Answering Multiple-Choice Questions in IELTS Listening

Don’t underestimate the IELTS listening exam’s Multiple-Choice section. Just because you have options, doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. Below are some tips that will help you ace this task type. Consider them during your IELTS online course review sessions to supercharge your test performance.


IELTS online course review


      1.    Know the different types of multiple-choice questions.

There are three kinds of these questions in the IELTS listening exam: short answer, sentence completion, and picture selection. Here’s how they differ.

·         Short answer multiple-choice questions provide a short statement and several choices to answer or complete it. Here’s an example.

The manager wants issues addressed at
a)    program
b)    meeting
c)    team-building activity

·         Sentence completion questions provide a sentence stem and several options to complete it with. Here’s an example.

More American boys drop out of school compared with girls because
a)    they are not as smart as girls
b)    they feel confined in the classroom
c)    they’d rather play online games than do school work

·         Picture selection questions provide a passage and several choices to match it to.

The number of options and required answers varies. You may be asked to pick an answer from three choices, two answers from five choices, or four answers from seven choices.

      2.    Jot down notes as you listen to the recording.
The answers are mentioned in the order of their questions. Meaning: the answer to the first question is discussed first followed by the answer to the second question and so on. Use this as a guide when you listen to the recording. Take down notes—yes, you’re allowed to—to keep track of your answers.

      3.    Don’t listen for exact matches.
The choices are usually synonyms or paraphrased versions of what’s mentioned in the recording. So, don’t listen for exact matches. Predict the answer and consider the various ways that it can be presented. Practice doing these during your best online IELTS review sessions.

      4.    Consider all your options.
Don’t jump to conclusion. It’s highly likely that the speaker(s) will talk about all of the options. So, don’t choose the first choice mentioned. Listen carefully. Make sure you pick the right answer.

       5.    Take note of transition signals.
Words like “although” and “however” often indicate a change of ideas. They are usually a sign that the speaker(s) is going to qualify or revise a previous statement. Keep an ear out for them during your best online IELTS review sessions.

Take note: these are just some of the ways to enhance your approach for multiple-choice questions in the listening exam. Enroll in an IELTS online course review, if you haven’t yet, to learn more!

References:

“IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Tips.” IELTS Buddy. Accessed November 12, 2018. https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/ielts-listening-multiple-choice-tips.html

Pell, Christopher. “IELTS Listening—Multiple Choice Questions.” IELTS Advantage. Accessed November 12, 2018. https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/06/09/ielts-listening-multiple-choice-questions/

“Test Format.” IELTS. Accessed November 12, 2018. https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format

Liz. “IELTS Listening Multiple Choice: Essential Tips.” IELTS Liz. January 10, 2015. Accessed November 12, 2018. http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening-multiple-choice-essential-tips/

No comments:

Post a Comment