Why This Works#
Most IELTS Reading questions don’t use the exact words from the passage. The examiners deliberately paraphrase key information using synonyms, different grammar structures, and alternative expressions.
How to Apply the Technique#
Step 1: You should identify 2-3 keywords in each question before reading the passage.
Step 2: You can think of synonyms and related words for each keyword. For example, if the question mentions “children,” think: kids, youngsters, pupils, minors, youth.
Step 3: You should scan the passage looking for these transformed keywords, not the original words from the question.
When to Use This Technique#
You may use keyword transformation for True/False/Not Given questions and matching tasks in all three Reading passages. It’s especially powerful in Academic Reading Passage 3, where paraphrasing is most complex.
Practice Steps#
Daily practice: Take one question, write down 3-4 synonyms for each main keyword, then find the answer in the passage. Weekly check: Review your mistakes and notice which keyword transformations you missed.
Start with 5 questions per day using this method – your accuracy will improve within two weeks of consistent practice.