Do you highlight text in books?
If so, do you underline words or use a marker?
Have you purchased books that have been highlighted?
When it comes to computer-delivered IELTS exams, should you use the highlight function?
Today we answer this question as well as other FAQs about the computer IELTS exam.
Today’s question
Everson, a listener, asked today’s question on Spotify.
This is a great place to submit your questions!
Do we have enough time to highlight on computer based test?
What do you think about that?
Some strategies when it comes to computer based?
I really appreciate your podcast it has been so useful in my journey through this jungle that is preparing for IELTS.
#1: Highlighting
When it comes to IELTS, it’s vital that you highlight keywords.
However, you should do so strategically!
You should not highlight interesting passages as you read, as you might do with a physical book.
Instead, highlight key words in both questions and the passage.
This doesn’t affect your score.
The Examiner doesn’t see what you highlighted.
How to highlight
Select the text you want to highlight with your cursor.
Then, right click and you will see options pop up.
Choose “highlight” from the options.
This text will now be highlighted.
You are able to highlight text in both questions and the passages.
What happens if you don’t highlight?
It is very difficult to find answers in the text if you don’t identify key words.
These need to be highlighted in the questions so that you can then scan for them in the passage.
The only other option is to read the entire passage looking for answers.
There is simply not enough time for this.
It’s also easy to lose track of where you were.
Many answers are in order in the passage.
You want to highlight key words or their synonyms when you find them so it’s easy to know where you left off and continue from there.
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#2: Taking notes
When you right click, another option pops up to make a note.
Don’t use this function!
You don’t have time, and it’s not helpful.
#3: Marking questions for review
This is a useful function!
You should not spend longer than one minute looking for an answer.
If you can’t find it quickly, mark it for review and come back.
On the paper-based exam, you can just circle the number on the paper exam.
Since this is not possible on the computer, there is a small box to check for each question.
This flags the question for later review.
Takeaway
Some functions and tools on the computer-based exam are helpful and some are not!
Use today’s tips to take advantage of some and ignore others!
Highlighting and marking questions for review are essential functions.
For all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
