The IELTS Listening section often includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which can be challenging due to similar-sounding options, paraphrasing, and distractors. This can easily reduce the scores of students by one band.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for mastering mcqs in IELTS listening, with detailed strategies that will help you learn how to tackle this type of question in the exam. Remember, to crack mcqs in the IELTS listening section, you need to focus more on recording than reading.
1. Effectively use the given time before the recording
As we know, before the audio begins, they say, “First you have some time to look at question one to seven”. Now, what students do at that time is that they just sit and wait for the recording to start or just passively read the options without paying attention to key terms. Do not do this!
Use this time wisely and do this instead of just sitting around and waiting for the recording to begin:
(i) Identify the keywords
Keywords are often nouns, verbs, and adjectives that indicate the focus of the question. By highlighting or underlining them, you can listen more efficiently when the recording begins. Furthermore, it will help you focus on the right part of the recording.
For instance, look at the keywords highlighted in the question below:
The keywords in the above question statement are: “main reason” “delay”, and “project”
Now once you have highlighted the keywords you will know the main idea of the question and what you have to find out.
(ii) Predict the possible information given in the recording
Familiarize yourself with the options and question statement before the recording begins, this allows you to predict what kind of information to expect in the recording.
If the question is about weather, you will know that you will hear different terms related to the weather in the recording. Through prediction, some related words to the given statement will come into your mind and when you listen to the recording, you will find it easier to follow the conversation and master the multiple choice questions in IELTS listening.
2. Analyze the differences between options
After reading the question statement, now, when you read the options, focus on what makes them different. This helps in spotting the correct answer quickly and improves your mcq skills.
In IELTS Listening MCQs, the choices often contain words with slight differences in meaning. Some options may be almost correct, but they include an incorrect detail, which makes them wrong.
For example,
Focus on the key differences: “canceled,” “postponed,” and “held earlier.” You can see that each option is slightly different from the other, which is also changing the meaning of the whole sentence or option.
Therefore, by analyzing how each option differs, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate incorrect choices and select the best answer.
3. Pay Attention to Verb Tense
English grammar just like in other sections of the IELTS exam, it is important in the listening section as well. To find the correct answers easily in this specific question a candidate should know the different verb tenses of the English language.
Because verb tenses can change the meaning of a sentence or in this case each option, it could lead to choosing the incorrect options. If you can spot the verb tense used in each choice of question, then you can score high in IELTS listening easily.
Example:
✅ In this case only option ‘B’ is correct because it is in the same verb tense as the question.
4. Eliminate options with irrelevant information
This is one of the top techniques for mcqs in IELTS listening. To make multiple choice questions difficult to answer correctly, they do give us incorrect information in the recording. So, some answer choices will be sounding logical, but they will not match the details in the audio. Identifying and eliminating these can make choosing the correct answer easier.
Example:
✅ In this case option ‘C’ is correct as it gives the information that is relevant to the statement question.
5. Beware of distractors or traps
Distractors are designed to mislead test-takers by presenting information that sounds correct but is ultimately incorrect. These traps can include similar-sounding words, partial truths, or changes in meaning that occur later in the recording.
A speaker might first mention one option but then correct themselves later.
Example 1:
The speaker says, “At first, we planned to launch in June, but due to delays, the release is now set for August,” – the correct answer would be August, not June.
Example 2:
The speaker says, “Well it’s holiday season nowadays, so it will cost you $100 per night and the price includes one free meal as well. But as you are our old customer, we are giving you a discount and you can pay $80 per night” – the correct answer would be $80, not $100.
Example 3:
The speaker says, “The trip includes a visit to our wildlife park but due to poor weather it has been canceled and now we will visit our old museum” – the correct is a visit to the museum, not the wildlife park.
6. Avoid Reading While Listening
Trying to read and listen at the same time can be overwhelming and may cause you to miss crucial information. Instead, glance at the question beforehand and then concentrate fully on listening. This allows you to anticipate the type of answer needed without getting distracted by reading long texts while the recording plays.
Additionally, reading while listening can lead to misinterpretation if the speaker uses synonyms or rephrases the information. You might find yourself searching for exact words instead of understanding the overall meaning. Instead, train yourself to grasp the main ideas and quickly link them to the given answer choices.
7. Memorize All the Given Information
The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess your ability to understand and process information quickly. Now, you will complain that there is not enough time for this, but memorization can be done but it takes practice.
8. Practice daily
Consistent practice is essential for improving your IELTS Listening strategies and tackling MCQs effectively. Daily listening exercises help you recognize common question patterns and develop strategies for MCQs in IELTS Listening. Use online resources, podcasts, and past IELTS tests to refine your skills. Additionally, simulate test conditions to improve focus and accuracy. One of the best tips for answering multiple-choice questions in IELTS Listening is to listen to different accents and note paraphrased information. Regular practice will enhance your ability to identify distractors and select the correct answers confidently, ensuring a higher score in the IELTS Listening section. To practice this type of question, visit: Solve Free IELTS Listening Test
Conclusion
Mastering MCQs in the IELTS Listening test requires a strategic approach rather than passive listening. By carefully reading the questions beforehand, focusing on differences between answer choices, and paying attention to verb tense and details, you can significantly improve your accuracy. Additionally, eliminating irrelevant or contradicting options and recognizing paraphrased versions of answers will help you stay ahead. Most importantly, train yourself to listen actively without relying too much on reading during the test. Practicing MCQs for IELTS Listening regularly is key to scoring well on MCQs in IELTS Listening, boosting your confidence, and improving your overall IELTS Listening score. For more helpful strategies, check out our Top 10 Tips to Achieve a High Score on the IELTS Listening Test.
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