The technique of identifying whether phrases in IELTS Reading are parallel or different is known as parallelism or parallel structure. This technique is essential for success in the IELTS Reading section as it helps students to understand the meaning of phrases and sentences in a clear and concise way.
By identifying whether phrases are parallel or different, students can better comprehend the relationships between ideas presented in the reading passages, and more accurately answer questions that require understanding of these relationships. For instance, questions that ask about the main idea, purpose, or tone of a passage often require understanding of the parallel or different phrases within the passage.
Therefore, mastering the skill of identifying parallelism and parallel structure in IELTS Reading can significantly improve a student's ability to comprehend, analyze and answer questions in the Reading section.
Different views of time/variations in the perception of time These two phrases are parallel, meaning they are referring to the same concept. Different views of time and variations in the perception of time both suggest that people perceive time differently based on their personal experiences or cultural background. For example, some cultures may value punctuality and see time as a limited resource, while others may have a more relaxed attitude towards time and view it as more flexible.
Answer a question/fulfill a request These two phrases are also parallel and refer to completing a task or providing information. Answering a question involves giving a response to a specific inquiry, while fulfilling a request involves carrying out a task that someone has asked for. For example, answering the question "What time does the movie start?" would involve providing a specific time, while fulfilling a request to "bring snacks for the movie" would involve obtaining and bringing the requested items.
His employees/the people under him These phrases are parallel and refer to individuals who are under someone else's authority or supervision. "His employees" specifically refers to individuals who work for the person in question, while "the people under him" could refer to any individuals who are under his supervision, such as family members or members of a community organization. For example, a manager might say "I need to make sure my employees are meeting their targets" or "I need to take care of the people under me and ensure they have what they need."
On time/punctual These phrases are synonymous and both refer to being at a designated place or completing a task at the expected time. Being "on time" or "punctual" means arriving or completing something exactly when it is expected or required. For example, a person might say "I need to be on time for my meeting" or "I need to make sure I'm punctual for my flight."
Observing people's behavior/surveying people These phrases are different and refer to different methods of collecting information about people. Observing people's behavior involves watching people and noting their actions or reactions, while surveying people involves asking them questions directly. For example, a psychologist might observe a patient's behavior in a therapy session to gather information about their mental state, while a marketing researcher might survey consumers to gather information about their purchasing habits.
Their attitudes to time/how they think about time These phrases are parallel and both refer to people's beliefs or perceptions about time. "Attitudes to time" refers to how someone feels about time, while "how they think about time" refers to their cognitive understanding of time. For example, someone might have a negative attitude towards time if they feel like there is never enough of it, while someone might think about time in a more abstract way if they enjoy thinking about the nature of time itself.