Lessons / Listening / Multiple choice
IELTS Listening
Multiple choice
One question, three options, one answer. And every option gets mentioned.
The instructions, word for word as the test writes them
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
What this task is
A stem, then three options. All three will be mentioned or clearly hinted at in the recording. That is what makes it hard. Hearing an option is no evidence it is right.
From Part 2 onward the correct option paraphrases what the speaker says, never their exact words. The options that repeat the speaker's exact words are usually the trap.
The traps
These are built in on purpose. Know them by name and half the danger is gone.
An option that was correct until the speaker changed their mind. "We'd planned the sports hall, but we've gone with the annexe." The recording rewards whoever waits.
A speaker weighs an option out loud, then dismisses it. Grab it at first mention and you have answered half the sentence.
The statement is accurate. It just is not what this question asked.
In Part 3 discussions, the question asks what one named speaker thinks. Another speaker's view, stated just as clearly, is the distractor.
What to do next time
- In the preview, read the stems first, options second. The stem tells you what to listen for. The options tell you what to distrust.
- Wait for the end of the exchange before committing. The last word usually wins.
- Track who says what in Part 3. "Does Josef agree?" is a different question from "Is this true?"
Now meet it under a clock. Start a free mock. Every multiple choice question you get wrong comes back with the sentence that proves the answer, and the reason the trap was tempting.