5 Steps to Master IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions

IELTS Reading test takers must have been already familiar with IELTS Reading Multiple Choice questions, also known as multiple selection questions. Multiple Choice is considered a common question type test takers often encounter in the IELTS exam, especially for the Reading section. 

I. Overview of IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions 

1. What are IELTS Reading Multiple Choice questions?

Multiple Choice Questions, also known as selecting the correct answer questions, are a very common question type familiar to IELTS Reading test takers. In Multiple Choice, test takers will be required to choose one or several correct answers for each question asked in the test.

2. Format of IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions:

3. Some notes on how to answer Multiple Choice questions in IELTS Reading:

3.1. Questions are closely related to the order of the reading passage

As these are ordered questions, test takers should systematically work through each question from top to bottom until reaching the final question of the multiple-choice section.

3.2. "Distractor" answers

As multiple options are provided for each question, there will certainly be some "distractor" answers intended to confuse test takers. Distractors may appear very similar to the correct answers by containing keywords mentioned in the question but are ultimately incorrect. Therefore, carefully read and fully understand each answer option. Distractors typically fall into three categories:

• D - Direct contradictions that go against information stated in the passage. These are usually not too difficult to identify.
• O - Out-of-scope answers completely unrelated to the question or not mentioned at all in the passage. The level of difficulty may vary depending on how the author presents information.
• T - True but irrelevant answers that include information from the passage but are not intended to answer the specific question. This is often the most confusing type of distractor. Check questions thoroughly to determine exactly what is being asked before comparing answers against passage details.

3.3. Questions and answers are often quite lengthy for this question type

A notable characteristic of multiple-choice questions is that the questions and answers are often quite lengthy. Therefore, these types of questions typically appear in Passage 2 and 3. As a result, test takers need to effectively manage their time budgets, while avoiding spending too much time on any single question.

4. Some common mistakes when practicing Multiple Choice questions

Please refer to the following articles:

• 4 bước chinh phục dạng bài Sentence Completion trong đề thi IELTS Reading dễ dàng nhất
• 4 bước xử lý dạng bài Matching Headings trong IELTS Reading nhanh chóng

II. 5 Steps to Approach IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions 

1. Step 1: Allocate a maximum of 1 minute per question

Time management is crucial in the IELTS Reading test. Set a time limit of 1 minute per question. If you're unable to find the answer within that time frame, move on to the next question. This ensures that you don't get stuck on any single question and have enough time to attempt all questions.

2. Step 2: Read the question + options + underline keywords

Before diving into the passage, carefully read the question along with the options provided. Underline keywords or phrases in both the question and the answer choices. This helps you focus on what specific information you need to find in the passage.

For example:

What did the 2006 discovery of the animal bone reveal about the lynx?

• Its physical appearance was very distinctive.
• Its extinction was linked to the spread of farming.
• It vanished from Britain several thousand years ago.
• It survived in Britain longer than was previously thought.

 → Keywords to scan the passage for include: 2006 discovery, animal bone, lynx

3. Step 3: Scanning

Use scanning techniques to quickly locate relevant information in the passage. Look for keywords or keyword phrases identified in the question and options. Scan for these specific terms rather than reading the entire passage word by word.

4. Step 4: Read carefully + Choose the answer

Once you've found the relevant section in the passage, read it carefully to understand the context. Compare the information in the passage with the options provided. Choose the answer that best corresponds to the information found in the passage. Pay attention to nuances and details that may differentiate between similar-sounding options.

5. Step 5: Fill answer on the answer sheet

Remember to never leave any questions blank on the answer sheet during the actual test.

III. Some Sample IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions with Detailed Answers

If you are looking for more Multiple-choice practice, consider enrolling in PREP’s Basic IELTS Listening-Reading course or Advanced IELTS Listening-Reading course. Those will provide the most comprehensive Multiple-choice question practice.

IV. Master IELTS Skills for a High Band Score

This article provided the compilation of the most detailed information about the IELTS Reading Multiple Choice questions. Looking to fast-track your IELTS success? Check out PREP IELTS study plans below:

• IELTS training online: Break Barriers, Achieve Band 7+