Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Reading – Multiple-choice questions are one of the most common question types in the IELTS test, and they play a significant role in assessing your reading and listening skills. These questions require you to choose the correct answer from a set of options.
IELTS Academic Reading Multiple Choice Questions is one of the vital question types in the reading section. In this question type, you are required to choose “one” correct answer from the options given. In multiple choice questions, you need to read the question comprehensively and scan the text to find out the portion of the passage which fits your understanding of the question. Then, read that portion to choose the suitable option for the question. Multiple choice questions assess your skill of scanning for specific information and comprehension skills.
While multiple-choice questions can be challenging due to their tricky nature, they can be tackled effectively with the right strategies. In this article, Dolphin Head Hunters will discuss the types of multiple-choice questions in the IELTS test, provide helpful strategies, and introduce the best way to prepare for these questions.
Tips and Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Reading
In this blog, we offer you 12 IELTS academic reading multiple choice questions tips and strategies to prevent the complications that you could face in this question type. They are as follows:
- In this task, you are required to choose one correct answer.
- Read the first question (the incomplete statement) and identify the keywords. If the question statement does not have enough information, it is advisable to read the options also at the same time and pick up keywords from them.
- Now, go to the passage and with the help of keywords, locate the relevant place.
- Read this portion carefully and relate to each option one by one.
- Often, the Process of Elimination helps identify the correct answer. You will find that incorrect options only contain the keywords, but do not convey the same meaning as in the passage or may be partially true or contradictory. Eliminate such options.
- Get the correct answer by matching the meaning rather than matching the words.
- Repeat the procedure with the next question. The questions are in progressive order, but the options under a question are not necessarily in order.
- Sometimes, the last Multiple Choice questions will be based on the overall understanding of the text or the key idea of the text.
- Read with utmost attention. Read the passage in a detailed fashion. Compared to others, Details are important in this question type.
- Underlining keywords is also a good technique. Locate the area of the text that relates to the keywords and understand it in its context. It helps you to choose the correct answer.
- Answer all the questions. Even if you don’t know the correct answer, guess it. There will be a possibility that the guessed answer could be right. If you didn’t answer the question and leave it blank, then the examiner will mark it wrong.
- Make sure you have chosen the required number of answers. Sometimes, the question asks to choose more than one answer.
Types of Multiple-Choice Questions in the IELTS Test
Multiple-choice questions in the IELTS test can be classified into two main types: factual and inferential. It is important to understand the distinctions between them and familiarize yourself with examples of each type.
1. Factual Questions
These questions require you to identify specific information from a text or audio, such as dates, names, numbers, facts, or details. Factual questions often begin with words like who, what, when, where, how, or how many.
Examples of factual questions:
- What is the main topic of this lecture?
- When did this event happen?
- Where is this place located?
- How does this process work?
- How many people participated in this survey?
2. Inferential Questions
These questions test your ability to interpret or infer information from a text or audio. They require you to understand causes, effects, reasons, purposes, implications, or conclusions. Inferential questions typically start with words like why, how come, what if, what does … mean, or what can we conclude from …
Examples of inferential questions:
- Why did the writer choose this title?
- How come the speaker changed his mind?
- What does this word imply in this context?
- What can we conclude from this paragraph?
Each section of the IELTS test features a different number of multiple-choice questions, and they are scored differently. In the reading section, you can expect around 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions out of a total of 40 questions. Each question carries one mark, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
Challenges faced while answering Multiple-choice Questions
- Sometimes, options in the list carry a similar kind of meaning. It could trick the students into picking up the wrong answer.
- For this question type, skimming is not sufficient. The text needs to be read in a detailed manner.
- Students could choose the option with a superficial understanding of the text.
Skills required for clearing Multiple Choice Questions
- Ability to comprehend the text
- Ability to scan for specific information
- Capability to be attentive while answering questions
Wrapping Up!
Tips and strategies that you’ve found here have helped many students in skill Building and answering IELTS academic reading multiple choice questions with minimal difficulties. And, we think that this will be true for you also. You can also try our mock tests and the practice test questions available to make yourself comfortable with the topic.
FAQs on Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Reading
Question1. How to strategize for multiple choice questions?
Answer. To strategize, read the following points:
- Understand the question carefully.
- Underline the keywords.
- Predict the correct answer.
- Generalize your answer with the keyword.
- Think how other answers are incorrect
- Finalize your answer.
Question2. How to prepare for IELTS multiple choice questions?
Answer. One of the effective ways to prepare for IELTS multiple choice questions is through online IELTS mock tests.
