Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), also known as multiple choice questions, will test the ability of the test taker to identify the correct option after listening to the audio carefully. These questions can be easy as well as tough, depending on the speaker, and sometimes the speaker mentions all the options given in a question.

These questions are generally found in 2, 3 and 4 sections of the IELTS listening test. There are generally two kinds of MCQs: one can be with only one option correct, and the other can be with 2 or more options correct.

 

Steps to solve MCQs

Let us have a look at the steps that enhance your accuracy in the IELTS listening test.

Step-1 Read the questions

The first and foremost thing that one must be careful about is to read the question instead of reading the options. The reason for doing this is that one can be distracted by the speaker, as sometimes they may mention all the options, leaving the student in a confused state.

Step-2 Split the questions

Splitting the question into two or more parts will help you understand the context better. By doing this, you will not be confused about the information asked in the question.

Step-3 Watch out for paraphrasing

This step carries a lot of importance. While listening to the audio, one must try to identify the paraphrasing of the words or sentences that might be given in the question. Also, one must be aware of the synonyms too, as the speaker can mention the answer in a different form. For example-

Lucid- clear, Student- Pupil, Erudite- Knowledgeable.

Step-4 Choose the answer

Now, one has to choose the answer keeping in mind that the speakers can confuse you by mentioning all the options of a question, making it difficult to choose the accurate answers, so be careful while listening to the audio recording and listen to it till the end before choosing any of the answers.

 

Tips and strategies:

Want to know about some tips and strategies to solve MCQs?

If yes, here is one of the best tips emphasized by the Abroad Gateway which can enhance your IELTS listening score:

  • Do not read the options as they may mislead you while listening to the audio.
  • Always be attentive while listening to the audio recording.
  • Do not decide your answer in the very first instance; listen to the whole audio first.
  • Be careful about the order, as sometimes the answers may not be in order.
  • Be ready to recognize the paraphrased answer and synonyms in the audio recording.
  • Be careful of words like ‘but’ or ‘however’ while listening to the audio, as this often means that the speaker is going to qualify a previous statement.