Multiple Choice (reading)
Probably the easiest of the IELTS reading question types. You will need to choose, usually one option, from four possible answers.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
Keywords and synonyms are critical
STEPS
Read the questions before the text.
Underline any keywords in the question and think about any synonyms (e.g. interesting' = 'fascinating') that might appear in the text. Note any synonyms you know next to the questions.
Read the options and underline any keywords. Think about what are the key differences in meaning between the different choices.
Skim read the text and using keywords and synonyms find the part of the text relating to the question.
Write the question number (e.g. 22) in the margin of the text.
Read that part of the text you have identified very carefully, thinking about the difference in the meaning of the options.
Think about not only which options are correct but how the other options are wrong.
Go back and re-read the question again and mark your choice.
If you are not sure, cross out any incorrect options, and move on to the next question (repeat the steps 5 - 8)
Continue to the last question. Now, go back and complete any questions you did not answer. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, GUESS. DO NOT LEAVE A QUESTION UNANSWERED.
TIPS
Be careful of qualifiers and quantifiers - words such as ‘one of the’. ‘the most’, ‘only’, ‘all’, 'too many' – these can change the meaning of the question and the options.
When you find the section in the reading, read the whole sentence, words like ‘but’, ‘although’, ‘however’ will change the meaning, so read the whole sentence to understand the meaning.
If you are running out of time or you really don’t know the answer, have a guess. You will not lose marks for wrong answers and you have a 25% chance of getting the correct answer just by guessing.
PRACTICE
Click on the link below for readings with multiple choice exercises.
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