How to UNRIDDLE MCQ’S of IELTS Listening
This article brings the Top 9 strategies to answer the Multiple choice questions in IELTS listening.
In this type of question, you need to choose the correct answer from list of options.
There are two main types of question :-
Single question with a choice of 3 answers (A,B,C). Occasionally, there might be 4options.
List Questions – It contains longer list of possible answers and you should select more than one as stated in the question.
The strategy of answering MCQ’S in the IELTS Listening test, include number of tips and suggestions on how to address the challenges presented by this question type.
#Read the Question carefully
You will have a short time to prepare before the speaker or speakers begin talking. Therefore, read the question attentively so that you know exactly what you have to do.
Specifically, note the type of question – single with 3 options or list selection with more than 3 or more answers to find.
How to UNRIDDLE MCQ’S of IELTS Listening
#Look For a Title
Sometimes, title is not given in the context of question, but in case, if it is given then it will be easy for you as they work you like big clue as to what sort of information will be included in the recording.
One sample question has the title ‘Hotel Accommodation’. Knowing the text gives you collective meaning to the words in the list of possible answers which would appear random and unrelated.
#Mark the keywords in the question
Next, circle or highlight the key word in the question . ‘In the question it is “recommended”.
Don’t expect the word ‘recommend’ to be used throughout the recording. The speaker don’t say the exact words Instead, they use synonyms and paraphrasing extensively.
For instance, “It’s advisable” .
#Predict the answer
Take a look at the list of answers. You must be able to predict which are accurate or atleast one or two of them, and a couple that are probably wrong.
#Think about Synonyms
Try to hear all the options, not just the correct answer. Synonyms will surely be used for some of the words, so scan the list and see if you can instantly think of any synonyms or related words.
Let’s take an example of this, some specific items of fruit for answer (C) instead of the word “fruit”.
So, you are not looking for the exact words but the same meaning.
#Note the difference
In single questions with a choice of 3 or 4 options, the answers may be equal in same method to try an catch out. Also, underlining the words also assist you to identify the difference in meaning between them .
An example of the question may be like this:-
*You should take products.
*You can borrow products
*Products will be provided.
#Look for the Distractors
How to UNRIDDLE MCQ’S of IELTS Listening
Just focus on to hear the Distractors as the examiners love to try and trick you into picking the wrong answers.
The way they perform this is to provide you an answer and then take it away again.
Here are some sentences which contain distractors!
I always suggest to take a packed meal but the hotel refreshments are provided to you for your visit so you won’t need to .
The Manager will be coming to the meeting at hotel at 4:30 pm. No, sorry, Actually we have changed it to 4:30 to 5:30 pm to avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic.
Thus, a distractor is just a word or a phrase that alters or corrects the original piece of given information. There will be almost certainly be some in the recording so be on your guard.
You can write on your test paper as much as you want to write. You’ll have 10minutes at the end of the Listening test for transferring your answers to the Listening answer sheet.
How to UNRIDDLE MCQ’S of IELTS Listening
#Write the Answer
In IELTS Listening Multiple choice questions, your answer will almost always be the letter of the answer, not the words. This will be specified in the instructions:-
Choose THREE letters A-G
So, if one of the correct answer is ‘D cash’, you must write’D’ not ‘cash’.
In case you write ‘cash’, it will be marked wrong even though the information is correct.
#Guess
Instill this habit in yourself. If you don’t know the correct answer, never leave a blank box in the answer sheet, take an educated guess . Don’t worry about your missed answer because it will affect your ability to answer the next set of questions.
Move on and make your own choice .
These useful tips will prove very beneficial to solve the Multiple choice questions in IELTS Listening.
In next Article, we will come back with another recommendations for your IELTS preparation.
Thank you 🙂
How to UNRIDDLE MCQ’S of IELTS Listening
How to UNRIDDLE MCQ’S of IELTS Listening