Recognise the size and frequency synonyms IELTS Reading uses to disguise a match between the question and the passage.
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Reading questions are built to hide the match. Size and frequency words are the most heavily disguised category of all.
If the passage says substantial, the question will say considerable — or significant, or marked. Never substantial.
This is not accidental. If the question repeated the passage's wording, the task would be word-matching rather than reading. So the exam paraphrases, deliberately, and size and frequency words are the most heavily paraphrased category in the whole test — because almost every passage contains them.
Four clusters of words that swap freely inside a group and never across one.
Words swap freely inside a cluster. The trap is always a swap between them.
Eight pairs the exam actually uses to disguise a match.
Terms
Definitions
Five passage-and-question pairs. Decide whether the match is real or the strength has shifted.
This is the True / Not Given decision in miniature. In each case the topic matches. The question is whether the strength matches too.
Passage: the effect on rural employment was negligible. Question claims: there was a marginal effect on rural employment. Does it hold?
Three near-misses. Say whether the match holds, then say what broke it.
One
Passage: a marginal increase in rainfall Question: a considerable increase in rainfall
Match or not?
Because:
Two
Passage: the impact was negligible Question: the impact was insignificant
Match or not?
Because:
Three
Passage: poverty is widespread in the region Question: poverty is abundant in the region
Match or not?
Because: