Tip #26 Reading (General Module) (Part 1) Master structured skimming—a systematic approach to quickly extract paragraph gist & predict locations.

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.IELTS General Module Tip for Reading (How to Skim)

1. Tip: Skim the passage first to get the main idea of each paragraph before diving into the questions. This helps you locate answers faster because you’ll know where key information is likely to be.

Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Process:

1. Read the Title & First/Last Sentences
   • The title ("The Evolution of Urban Green Infrastructure") signals the topic: urban green spaces + innovation.
   • Read the first sentence of each paragraph (topic sentences) and glance at the last sentence (often conclusions or transitions).
     • Example:
       1. Para A: "As metropolitan areas burgeon... prioritizing verdant spaces." → Main idea: Cities need green spaces for health/environment.
       2. Para B: "Among the most avant-garde solutions is vertical agriculture..." → Focus: High-tech farming solves food problems.
2. **Highlight Keywords & Synonyms
   • Underline repeated concepts (e.g., "sustainability," "technology," "challenges") and proper nouns (e.g., "Singapore," "Barcelona").
   • Example in Para B:
     • Keywords: vertical agriculture, food insecurity, hydroponics, Singapore → Tells you this paragraph covers high-tech farming’s role in food supply.
3. Label Paragraphs Mentally
   • Assign a 1-3 word summary to each paragraph (like a heading) to create a "mental map."
     • Example:
       1. Para A: Benefits of urban greenery
       2. Para B: Vertical farming fixes food issues
       3. Para C: Challenges of green spaces
4. Anticipate Questions
   • Based on the mental map, predict where specific details might appear.
     • Example: If a question asks "How does technology aid green spaces?", you’d zoom into Para D (AI irrigation).

IELTS Reading Passage

                  The Evolution of Urban Green Infrastructure

[A] As metropolitan areas burgeon at an unprecedented rate, urban designers are increasingly prioritizing the assimilation of verdant spaces into the fabric of cities. Beyond mere aesthetic enhancement, these ecosystems—ranging from sprawling parks to verdurous rooftops—serve critical functions: mitigating urban heat islands, sequestering carbon emissions, and fostering psychological well-being among inhabitants. Empirical research underscores that proximity to nature correlates with reduced cortisol levels and heightened physical engagement, rendering such spaces indispensable in contemporary urban planning.

[B] Among the most avant-garde solutions is vertical agriculture, wherein edifices integrate soilless cultivation systems such as hydroponics and aeroponics. This paradigm not only economizes on spatial demands but also addresses urban food insecurity by decentralizing produce supply chains. Singapore, a pioneer in this domain, has leveraged such innovations to attenuate its dependence on imported groceries while bolstering local sustainability. These initiatives epitomize the symbiosis between ecological stewardship and urban pragmatism.

[C] Nevertheless, sustaining urban flora is fraught with impediments. Exorbitant maintenance expenditures, spatial constraints, and anthropogenic pollution frequently stymie growth trajectories. Municipalities often grapple with reconciling developmental imperatives with ecological preservation, sparking contentious discourse among stakeholders. Detractors contend that the proliferation of high-rises at the expense of green enclaves jeopardizes long-term habitability, whereas advocates posit that economic imperatives must prevail.

[D] Technological interventions, however, are ameliorating these challenges. For instance, AI-driven irrigation mechanisms now employ predictive analytics to optimize aqueous resource allocation. By deploying subterranean sensors that monitor real-time soil hydrology, these systems ensure precise hydration while curtailing profligacy. Barcelona’s adoption of such technology has yielded a 25% reduction in aqueous expenditure across municipal gardens, exemplifying how innovation can enhance the viability of urban greenery.

[E] Equally pivotal is civic engagement. Participatory initiatives—such as communal gardening collectives—instill a sense of custodianship among denizens. In Tokyo, grassroots movements have metamorphosed lackluster thoroughfares into resplendent floral corridors through coordinated planting efforts. These micro-level interventions underscore the profound cumulative impact of decentralized environmental activism.

[F] Projections suggest that future urban green spaces will transcend conventional paradigms, evolving into multifunctional resiliency hubs. Envision arboreal canopies embedded with photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy or bioswales that purify stormwater via phytoremediation. Such innovations portend a paradigm shift in how cities harmonize anthropogenic infrastructure with ecological imperatives, heralding a more salubrious urban epoch.

IELTS Reading Question (Multiple Choice)
Question:
What is one benefit of vertical farming mentioned in the passage?
A) It reduces the need for sunlight.
B) It helps combat food scarcity.
C) It eliminates the use of water.
D) It replaces traditional parks.

Correct Answer: B) It helps combat food scarcity.

How the IELTS Tip Helps Answer the Question

Applying the Tip:

1. Identify the concept: The question asks about a benefit of vertical farming.
2. Locate the section: Skim Paragraph B for ideas related to advantages.
3. Synonym mapping:
   • "Addresses urban food insecurity" = "combat food scarcity" (same meaning, different words).
   • Eliminate distractors:
     • (A) "Reduces sunlight need" is never mentioned.
     • (C) "Eliminates water" is false (hydroponics uses water).
     • (D) "Replaces parks" is unsupported.

 

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