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| IELTS Reading: Multiple Choice Question Tips |
On IELTS Reading tests, there are often questions with multiple choice answers. They aren't too hard to do, but it's easy to pick the wrong answer by accident. Candidates will choose the correct answer based on the given answers. This type of question is quite similar to the True/False/Not Given question type. The test will clearly state that candidates need to choose 1 or how many correct answers from the given answers.
This article has tips and information that will help you avoid common mistakes and get good scores on IELTS Test. You will also save time on your test because of them.
What Are Multiple Choices?
Multiple Choice is a question that is several possible responses. You will be required to select one or more answers from a list of alternatives for each question in the Multiple-Choice Identification section of the IELTS Reading test. You must carefully read the instructions because they will tell you whether you must select one answer—typically from three to four options—or multiple solutions—typically from a longer list of options.
Skills Tested in Multiple Choice Question Tips of IELTS Reading
This section assesses your ability to:
- Understand the main idea of each paragraph
- Scan for specific information
- Use detailed reading to differentiate between several possible answers
IELTS Multiple Choice Question Example
In this example, you must select one answer from four alternatives and complete the sentences. Candidates can refer to the following images illustrating Multiple Choice questions that have appeared in the next IELTS Reading test:
Common Problem Answering Multiple Choice Question
Some common errors students make when answering IELTS reading multiple choice questions.
- Blind reading passage: If you do this without a specific goal, you are reading "blind." Consequently, they will not be able to answer the questions in time. And some questions might be left over.
- Hastiness while reading: Can you quickly read a passage and comprehend the main idea or context of any given passage? It actually has the slightest chance of success. But most test takers act in this way out of desperation. Candidates rush through the reading process to locate the keywords or synonyms in the question. They highlight them because they believe it to be the correct response.
- Tricked by the question: Examiners enjoy using 'distractors' to fool you. Distractors are answers that appear to be correct but are actually incorrect. When you locate the right section in the reading text, there will appear to be two or three plausible answers. A common trick is to match many keywords from the question options to areas of the text. Simply because many matching keywords do not imply that it is the correct answer. Examine the context of the entire sentence and any qualifying words like most, all, always, and sometimes.
- Reading half of the passage: Most candidates do this in a rush. After reading the first half of the sentence, they begin to respond if they think it is true. However, keep in mind that transition words serve as context-specific connecting words. The candidate's response may be disproven if the word that follows the transition word changes its meaning.
- Careless in reading text: There are so many "distractors" that some of the "right" answers will "jump out" at you. If you don't pay close attention to the text, you will pick the wrong answer. Take some time to really think about what each sentence means.
- Not answering the question: It may appear shocking, but many test takers do this when they cannot manage their time correctly. So, start using your time sense from the first minute of the exam.
Tips for Answering Multiple Choice Questions
1. Read the Question First
By reading the question first, Because the answers are most likely to appear in the same order as the questions in the text, test takers should pay close attention to the question order. It will save time greeting and answering multiple choice questions.
2. Predict the Answer
Before reading the text, try to predict the correct answer. This will assist you in determining the right answer. But, for whatever reason, you are drawn into the passage. However, it is preferable to guess the answer before reading the text. This increases your chances of getting the correct answer. It is simply to find the alternative that is relevant to your guess.
3. Rephrasing
Some sentences may appear to have the same sense under certain conditions. To understand the whole meaning of the inquiry, you must rewrite each sentence using your own words and terminology. Examiners for the IELTS often set questions like this as traps. Paraphrasing sentences in your own words can help you understand the distinction between them if you are having trouble picking them out of a group.
4. Elimination the Choice
In the IELTS Multiple Choice Question section, elimination is another intriguing technique. Examine and comprehend the question thoroughly before attempting to eliminate the irrelevant alternatives.
This is also known as the isolation technique (isolating the correct alternative). Your question now has fewer alternatives, and you can easily find the correct answer. You will frequently be able to eliminate two of the four solutions, leaving you with two options. Consider the differences in meaning between these two options to help you find the correct answers. However, keep in mind that this cannot be used frequently.
5. Beware of being tricked and distracted by the test makers.
Because IELTS is purely a language proficiency test, examiners include a variety of traps when testing an IELTS test taker's abilities. As a result, be familiar with the IELTS test format, tips, and techniques, and plan a perfect strategy. Don't get fooled by the examiner's "distractors," such as question-related keywords that look similar to the text.
6. Recheck the Answer
Always go back and carefully read the questions before making your final decision. Check the contextual idea as well as the technical synonyms. That is how you will know if it is relevant to the question.
7. Don't leave the answer blank
If you're out of time or really don't know the answer, take a wild guess. Don't be concerned if you know nothing about the subject. It is a reading test, not a knowledge test. You will not be lost for incorrect answers; simply guessing will give you a 25% chance of getting the correct answer.
Strategies for Answering IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Question
IELTS Multiple Choice Question strategies consist of simple techniques and remaining alert throughout the test. This will allow you to quickly complete even the most challenging exercise. There are numerous strategies available, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs. You can also modify this strategy to suit your needs.
Read the instructions and questions thoroughly. Skim the comprehension to get a sense of its overall meaning. It is a good practice to learn to underline key words. Identifying the difference between given options is critical in IELTS MCQ.
Prediction will save time and ensure accuracy in a variety of ways. Rep the questions and responses in your own words. Why not try validating the correct answers? And why are the incorrect answers incorrect?
Experts strongly advise knowing the mistakes we frequently make to avoid them and progress to the correct answers. Following the aforementioned tips and strategies can assist you in effectively answering IELTS reading Multiple Choice Question.
If you are struggling with any other aspect of IELTS Reading, please click on the link below to access our IELTS Reading Practice.