1. Predict! Predict! Predict!

Step 1 is always to get a good idea of what the passage is about by quickly looking at the heading and sub-headings. This speed up and facilities understanding and comprehension.

2. Know what you have to do! Quickly look through the questions. Get a general idea of the question types. Perhaps underline some keywords in the questions at the stage.

3. Read through the passage fairly quickly to form a general picture-is there a line of argument? If so what is it? Essentially find out what is the write trying to do.

4. Go straight to question.1. What kind of answer is required? Skim the passage and then scan for the exact information you are looking for and need.

5. Move to question 2 and repeat this process of understanding the question first. You can underline instruction or key words in the question to help you focus on the specific task at hand. Follow this by skimming and scanning to hopefully get the right answer.

6. Are the questions in the same order as the information in the passage? Yes/No? Knowing this is important as it makes things easier.

7. If the question asks for the exact words from the passage give them exact words.

8. If the question asks for no more than 3 words give them no more than 3 words.

9. If looking for 3 experts and their views or opinions highlight their names in the text. It makes things easier.

10. Looking for parallel expression ”eg.”flight for “ becomes “ struggle”
“problems” becomes “ concerns”
“results in “ becomes “consequences of”

11. In a gap fill look for parts of speech that fit in. is it a adjective or a noun requires? Give them what they want.

12. Matching headings with paragraphs can be tricky. Look for key information in paragraphs not minor details.

13. Always study an example if one is given in the question so you know exactly what they want.

14. Don’t let one tough question stump you and make you upset and angry. Stay cool headed. The next question might be an easy one.