Take a sentence from a Cambridge passage. Write down 3 synonyms for the key words. Then check if those synonyms appear anywhere in the passage. You will discover that IELTS often does not use synonyms for the actual answer – that is the secret.
Strategy: Find the sentence containing the answer, then match meaning, not words.
Different question types demand different high-quality tactics. Here is your cheat sheet.
For word-based answers, copy from the passage exactly. Change nothing. If the passage says “colour,” write “colour” (not “color”). If it says “19th century,” write “19th” not “nineteenth.”
| Question | Answer |
|----------|--------|
| 1. English grammar rules have remained unchanged for centuries. | False |
| 2. Prescriptive grammarians focus on how language is actually used. | False |
| 3. The author agrees with descriptive approaches to grammar. | Not Given |
| 4. Style guides were first introduced in the 20th century. | False |
| 5. Some rules in English lack logical basis. | True |
IELTS Reading features 14 different question types, but three are especially unforgiving of loose interpretation. Here’s how to apply Strictly English principles to each.
| Trap | Example | Solution |
|------|---------|----------|
| Same words, wrong meaning | Text: “The theory was once popular.” Question: “The theory is popular.” → False | Check verb tense & time markers |
| Qualifiers ignored | Text: “Some experts believe…” Question: “Experts believe…” → Not Given | Note “some”, “many”, “all”, “no” |
| False time link | Text: “Plans were made in 2001. Construction began in 2005.” Question: “Construction began in 2001.” → False | Check exact dates |
| Answer hidden across sentences | Text: “Method A is fast. However, it is expensive.” Question: “Method A is cheap.” → False | Read complete idea |
| NG vs False confusion | Text says nothing about cost → Not Given, not False | Ask: “Is the opposite stated?” |
Strictly English Ielts Reading Answers High Quality -
Take a sentence from a Cambridge passage. Write down 3 synonyms for the key words. Then check if those synonyms appear anywhere in the passage. You will discover that IELTS often does not use synonyms for the actual answer – that is the secret.
Strategy: Find the sentence containing the answer, then match meaning, not words.
Different question types demand different high-quality tactics. Here is your cheat sheet. strictly english ielts reading answers high quality
For word-based answers, copy from the passage exactly. Change nothing. If the passage says “colour,” write “colour” (not “color”). If it says “19th century,” write “19th” not “nineteenth.” Take a sentence from a Cambridge passage
| Question | Answer |
|----------|--------|
| 1. English grammar rules have remained unchanged for centuries. | False |
| 2. Prescriptive grammarians focus on how language is actually used. | False |
| 3. The author agrees with descriptive approaches to grammar. | Not Given |
| 4. Style guides were first introduced in the 20th century. | False |
| 5. Some rules in English lack logical basis. | True | Strategy: Find the sentence containing the answer, then
IELTS Reading features 14 different question types, but three are especially unforgiving of loose interpretation. Here’s how to apply Strictly English principles to each.
| Trap | Example | Solution |
|------|---------|----------|
| Same words, wrong meaning | Text: “The theory was once popular.” Question: “The theory is popular.” → False | Check verb tense & time markers |
| Qualifiers ignored | Text: “Some experts believe…” Question: “Experts believe…” → Not Given | Note “some”, “many”, “all”, “no” |
| False time link | Text: “Plans were made in 2001. Construction began in 2005.” Question: “Construction began in 2001.” → False | Check exact dates |
| Answer hidden across sentences | Text: “Method A is fast. However, it is expensive.” Question: “Method A is cheap.” → False | Read complete idea |
| NG vs False confusion | Text says nothing about cost → Not Given, not False | Ask: “Is the opposite stated?” |
