IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions

In IELTS Reading, there are many different types of questions for which you need to become aware of the strategies to be used in all of them to ace the IELTS exam. One of the questions such as the IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions is a very common type of question which seems to be the easiest question type in order to get a band score of 8+. However, if you are unaware of the format in the IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions, it can also reduce your score, especially if you become distracted and choose the wrong option.

To achieve a band score of 8+, get acquainted with the common mistakes, strategies, and tips to tackle IELTS Reading multiple choice questions. While attempting to answer these types of questions, it is important to understand the Paraphrasing : Definition & Purpose of the questions given in the passage.

What are IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions?

In the IELTS Reading Section, MCQ questions typically require test-takers to read a passage, find out the specific information, and choose the correct answer from a set of options provided.

To achieve a top IELTS band score, you will be assessed on your comprehension skill for which you will be evaluated on whether you are able to:

• Scan the passage and understand the main idea.
• Locate the information required to answer the question
• Choose the best option that either answers the question directly or is the closest to the correct answer.

Types of Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Reading

While you are taking the IELTS Academic as well as IELTS General Reading, candidates will come across these questions in two different formats. Check out the two types of Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Reading!

Before attempting this type of question, it is important to become familiar with the format of the answers. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions carefully before attempting to answer the questions.

• Single answer multiple choice: For this, you have to choose the best option from a list of possible answers, usually 3-4, for a given question.
• Multiple answers multiple choice: In this type, you will need to select more than one correct option from the list provided.

Check out the video below to learn more about IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions!

Strategies to Attempt IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions for Band Score 8+

To achieve a band score of 8+ in the IELTS Reading Section, familiarising yourself with the exam structure is as important as the types of questions you might encounter. Similarly, in Multiple Choice Questions, you must incorporate a few strategies to receive a high score in the IELTS exam. So, let’s look at the strategies to answer IELTS Reading multiple choice questions and check out the IELTS exam preparation tips below.

• Start by reading the questions

As there are two different types of Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Reading, it is advised to first look at the instructions to become familiar with the answer you need to provide. After this, always examine the questions thoroughly. In case you do not understand some of the words, try looking them up in the text to see if you can figure them out in context based on the surrounding information. It is important to comprehend the meaning to make an informed choice.

• The location of the answers will be in order.

The answers for multiple choice questions in IELTS Reading are presented in a sequence in the given passage. For example, Answer 4 won’t be too far along in the text if you’ve already located answers 1, 2 and 3 in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4, respectively. Therefore, it is important to skim through the passage. You should use IELTS reading keyword techniques to gain a rough understanding of the main idea of the text. While reading the question, underline the keywords. This will help you to locate the specific information that will provide the answer. Remember that synonyms of the same word might be used in the options to confuse you.

• Be aware of distractions.

IELTS examiners frequently use ‘distractors’ in their answer choices in an attempt to trick you. Even though they are only a few words, they have the power to entirely alter a sentence’s meaning or fact. For example, in the passage, it might be written that “The airport was constructed in the 1980s. However, records mention that it got its new look in the 2000s after the reconstruction.” In these cases, you might end up confused between two similar options. This mostly happens in IELTS Academic Reading, as the passages are comparatively more difficult than in IELTS General Reading. You have to compare the keywords, synonyms and identify distractors in the two options, and find out which one is the closest to the correct answer.

• Use the elimination and paraphrasing techniques.

Usually, you can rule out two of the four options, leaving you with just two. However, if you are finding it difficult, you can choose the right answers by considering how these two options differ in meaning. Rephrasing two or three statements in your own words can be helpful if you are unclear about their differences. To master this technique, it is important to take IELTS Reading practice tests regularly. Use your understanding of the main idea of the text and the keywords to predict the correct answer. Even though it might be correct at times, this will aid you in narrowing down your options.

• Answers should not be left blank.

Time management in IELTS Reading is very important for solving all 40 questions in just 60 minutes. Therefore, if you get stuck with two similar options or are confused with the answer, leave the question and solve the next one. If time allows, you can come back to it.

In case you are confused or don’t have much time, guess to determine the closest response. You have some possibility of making the right estimate and receiving the mark. Examiners label questions as “wrong” if they receive no response.

Now, let’s look at sample IELTS reading multiple-choice questions and check how the strategies given above work. Let’s take the step towards getting you exam-ready for achieving a band score of 8+ in the IELTS Reading.

Sample Reading Passage

One of the most famous works of art in the world is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Nearly everyone who goes to see the original will already be familiar with it from reproductions, but they accept that fine art is more rewardingly viewed in its original form. However, if the Mona Lisa was a famous novel, few people would bother to go to a museum to read the writer’s actual manuscript rather than a printed reproduction. This might be explained by the fact that the novel has evolved precisely because of technological developments that made it possible to print out huge numbers of texts, whereas oil paintings have always been produced as unique objects. In addition, it could be argued that the practice of interpreting or ‘reading’ each medium follows different conventions. With novels, the reader attends mainly to the meaning of words rather than the way they are printed on the page, whereas the ‘reader’ of a painting must attend just as closely to the material form of marks and shapes in the picture as to any ideas they may signify.

Questions:

1 According to the passage, Monalisa is :

A Da Vinci’s masterpiece

B One of the famous works of art

C Just another painting

D The only work on art

2 Why do people want to view art in its original form?

A They can appreciate art better in its original form.

B They are tired of viewing duplicates.

C both A & B

D None of the above

3 According to the passage, what is the difference between a novel and a painting?

A No difference

B Novels are unique.

C Paintings are unique objects.

D None of the above

4 What is the difference between reading a novel and a painting?

A No difference.

B In a novel, they have to carefully observe the way they are printed and in a painting it is just reading the meaning.

C In a painting, they have to carefully observe the way they are printed and in a novel it is just reading the meaning.

D None of the above

Explanation for the Answers:

Now that we have looked at the passage and the questions as well as the options, let’s look at the answers as well as the explanation.

10 examples for the IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions

Do you want to check out more sample answers like this? We have specifically curated 10 examples for the IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions to get you started.

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Example 4
• Example 5
• Example 6
• Example 7
• Example 8
• Example 9
• Example 10

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Reading MCQ to Achieve a Band Score 8+

There are certain mistakes that candidates make while answering the IELTS Reading multiple choice questions. If you are aware of them, then it will be helpful to avoid them while IELTS Academic Reading multiple choice questions practice. So, let’s learn about them.

• Reading the passage before the questions means that you are reading “blindly” and won’t know what to search for. Additionally, you waste time because you have to read the content again after reading the questions, meaning that the first reading was a waste of time.
• Not paying close attention to the text – Owing to the presence of distractors, certain options might seem to be the correct response. As a result, you will select the wrong response if you don’t attentively read the text.
• Not reading the entire question or statement in the paragraph: The main sentence in the paragraph or the question may seem to make sense in its first section, but its second half may convey a different meaning by using linkers like ‘however’, ‘but’ can completely alter the meaning of a sentence. Examiners will try to deceive you in this way since they are aware that you are attempting to find the answers as soon as possible.
• Failing to respond to questions – Even though it is surprising, not answering the question is a common mistake that candidates make. Remember that the IELTS exam does not have any negative marking. So, even if you are confused between 2 options, try to choose the closest one and who knows it might fetch you a score.

As you take the step towards success, you need to boost your prep further and receive a Band 8+ on the IELTS Reading. Whether it is about solving 40 questions within a limited time or learning‌ how to solve multiple choice question type in IELTS Reading, we are here to help you get started and guide you along the way.

Are you ready to level up your preparation of the IELTS Reading Section? Check out our highly rated IELTS Reading Academic Test Guide or ultimate guide to IELTS General reading with actual IELTS test papers. Remember that with consistent practice, you will build confidence, utilise the strategies which you have learnt, and become familiar with the types of questions, as well as the format of the exam. Let’s start your journey today!

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