Introduction

As a prerequisite for most study programs, immigration, and prestigious positions available globally, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has gained an outstanding status among other international English language tests. Consequently, millions of candidates take the IELTS annually. With the high cost of the test internationally, preparation has to be taken seriously to save both time and money.

This article sheds light on reading challenges encountered in the IELTS, as well as introducing readers to the wave-like motion strategy. 

Reading Challenges of the IELTS

Based on the opinions of many IELTS test takers, the reading section of the test is the most challenging for several reasons, e.g. time management, difficult vocabulary, mastering the main idea, etc. Time management is the major issue encountered when approaching the IELTS. Candidates have to manage a huge amount of information in a short time. When overwhelmed with information, it is quite easy for the test takers to lose control over the time allowed. Here, getting to the right answers becomes difficult; especially when having a higher level of anxiety. To some potential test takers, this may not seem the supreme issue. Test takers can answer all questions correctly; however, what is the point of this achievement when failing to do this within the time limit allowed? Alternatively, they can answer most, not all, the questions correctly while managing to control both time and nerves. 

Meeting Challenges using the Wave-like Motion Strategy:    

To meet the previously mentioned challenges, the wave-like motion is the idealistic strategy. The wave-like motion strategy suggests reading the first few words in the first line followed by the last few words in the second line. Then, the candidate reads the first few words of the third line, and so on. Eventually, the movement of the eye over lines turns into a wave-like motion. Here, two points should be taken into consideration. First, reading should be accomplished using only the eye; no finger, pen, or pencil tracing. Second, candidates should focus only on keywords, e.g. nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. This helps them read faster and understand better depending only on the most important words giving meanings. 

Stages to Use the Wave-like Motion Strategy In

There are three major stages of reading, i.e. pre-reading while reading, and post-reading. Surprisingly, the wave-like motion strategy can be used in all of them. Following this strategy before reading, for instance, helps readers preview and predict information to be presented in the reading passage. This can be beneficial in two ways. First, it helps the brain anticipate relevant vocabulary and ideas related to the topic based on a quick skim of the passage. Second, it helps readers spot the most important ideas. Hence, they can locate where to find answers to questions encountered later based on spots of key points and keywords. 

Conclusion

To put it in a nutshell, in spite of being highly challenging, reading issues of the IELTS test can be tackled using the wave-like motion strategy during the three stages of reading. When practiced properly, this strategy leads to reading faster and understanding better. Here, answering questions correctly becomes easier.