A Detailed Review of “Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills” in ebook version

For those still unsure about how to study Reading without strong reading skills or a rich vocabulary to fully understand passages, Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills by author Sam McCarter is the perfect choice. It covers many IELTS Reading question types and test formats. Through common IELTS Reading practice exercises, the "Improve your IELTS Reading Skills" material helps boost your reading ability over time. Let's explore it together with PREP!

I. Introduction to Improve Your Ielts Reading Skills

1. General information

Also part of author Sam McCarter's Improve Your IELTS series, Improve Your IELTS Reading has proven itself just as popular as its Writing, Listening, and Speaking counterparts. The book breaks down different question types and strategies needed for each exam format, allowing test takers to complete tasks more quickly while still achieving high scores.

Reading can also be an easier skill to score points in compared to Speaking and Writing if you practice effectively. Sam McCarter has successfully incorporated all reading question types from authentic IELTS tests into this book.

As the author pays more attention to IELTS candidates' needs, this material was created more scientifically compared to many other IELTS Reading resources.

2. Main parts of the book

Like the other books in the series, Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills PDF includes 10 Units corresponding to 10 topics, focusing on academic skills and reading methods to help readers easily master the knowledge of each lesson.

• First is the Reading Skills section. Here, learners are introduced to new methods and strategies for tackling questions, allowing flexibility to choose formats for self-study.
• A diverse vocabulary bank covers common themes in IELTS exam questions, supporting vocabulary development from basic to advanced levels.
• Every question type that may appear in the test is addressed. However, each part progresses from easier to more difficult questions like Short Answer Questions, Sentence Completion, True-False-Not Given, Matching Headings, and Yes/No/Not Given - frequently seen questions that help familiarize test takers.
• The end of each topic includes Exam practice sections with authentic question styles to mimic the real IELTS Reading test format.

3. Targeted learner

Based on the sections divided in the book, Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills by Sam McCarter PDF contains question types ranging from basic to advanced levels. Therefore, it can be used by IELTS learners of various proficiency levels. Specifically, there are two main target groups:

• For beginner IELTS preparation, where Reading skills are still developing and test-taking strategies have yet to be identified, try Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills 4.5-6.0
• For those looking to improve their band score and gain additional practice on authentic, exam-like questions, try Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills 6.0-7.5

II. The pros & cons of Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills

1. Pros

The Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills book is widely well-received as it meets many of IELTS learners' needs. Its high download and sales numbers since publication reflect its success. What are the key reasons? Here are some outstanding benefits:

• Exam Practice sections consolidate authentic-like questions, reducing test shock for candidates.
• Technique boxes explain strategies for each exercise type (summarizing, skimming, finding keywords, etc), conveniently noted for easy reference.
• Most common difficulties with strategies are directly addressed next to examples.
• Each unit focuses on one format, making content easy to follow and understand.

2. Cons

While Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills offers comprehensive reading skills and tests, one limitation is the lack of clear numbering for some exercise types within each Unit. Different exercises are not always separated onto distinct pages, which could potentially cause confusion.

III. How to use Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills effectively

1. Time Pressure

The benefit of timed practice is getting used to the pace of completing Reading tasks, checking whether the answers match your understanding, and correcting mistakes. 

Familiarize yourself with shorter time limits than the real test. Careful time management across 3 sections is crucial. Aim to finish one 10-question passage in 15 minutes rather than 20.

2. Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills Through each Unit

If you are unfamiliar with skimming and scanning skills, it is highly recommended to study this book. These techniques are extremely important when tackling Reading tasks. Within Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills Answer Key, learners will systematically and effectively apply these skills through each Unit. The focus should be on efficiently locating key details to answer questions within the time limit, not on complete comprehension of full passages or struggling to contextualize every word. .

3. Learn Tactics for Each Question Type

There are various question types, each with different question styles. In general, Reading strategies are straightforward and applicable across formats:

• Read the question and underline the keywords
• Scan the relevant paragraph for the underlined keywords and find the answer

Practicing each type will aid understanding and allow recall/application during tests.

4. Draw Lessons from Incorrect and Correct Answers

After tests, mark wrong and right answers on a progress tracking table for review and time efficiency.

Students can refer to the progress tracking table shared by Ms. Trang Truong - PREP’s Academic Manager:

• Date: Record number of passages attempted daily
• Material: Note read passages
• Score: Record correct, incorrect answers and current score
• Question Type: Identify weak areas for focused study
• Time: Manage time appropriately
• Reasons for Errors: Determine causes and tailored solutions

5. Learn Vocabulary from Passages

Create a table to record new words and ideas to apply not just for Reading but Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

Consider these note-taking and review approaches:

• Word Web: Write the main topic large in the center of the page. Then draw straight lines radiating outwards to form a web-like network. Categorize vocabulary words along the branches according to word groups or meanings.
• Word Station: Write the main topic large in the middle of the page. From there, branch out into smaller sub-topics using labels like Places, Timetable, Tickets, and People. Finally, write vocabulary words under each station label to create an organized note-taking system.
• Word Collector: Organize words into columns according to synonyms, antonyms, and illustrative examples.

IV. Download Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills PDF by Sam McCarter for free

By now you've surely considered the benefits outlined and the contents included in the Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills eBook. Download it to access Sam McCarter's detailed Reading preparation techniques. The provided link below is completely free.

DOWNLOAD EBOOK IMPROVE YOUR IELTS READING SKILLS SAM MCCARTER PDF

With just one book and following the instructions provided by PREP, you will be amazed at the score you can achieve, far surpassing your expectations after just 1 to 2 months of studying. Refer to this Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills PDF book right away to gain effective tips for studying IELTS Reading.