Can I underline or highlight important information in the passages in the Reading section?

Yes, you are allowed to underline or highlight important information in the passages during the IELTS Reading section. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to follow the rules and guidelines set by the IELTS exam.

1. Underline or Highlight with Pencil Only:
When you are reading the passages, you can underline or highlight important information, but you must use a pencil rather than a pen or any other colored marker. This is because the passages are reused for multiple test takers, and using a pencil ensures that the text remains legible for others.

2. Use Underlining or Highlighting Sparingly:
While underlining or highlighting can be helpful to identify key information, it is important not to overdo it. Excessive underlining or highlighting may distract you during the exam and make it difficult to locate the most important points. Therefore, it is advisable to underline or highlight only the most significant details that will help you answer the questions more effectively.

3. Focus on Keywords and Phrases:
Instead of highlighting entire sentences or paragraphs, it is more effective to underline or highlight keywords and phrases that are directly related to the questions or contain important information. This will save time during the exam as you can quickly refer back to the highlighted portions and easily locate the relevant details.

4. Maintain Clarity and Legibility:
When underlining or highlighting, ensure that your markings are clear and legible. Use straight lines to underline important words or phrases, and lightly shade or encircle them to make them stand out. This will help you quickly identify the highlighted information during the exam without any confusion.

In conclusion, you are allowed to underline or highlight important information in the passages during the IELTS Reading section. However, it is important to use a pencil, underline or highlight sparingly, focus on keywords and phrases, and maintain clarity and legibility in order to make the most effective use of this strategy.