The reading passage " Strictly English " explores the writer’s fascination with the English language, its historical roots, and the establishment of linguistic standards. It highlights the influence of other languages like French, Latin, and Greek, and argues for a logical, codified standard of English to ensure clear communication. Common IELTS Reading Answers for "Strictly English"
Based on various IELTS practice materials, here are the likely answers for short-answer and completion tasks associated with this text:
How the writer understood English word importation: By studying French, Latin, and Greek.
The focus of the writer’s university studies: What words actually meant.
Is the English language permanent?: No (History shows word meanings and grammar frameworks shift over centuries).
The goal of the book Strictly English: To describe and commend a logical standard of language that is free from ambiguity.
Resources for research on "correct" English: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and reputable grammar books.
Why official documents are hard to understand: They combine political correctness with contemporary jargon. Key Concepts in the Passage
Historical Influence: The writer notes that languages like Latin and Greek "exported" words into English, while German is considered its "sister tongue". strictly english ielts reading answers
Logic and Grammar: The writer advocates for grammar based on logic to avoid doubt and ambiguity.
Standardization: The text suggests that while English evolves, there are established standards found in reference books that help people maintain a "capable grasp" of the tongue. General IELTS Reading Tips
To perform well on this and other reading tasks, consider these strategies from official sources like IELTS Liz and IDP IELTS:
Skimming and Scanning: Skim the text quickly to find main ideas, then scan for specific keywords mentioned in the questions.
Follow Word Limits: Always check instructions like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS." Writing extra words will result in a zero for that answer.
Order of Questions: Many question types, such as short-answer and sentence completion, follow the order of information in the passage. Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English
The passage begins with Simon Heffer, a British newspaper columnist, describing how he started sending "round-robin" emails to his colleagues to correct common grammatical errors. These emails eventually gained internet fame, leading to a book deal.
Heffer argues that while language naturally evolves—citing the shift from Chaucer’s English to today—there are established standards that should be upheld. He points to the completion of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in 1928 as a milestone that helped settle logical language patterns. The reading passage " Strictly English " explores
A major theme in the text is Heffer's critique of "private languages" used by specific groups like academics, lawyers, and scientists. He argues these groups use complex jargon and "politically correct" phrasing that often makes documents nonsensical to the general public. Common Questions & Answers
If you are practicing with this specific passage, you will likely encounter these types of questions:
Summary Completion: You may need to fill in blanks about the "Rules of English."
Example: The writer believes grammar should not be a controversial subject.
Example: The language patterns settled a century ago are described as logical and free from ambiguity.
Multiple Choice: These often focus on the writer’s opinion of jargon. Question: Why do some groups use a "private language"?
Answer: Often related to them not wanting outsiders to understand or to follow professional jargon.
Vocabulary/Synonym Matching: The test looks for your ability to recognize synonyms rather than exact word matches. Rule 2: The "Synonym Radar" Rule Train your
Keyword: "Straightforward" might match "easy to understand". Keyword: "Keen" might match "eager". Top Tips for This Passage
Look for Synonyms: The questions will rarely use the exact words from the text (e.g., "private language" might be paraphrased in the options).
Focus on the Writer's Tone: Heffer is prescriptive; he believes there is a "right" word for every situation and that grammar rules should be obeyed.
Manage Your Time: You have 60 minutes for three passages, and there is no extra time to transfer your answers to the sheet. Use the IELTS IDP Preparation Guide to practice your skimming and scanning skills. Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English - SHEC
Paragraph:
“Despite advances in solar technology, adoption rates remain low in cloudy regions due to efficiency drops.”
Heading options:
i. Global solar trends
ii. Climatic limits on solar efficiency
iii. Cost of solar panels
Correct answer: ii
Train your brain to ignore the question’s vocabulary and hunt for its echo in the text.
Read this sentence from a passage: "The experiment failed because the temperature was not maintained."