Locating Information - (Reading)

What this task tests

You are given statements like a definition, example, cause, or researcher’s view. Your job is to choose which paragraph contains that information. Paragraphs are usually labeled A, B, C, etc. Answers can appear in any order and a paragraph can be used more than once.

The 5 step method

1. Tag each statement by type
   • definition, reason, result, example, contrast, statistic, recommendation, researcher view.
2. Create anchor words
   • names, years, numbers, unique nouns, topic verbs. Add 2 to 3 synonyms for each.
3. Skim the passage
   • Title, intro, and first sentences for gist of each paragraph. Write a 3 to 5 word gist note per paragraph.
4. Scan by anchors then confirm by meaning
   • Find the likely paragraph using an anchor. Read 3 to 4 lines to verify the function matches the statement type.
5. Eliminate near misses
   • If a paragraph repeats words but gives a different function, cross it out and move on.

Meaning over words

Repeated words do not guarantee a match. Always ask: What is this paragraph doing

• Explaining a cause
• Giving an example
• Contrasting two ideas
• Reporting a researcher’s view
  Choose the paragraph whose purpose fits the statement.

High value anchor list

• Names: Dr Chen, UNESCO, City Council
• Time: in 2019, last decade, during the trial
• Numbers: 37 percent, 120 seats
• Unique nouns: desalination, tram corridor, seed bank
• Verbs of function: led to, challenges, recommends, defines

Paraphrase ladders

Build quick synonym sets to catch meaning:

• due to → because of → owing to
• benefit → advantage → gain
• problem → issue → drawback
• shows → demonstrates → reveals
• started → began → launched

Mini passage and drill

Headings: Paragraph A to E

Paragraph A: The river project began in 2016 to reduce flood risk by restoring wetlands.
Paragraph B: Critics argue that maintenance costs rose because silt removal was underestimated.
Paragraph C: A pilot section near Mill Farm showed that bird numbers doubled within two years.
Paragraph D: The team defines success as fewer emergency road closures rather than total flood prevention.
Paragraph E: Volunteers receive training in water testing and habitat mapping each spring.

Statements

1. An explanation of what counts as success
2. A claim that expenses increased for a particular reason
3. Evidence from a small scale trial
4. The original aim of the project
5. Details of community involvement

Keys with reasons

1. D - defines success → function is definition
2. B - costs rose because → reason
3. C - pilot section showed → example with result
4. A - began in 2016 to reduce flood risk → purpose
5. E - volunteers receive training → involvement detail

What to notice
We matched by function first, then by words.

Common traps and fixes

• Word trap: same noun in two paragraphs. Fix: confirm the function matches the statement.
• Half match: paragraph mentions the topic but not the specific reason or definition. Fix: reject it.
• Order bias: searching in sequence when items can jump. Fix: scan globally using anchors.
• Overlong reading: reading full paragraphs each time. Fix: read 3 to 4 lines around the anchor only.

Error tags for review

• WF = word focus over meaning
• HM = half match accepted
• AF = anchor missing or weak
• FT = function type misread
• TM = time or number mismatch

Timing plan (set of 5 to 7 items)

• 60 to 90 s skim and gist notes for A to E
• 3 to 4 min locate items using anchors and function check
• 60 s verify leftovers and recheck time or number details

Quick checklist before you move on

• Did I label each statement by type
• Do I have at least two anchors per statement
• Does the paragraph’s purpose match the statement
• Are time and numbers aligned
• Did I eliminate lookalikes clearly

Practice routine (10 minutes)

1. 2 min skim and write gist notes for all paragraphs.
2. 6 min answer items in any order using anchors.
3. 2 min review two toughest choices and name the function that decided them.

Build your unique study system

• Keep a function bank with examples you have solved for definition, reason, result, contrast, example, recommendation.
• Maintain an anchor notebook: after each passage, add new names, number styles, and domain words.
• Run an error loop: pick one tag, write a fix rule, and apply it on the next set.
• Practice global scan: choose the paragraph before reading deeply.

Final advice

Treat Locating Information as a search for purpose. Use anchors to land in the right paragraph and confirm with function words. Eliminate near matches without fear. With short gist notes and a steady method, this task becomes quick, logical, and high scoring.