Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to quickly locate keywords in IELTS Reading passages, recognize different forms of the same meaning (paraphrasing), and apply techniques to track synonyms and phrases across text and questions. You will also learn to distinguish between exact matches and paraphrased ideas, enabling faster and more accurate answer selection under exam conditions.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you are required to demonstrate your ability to locate and interpret key words and paraphrased ideas in Reading texts and questions. For revision, focus on the following syllabus areas:
- Identify and scan for exact keywords as well as their synonyms and word families across a passage.
- Recognize paraphrasing at word, phrase, and sentence level, including variations in question stems and answer options.
- Match keywords and paraphrased expressions between the questions and the reading passage to find supporting evidence.
- Evaluate whether potential evidence is an exact or paraphrased match to the question requirements.
- Efficiently scan and map question content to relevant sections of text, even when wording is changed.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the primary difference between a keyword match and a paraphrase in IELTS Reading?
- If a reading question uses a different word from the passage (e.g. "assist" in the question, "help" in the passage), is this likely an exact match or a tracked paraphrase?
- What scanning strategy allows you to find information even if the exact question words do not appear in the passage?
- Why is it risky to rely only on exact word matches when answering IELTS Reading questions?
Introduction
Many IELTS Reading questions ask you to find information that may be presented in different words in the passage than in the question. This requires not just locating exact key terms, but also spotting synonyms, word families, and paraphrased expressions. Developing the ability to track both keywords and their paraphrased equivalents is essential for efficiently finding answers and avoiding common mistakes.
Key Term: Keyword
A word or short phrase in the question or text that represents the main idea or factual detail to be located in the passage.Key Term: Paraphrase
The restatement of an idea in different words, which may use synonyms, grammar changes, or sentence restructuring.Key Term: Scanning
Rapidly moving your eyes over text to locate a keyword, number, name, or paraphrased idea without reading every word.
Keyword Identification and Tracking
IELTS Reading passages frequently restate the same ideas in new words. For example, a question might use the word "children," while the passage refers to "youngsters" or "minors." Effective tracking means being prepared for these alternative versions.
To locate answers:
- Begin by identifying main content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, numbers) from the question.
- Predict common synonyms or related phrases for those words.
- When scanning, search not only for exact terms but for these possible variants.
Paraphrase Matching in Practice
Many correct answers are supported by paraphrased evidence, not just word-for-word repetition. Develop an eye for:
- Synonyms (e.g., "assist" for "help," "purchase" for "buy").
- Opposites or contrast (e.g., "rise" vs. "decline" in questions about change).
- Reworded information (active to passive, or a fact turned into a reason).
- Changes in grammatical form (verb to noun: "decide" vs. "decision").
Key Term: Synonym
A word or phrase with the same or nearly the same meaning as another in the context used.
Working with Word Families and Context
Sometimes, a keyword will appear in the passage as part of the same word family but not in the same form:
- "Discuss," "discussion," and "discusses" all relate to the keyword "discuss."
Be careful to consider the context to ensure the meaning remains correct when matching the terms.
Practical Approach for Scanning and Paraphrase Tracking
- Read the question and highlight or underline exact keywords.
- Think of synonyms, antonyms, and related phrases before searching the passage.
- Scan through the passage at speed, looking for both the target words and their paraphrased forms.
- When found, check surrounding text for meaning—ensure the idea matches the question, even if the words are not identical.
Worked Example 1.1
The following passage is from an IELTS Reading section:
Over the last decade, communal gardens have been established in many European cities, providing residents with places to grow vegetables and plants. These gardens encourage social interaction and allow city-dwellers to reconnect with nature. According to a recent study, people who participate in communal gardening report lower stress levels than those who do not.
Question: Which benefit of communal gardens is mentioned in the passage?
a) They allow people to buy fresh produce.
b) They help city residents spend time with others.
c) They improve transportation in cities.
d) They increase housing prices in city centers.
Answer:
b) They help city residents spend time with others.
- Explanation: The passage mentions communal gardens "encourage social interaction," which is a paraphrase for "help people spend time with others." This is not an exact word match, but a synonym match. Words like "encourage social interaction" and "help spend time" are paraphrased versions of the same idea.
Worked Example 1.2
Read this excerpt:
Recent improvements in public transport have made commuting more convenient for employees working outside city centres. Trains now depart at regular intervals and ticket prices have decreased, making public transport an appealing alternative to driving.
Question: In the passage, what is said to be a result of improved public transport?
a) More people use their own cars.
b) The number of commuters has fallen.
c) Traveling to work by train has become more attractive.
d) Employees can choose when to arrive at work.
Answer:
c) Traveling to work by train has become more attractive.
- Explanation: The question uses "more attractive," while the passage says "an appealing alternative," so you must recognize that "attractive" and "appealing" are synonyms here. This is a typical IELTS paraphrase.
Worked Example 1.3
Passage:
Digital assistants have become increasingly common in households. Unlike earlier technology, these devices can understand voice commands and even answer questions, setting them apart from traditional computers. Many users appreciate the convenience these assistants offer when handling routine tasks.
Question: According to the passage, how do digital assistants differ from traditional computers?
Answer:
They can process spoken instructions/commands.
- Explanation: The question asks how digital assistants "differ" and the passage says they "can understand voice commands...setting them apart from traditional computers." The phrase "setting them apart" is a paraphrase for "differ," and "understand voice commands" matches "process spoken instructions."
Exam Warning
A common mistake is to focus only on the exact keyword and overlook equivalent phrases or synonyms in the passage. Answers may be supported by paraphrased or reworded statements, not just identical matches.
Revision Tip
When practicing, make a list of likely synonyms and paraphrased structures for common IELTS question triggers (such as "advantage", "disadvantage", "result", "main reason") and review this regularly.
Summary
Efficient keyword location and paraphrase tracking require both scanning for words and checking for alternate expressions. Synonym and paraphrase recognition enable you to identify correct answers even when questions are not worded the same as the text.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Explain the purpose of keyword and paraphrase tracking in IELTS Reading.
- Identify main content words and possible synonyms before searching.
- Use scanning to locate both exact matches and paraphrased expressions in the passage.
- Distinguish between word-for-word and synonym/paraphrase answers.
- Avoid errors by considering word families and the broader context.
- Practice matching evidence based on meaning, not just exact wording.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Keyword
- Paraphrase
- Scanning
- Synonym