Unlike other standardized tests, in IELTS, there is no penalty given
for getting a wrong answer. When you have no idea about the answer, you
can keep trying to answer as it will give you 20 until 25% chance of
getting right answer. So, guessing is a thing that could give positive
contribution for you as well. However, it should be noted that guessing
in IELTS may not be done carelessly. There should be some considerations
that are taken to have a meaningful guessing.
There are some specific guessing techniques that you can apply.
1. Slang
It is better for you to choose an answer which sounds scientific than slang ones. For example,
A. To evaluate the outcomes of the two different kinds of treatment.
B. Because some objects insisted on getting one or the other of the treatments.
As choice A sounds more scientific compared to B whenever you should guess, pick A as the answer.
2. Extreme statements
You should avoid choosing a controversial choice as your answer. Pick an answer which is calm and rational. For example,
A. Abortion should be banned completely.
B. Though it has a lot of benefit, many doctors have suggested their
patients not to take abortion as a merely way out for the unwanted
pregnancy.
Choice B is better to take than A because it is less
controversial. There is another consideration stated in this option as
well.
3. Similar answer choices
When you find two answers
which are almost the same, there is a big tendency that one of those
answers is the right one. For example,
A. Use polyunsaturated cooking oil instead of other cooking oil.
B. Use polyunsaturated cooking oil is not even better than other cooking oil.
These two choices are almost the same, so there is a big opportunity that one of it is the correct answer.
4. Hedging
If you are dealing with a question about the conclusion, you can look
for critical ‘hedge’ phrases such as likely, may, can, will, often,
generally, mostly sometimes, etc. You could pick the answer which uses
one of the above phrases. It will be better for you to avoid answer with
phrases such as exactly, and always.
Still, you need to remember
that being sure for the answer is always better than putting your selves
in a “grey area” by guessing for the answer. But if you really need to
guess, then guess in a smart way of guessing.
