Why this strategy works#
Most students read IELTS passages without a plan, then waste time searching for answers. The keyword underlining strategy changes this completely.
You underline key words in the questions first, then scan the passage for these exact words or their synonyms. This works because IELTS passages always contain the information you need – you just need to find it quickly.
How to do it step-by-step#
Read each question and underline the most important words – usually nouns, adjectives, and numbers.
For example, in the question “What caused the decline in bee populations?”, underline “decline”, “bee”, and “populations”. Then scan the passage for these words or similar ones like “decrease”, “bees”, or “numbers of bees”. When you find a match, read that sentence carefully for your answer.
This technique works best for factual questions like multiple choice, sentence completion, and short answer questions. Use it when you’re looking for specific information rather than the main idea of a paragraph.
Don’t use it for questions about the writer’s opinion or attitude – these need a different approach.
You can start with easier passages and time yourself and practice finding 5 different keywords in 30 seconds. Then practice scanning a paragraph for those keywords in another 30 seconds.
Most students can master this technique in 2-3 practice sessions if they focus on speed and accuracy together.