| In the IELTS Reading test you may be asked to match a list of headings with the correct para graph or section of the text. The headings summarise the main idea of the paragraph/section. |
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| You are reading only for the main ideas at this stage, so remember to ignore unknown words |
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02. Skim read the article to understand the main ideas.
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In order to see all the best attractions and avoid the queues, try to get up early. Early morning is also a good time to take photographs and meet the locals.
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It is also a good idea to memorise a few useful phrases, such as 'please' and 'thank you'. You should not be worried about making mistakes, but try practising the language as much as possible. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, locals respond better to people who make an effort.
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Travellers often face delays and cancellations, so it is important that you do not allow them to ruin your trip. Also, try not to get frustrated when you are unable to communicate with a native. Although you may be tempted to shout in your mother tongue in order to be understood, it is more polite and often more effective to simply use body language. You will have a much better trip if you are prepared for plans to change and you are able to see the funny side if things go wrong.
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Before starting your trip, find out about the people and customs of the place you are visiting. This will help you to integrate more easily and will ensure you do not do anything to offend locals. The more you know about your chosen destination, the more chance you have of gaining the most from your experience.
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Do not just socialise with other travellers, but try to start conversations with locals too. Locals are often the key to knowing the best and cheapest places to visit and eat. Furthermore, talking regularly with natives gives you a much better chance of learning the language. People enhance your travels just as much as sights do .
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In order to get a real feel for a place, spend a few hours sitting in a park or in the main square by yourself, just watching daily life happen around you. Try to absorb all the colours, smells and sounds which surround you.
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In order to match the headings correctly, you need to understand the main idea of the paragraph/section. Some headings may be true of one line or phrase in the paragraph, but if the heading does not summarise the whole section, it is not the correct choice. For example:
a. Taking photographs
b. Seeing the best attractions
c. The best time of day to be a tourist
Only option c relates to information in the whole paragraph.
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| Do not just look for matching words and assume from these you have found the correct answer. |
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03. Choose the most suitable heading for Paragraph B.
a. Do not worry about making mistakes.
b. Make an effort with the language.
c. Your pronunciation is not important. |
04. Choose the most suitable heading for Paragraph C.
a. Delays and cancellations
b. Be relaxed if things do not go to plan
c. Use body language |
05. One way to identify the main idea is to write short summaries of your own, before matching each heading. Follow steps 1-3.
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1. the key words in the text and write a summary in just a few words for each paragraph.
A
Words to underline:
Summary:
B
Words to underline:
Summary:
C
Words to underline:
Summary:
D
Words to underline:
Summary:
E
Words to underline:
Summary:
F
Words to underline:
Summary:
2. Compare your summaries with a partner's. Are they similar?
3. Match your summary/each paragraph with the headings in the box.
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List of headings
i. Research the culture
ii. Use body language
iii. Be flexible and relax
iv. The best time of day to be a tourist
v. Observe daily life
vi. Take photographs
vii. Try to speak the language
viii. Spend time with the locals
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1. Paragraph A
2. Paragraph B
3. Paragraph C
4. Paragraph D
5. Paragraph E
6. Paragraph F
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06. Read this article, describing one of the most interesting train journeys in the world, to get a general idea of what it is about.
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The Trans-Siberian Railway has been described by some as the most memorable journey on Earth. Measuringnearly9,300 km, it is the longest railway line in the world and takes approximately a week to complete. It is one incredible train journey from Red Square to the Great Wall, taking in Siberia, Mongolia, the Gobi Desert and arriving in the great city of Beijing. The journey has captured the imagination of travellers from far and wide since construction began in 1891.
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Although officials have been building this line since 1891, it is still being expanded today. The original Trans-Siberian Railway was built from Moscow to Vladivostok on the orders of Tsar Alexander 111. Building the line was not an easy task as there were only a few qualified engineers and the difficult climate often slowed progress. A lack of workmen meant that soldiers and convicts had to be conscripted to help. Up to 90,000 men were employed in its construction.
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From the moment building began, the project faced many difficulties. Even though it was considered a technological marvel at the time, there were arguments about the quality of work. Rails were considered too light and bridges not strong enough. Many claimed convicts had sabotaged the line. Furthermore, the project also caused serious problems for the Russian economy.
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Despite criticisms, however, the railway more than paid for itself in the twentieth century. The Siberian economy exploded when 2.5 million poor people moved there from European Russia between 1895 and 1916. The region quickly became famous for producing bread and butter. Without the Trans-Siberian Railway, Siberia's industrial revolution would not have happened.
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Today, this service is used by both tourists and workers. Running at an average speed of 60 km/h, it is not designed for anyone in a hurry. Nor are the trains particularly glamorous. The trip could never be described as dull, however, with breathtaking views from the carriage window and the opportunity to talk to fellow passengers.
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Although the trip certainly attracts many foreign tourists, today it gets most of its use from domestic passengers. It is responsible for 30% of Russian exports and carries more than 250,000 containers a year.
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