Multiple choice questions in the IELTS Reading Test are used to test a wide range of
reading skills. Some of these questions, for example, may require you to understand
specific points or the main points of the text. You are required to select the best
answer from several options (for example, A, B, C, or D), and to write the letter of
the answer you have chosen on the answer sheet.
In this blog, you will find a list of tips and practice questions that will give you a
thorough understanding of how to solve multiple-choice questions.
IELTS Academic Reading Multiple Choice Questions – Tips
In this task, you will be provided with a reading passage and you are required to
choose a suitable answer by reading the text. Questions are derived from the text
that is provided. It is important to read the text in a detailed fashion to choose the
options. Also, don’t forget to read the instructions properly before getting into the
questions.
Before you start the entire reading passage, you should take a look at the question
stems to get an idea of what you may need to look out for. This will help you quickly
scan the text later to find where the answers are.
As you read the text, you should get into the habit of highlighting words that you
think may be important and will help you find answers later.
This type of question follows the order of the text. So if have found one answer in
the passage, you know that the next one will be below, and probably not too far
away.
When you read the text for the first time, try to focus on the topic sentences, and
skim the rest of the paragraph.
Don’t:
Read the entire passage first.
Leave any answers blank.
Forget to pay close attention to the wording in the answer options.
Below is a sample practice question. Give it a try!
Sample Reading Passage 1:
| 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 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:
- According to the passage, Monalisa is :
1. Da Vinci’s masterpiece
2. One of the famous works of art
3. Just another painting
4. The only work on art - Why do people want to view art in its original form?
1. They can appreciate art better in its original form.
2. They are tired of viewing duplicates.
3. both A & B
4. None of the above - According to the passage, what is the difference between a novel and a painting?
1. No difference
2. Novels are unique.
3. Paintings are unique objects.
4. None of the above
Sample Reading Passage 2:
| Martin Luther King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King. He had an older sister, Willie Christine King, and a younger brother Alfred Daniel Williams King. Growing up in Atlanta, King attended Booker T. Washington High School. He skipped ninth and twelfth grades and entered Morehouse College at age fifteen without formally graduating from high school. From the time that Martin was born, he knew that black people and white people had different rights in certain parts of America. |
Questions:
Choose the correct letter A-D from the question next to 1-3.
- When and where was Martin Luther King born?
1. April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee
2. January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia
3. November 21, 1933, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
4. March 23, 1925, Ulm, Germany - How many siblings did Martin Luther King have?
1. Three siblings
2. One sibling
3. Two siblings
4. None of the above - Which school did Martin Luther King attend?
1. Booker T. Washington High School
2. The Galloway School
3. Carver High school
4. Warren T. Jackson School
Conclusion
Now that you’re familiar with the Multiple Choice question type, it’s time to practice
some IELTS sample papers. Follow the aforementioned reading tips & strategies for
successfully answering Multiple Choice questions.
Once you’re ready to take the IELTS Reading Test, book your seat in advance.
If you want to book your IELTS test in advance, visit IELTS AOLCC. We
have IELTS Test Centres available in Mississauga, Kingston, London,
and Brampton. All our test centres are equipped with the necessary amenities.
If you have any other queries, do reach out to us at (905) 306-0666 or send an
email to ielts@aolccollege.ca