This blog was started with the aim of helping students prepare for IELTS, who are not acquainted with the right resources and the right help. Today, we are aiming to help you all prepare for the reading section for your upcoming IELTS exam with a simple strategy our expert Richa, expertly developed: The PRBS strategy. 

We will talk in detail about the PRBS strategy to prepare for the IELTS reading section and see how you can undertake the section by preparing for it in just 15 days! 

Yes, it is possible. 

Here is how. 

What is the PRBS strategy?

One of a kind, PRBS strategy talks about easy ways prepare for the IELTS reading section by following a simple methodology 

• Pick a topic (P)
• Read the topic (R)
• Brainstorm the topic (B)
• Summarise the topic (S)

The 4-step strategy framework will get you all set to score a 7+ band score in just 15 days. 

All you need to do is:

• Simply pick a random topic from a newspaper’s editorial page that is approximately 500-2000 words in length. 
• Take time and read it all, as fast as you can. Highlight the important keywords that you come across while reading, the new vocabulary and phrases you come across, other important information that deems necessary in relation to the topic. 
• Once you are through with reading, all you need to do now is try to brainstorm what you have learnt so far. You can do this by finding the meanings and synonyms to the highlighted keywords, trying to comprehend the phrases and other necessary information you have just received. 
• The last step would be to summarise the whole version of what you have just read by writing down the whole topic in small bullet points. When you are starting, you are free to summarise in whatever order you deem fit. There are no hard and fast rules attached to it. You can simply jot down the information as per your memory. However, it is important to jot it down to have a better command over the language, the vocabulary and techniques of reading and retaining. 

If you continue practicing this strategy, along with solving a few sample questions for 15 days, you will be witnessing a major change in your reading and comprehension powers in no time. 

Myths to conquer 

Only native speakers can score 7+ band score in reading section 
This is the first myth that you need to conquer. Even though you are not a native speaker, it does not mean that you cannot score a 7+ band score. Even native speakers are not capable of understanding each and every single word. They too take help from dictionaries and other resources. You are simply not far behind just because you are not a native speaker. 

You cannot clear the exam due to lack of time
IELTS can be cleared by anyone, even when someone is employed. All you need to do is manage a few minutes everyday. The PRBS strategy we explained above requires 15 minutes of your life on a daily basis. Even if you continue doing the same, you are going to gain edge over thousands of other candidates who are not even aware of the same. Having a job does not mean you are about to end your goals, dreams and life. 

English is not your first language/ You do not understand the meaning of certain words 
As we have stated already, even native speakers do not have complete command over the language. It comes with patience and practice. All you need to do is have faith in yourself. There is no mountain you cannot hike without having faith in yourself. Prepare for it, try and practice multiple questions, find out the meaning to every single word you come across and use it in a sentence, brush up on your grammar rules, you will be good to go! 

It is tedious to read and mark the answers in a short time 
For newcomers, yes it can be difficult to manage all your time and undertake the exam within the stipulated time. However, with adequate practice and the right mentorship, you can undertake the exam and still have time left to review the answers you have just written and marked. It will take a couple of weeks and months, but you will reach there. 

Track progress 

The PRBS strategy you are undertaking is a waste of time if you are not tracking your progress. 

Log every little progress either online or offline. Practicing and logging the progress of the four steps should lead you to success eventually. 

• Note down the kind of content you are reading. If you are reading too much on one topic only, broaden your horizon with a variety of subjects to choose from. There is no boundation on the topic in your IELTS exam, it could come from any field. Therefore, you need to be prepared. 
• Note down and maintain that log of the new words and phrases you come across on a daily basis while you are undertaking this strategy. Brush up on the previous vocabulary as well whenever you come across new words or phrases. 
• Mark and note anything new that you are coming across. For future retention and memorizing, it is important that you are noting down every single thing and brushing through it on a regular basis. 

How will the strategy help you?

Undertaking the PRBS strategy can guarantee you the best results just within 15 days! 

• It will offer you skills for concentrating better 
• You will feel a lot more confident than you used to earlier 
• You will be introduced to a wide array of new words and phrases, broadening your vocabulary horizon. 
• You will be introduced to a whole new world of ideas reading styles, and techniques 
• You will be better when it comes to focus and attention 
• You will  be an expert at paraphrasing in no time 
• You will perform better in no time 

Eventually, preparing your vocabulary for the reading section will lead you to be better at the speaking section, listening section and writing section as well. 

Follow our YouTube channel “Unlock IELTS with Richa” for more such great tips and tricks to crack your upcoming IELTS exam in an easy way. All the best!