Kamis, 24 Desember 2015

Guessing Strategy in IELTS


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.