Managing Multiple Choice Questions

Common Issues in IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions
1. The speaker often reads out all three choices, and you are likely to understand that the speaker is talking about all three. Just because the speaker is reading it out does not mean it is the right option. Relate the choices with the question.
2. Options given are usually synonyms or paraphrasing. Do not look for the same word. Try to understand the meaning and look for synonyms that are a clear expression of the options.
3. The multiple-choice questions are framed such that they all appear similar, like synonyms. In these types of choices, misunderstanding is normal. Focus on looking for keywords that will help show the difference in meaning between the options.
4. Do not think that listening sections will only focus on listening. Reading is also an integral part of this section. You have to relate the written options with the listening audio played, so get in practice by underlining words of interest and quickly getting the meanings.
Tips for IELTS “listening” multiple-choice questions
1. If taking a break, do not go back to the previous answers. You tend to overthink and loose time over them. Just read the multiple-choice questions and understand them.
2. In IELTS Listening, search for Keywords and highlight them. These keywords will help in choosing the right answer amongst multiple choices given by differentiating the meanings.
3. Do not go for the first answer you hear. It’s a trick the examiners deploy to learn how well you understand the context of the audio.
4. You have multiple choice questions to answer; hence do not get stuck over one of them. Time is crucial in IELTS. If unsure, make an educated presumption and go to the next question.
5. Focus on words like ‘but’ or ‘however.’ It means that there is more to the previous sentence, and the speaker is going to qualify it.
6. Practice more to learn more.
7. Read instructions clearly before attempting to answer.