Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: anchor, predict, scan for meaning and pair. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 10 cards
why exact-word scanning misleads you
The question's own words often sit beside the wrong line. The answer hides behind words that mean the same.
Q: When did the owners start losing money? Text: The owners were pleased in May.same word, wrong line By October, they were running at a losssame idea.
Match meaning, not words.
know which words to scan for
| In the question | In the passage |
|---|---|
| Names and places | Usually the same: scan for them |
| Numbers and dates | Same, or in words: 50% = half |
| Technical terms | Often kept as they are |
| Verbs and adjectives | Swapped for a synonym |
| A whole idea | Rebuilt as a new sentence |
BandLadder advice, not an official rule: scan for what stays, and expect the rest in other words.
Card 3 of 10 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.
Create a free account →10 cards
Unlock 100+ free IELTS study resources
Create a free account to unlock 100+ free IELTS study resources: books, workbooks, lessons and study sheets, plus free practice tests. This lesson's first 3 cards open in the study reader; the rest come with any plan. Download the PDF with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team. It is original BandLadder material from our own study library, not copied from books or other websites.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy