viewpoints, and any evidence presented to support different theories.
- Vocabulary in Context: Don’t let unfamiliar words deter you. Use context clues within the sentence and surrounding paragraphs to infer their meanings. Note down any new vocabulary to review later.
whale stranding sonar
Example from an IELTS Reading Passage:
Consider this excerpt:
“One leading theory suggests that anthropogenic noise pollution, particularly from sonar systems used in naval exercises, can disorient whales and dolphins, leading to strandings. The high-intensity sounds can interfere with their echolocation abilities, causing them to misjudge their surroundings and potentially beach themselves.”
- Keywords: “sonar,” “noise pollution,” “disorient,” “echolocation,” “strandings.”
- Key Information: Human-made noise pollution, especially sonar, is presented as a potential cause of whale strandings. The passage explains how sonar can disrupt a whale’s navigation system.
Tips for Success:
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with different question types in IELTS Reading, such as True/False/Not Given, multiple-choice, and sentence completion.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Actively work on building your vocabulary related to science, nature, and the environment.
- Read Scientific Articles: Engage with articles from reputable sources like National Geographic, Scientific American, or BBC Earth to enhance your understanding of scientific writing styles and topics.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of tackling challenging IELTS Reading passages like those on whale strandings requires a blend of strategic reading skills, vocabulary expansion, and regular practice. By following the tips outlined above and approaching these passages with curiosity and a critical eye, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the IELTS Reading section and achieve your desired score.
