IELTS Reading Tips (New)

IELTS Tip: Answering Reading questions that ask about the writer’s point of view

The IELTS Reading task uses some ten question types, any of which may appear on the Reading test you take. Some are more difficult than others, but most candidates agree that the hardest of all are the questions that ask you to Identify the Writer’s Point of View. It is particularly challenging because the answer does not appear directly in the reading passage, or even in any one particular place in it. You are not asked to say whether a statement is true or false, or fact or opinion – but whether you think the author would

agree with it (Yes) or not (No), or whether there is not enough information in the passage to know whether the author would concur (N/G).

To answer these questions requires what an English idiom calls “reading between the lines.” The reader has to understand what the author says well enough to understand what he does not say, but implies, as well. To determine whether an author would agree with a given statement, pay close attention to all the possible indicators – words, phrases, and ideas – that provide clues.

Particular tips for handling this question type are:

• Read the questions first – and carefully. You should always read the questions. first, but if you see this question type, read the statements carefully so you can be on the lookout for clues to the correct answer the entire time you are reading.

• Scan the areas around key words. Key words in the statement can lead you to the place where the writer discusses the issue raised in the statement. Look for indications there.

• Look for judgment or “leading” words throughout the passage. Note how the writer addresses his topic. Does the writer care about the topic? Is the writer concerned about the topic? Does the writer have obvious affection or dislike for the topic? Any of these could indicate what the author might think about a related statement.