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A Comprehensive Guide to IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions

A Comprehensive Guide to IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions

If you’re preparing for the IELTS Listening test, there’s a good chance you’ll come across Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). This question type tests not only your ability to understand a speaker’s main points but also your skill in handling distractors and subtle details. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how Multiple Choice Questions are structured, why they’re crucial for a high band score, and the step-by-step strategies to tackle them effectively. As you read, keep in mind that our IELTS Listening eBook goes even deeper into multiple choice strategies and provides a range of practice materials to help you excel in every aspect of the Listening test.

What Are IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions?

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the IELTS Listening test require you to select the best answer from a set of given options—commonly three or four, though sometimes you’ll see as many as five choices. MCQs can appear in any section of the Listening test, but they’re most frequently found in Sections 2–4, where you’ll encounter more complex conversations, mini-lectures, and interviews. Each MCQ is designed to check whether you can not only understand specific details but also distinguish between closely related ideas and handle distractors effectively.

MCQ Formats: Single vs. Multiple Answers

  1. Single-Answer MCQs

    • Structure: You’ll have one question followed by three or four possible answers. Only one is correct.

    • Example: “What is the main reason the speaker decided to study abroad?” with options (A) better job prospects, (B) experiencing another culture, (C) improving language skills, or (D) following family tradition.

  2. Multiple-Answer MCQs

    • Structure: You’ll be prompted to choose two or even three correct letters from a larger set of options. For instance, “Which TWO factors influenced the speaker’s decision?” with choices (A)–(E).

    • Complexity: Missing even one correct option means your overall answer might be considered incorrect, depending on how scoring is applied.

 

Here is another example below for further clarification:

  1. Single-Answer MCQs

    • Question Example: “What is the speaker’s main criticism of the new plan?” with options A, B, C, or D. Only one letter is correct.

    • Strategy: Focus on listening for direct statements and weigh them against each option. Even if two choices seem plausible, the correct answer is the one that most accurately reflects the speaker’s viewpoint.

  2. Multiple-Answer MCQs

    • Question Example: “Which TWO reasons does the speaker give for the team’s failure?” from a set of five options (A–E).

    • Strategy: You need to identify all relevant points in the audio. Missing one correct letter might render the entire question incorrect, depending on scoring rules. Pay attention to phrases like “Additionally,” “Secondly,” or “Another factor,” which can indicate a second or third reason.

Key Features of MCQs

  1. Options May Appear Similar

    • Tricky Distractors: Two or more choices might share nearly identical wording or cover partial truths. For example, if the speaker says “The company invests in solar energy but hasn’t yet shifted fully to wind power,” you could see an option “The company uses only solar energy,” which is partly correct but misses the nuance that wind power is not fully adopted.

    • Why It’s There: IELTS wants to test your ability to pick out the most accurate or complete statement. You must pay attention to every detail—like whether the speaker confirms, denies, or modifies the stated information.

  2. Synonyms and Paraphrasing

    • Language Variations: Instead of using the speaker’s exact words, the correct answer might rephrase them. If the speaker says “We aim to cut costs,” an option might say “reduce expenses.” If you’re only searching for “cut costs,” you could overlook the correct choice.

    • Skill Tested: Recognizing synonyms and paraphrased expressions is essential across IELTS Listening, but especially in MCQs where distractors might appear to match the literal words but actually differ in meaning.

  3. Varied Contexts

    • Types of Content: MCQs can address the speaker’s opinion (e.g., “What does the speaker think about new government regulations?”), a factual point (“Which material is cheapest to produce?”), or the main idea of a segment (“What is the primary topic being discussed?”).

    • Range of Speakers: You may hear monologues (like a lecture or presentation) or dialogues (such as an interview, group discussion, or a conversation between a host and guests). Different speakers could express varied viewpoints, making the question more challenging.

 

Pro Tip: Before the audio begins, quickly review each question and set of options to identify any potential keywords or topics you need to listen for. Consider synonyms for each key term (e.g., “cost” ↔ “expense,” “concern” ↔ “worry”) so you’re prepared if the speaker paraphrases.

Common Challenges in IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions

Although Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) may seem straightforward at first, they come with a unique set of challenges that can easily trip you up if you’re not prepared. Below is a detailed look at the four main issues learners often face, along with proven strategies to overcome them.

1. Distractors

Issue:
The test often includes options that partially match what the speaker says but omit or twist a key detail. This strategy checks if you can spot the subtle difference between a seemingly correct statement and one that truly aligns with the speaker’s message.

 

Why It Happens:
IELTS aims to see if you can differentiate a “mostly correct” choice from the fully correct one. A distractor might restate 90% of the speaker’s words accurately but changes that remaining 10% in a way that contradicts the speaker’s actual point.

 

Example:
Imagine an MCQ option that reads: “The speaker plans to hire new staff next month.” However, in the audio, the speaker says, “We intended to hire new staff next month, but actually, we’ve postponed that until next year.” The first half of the sentence might match exactly (“hire new staff next month”), but the speaker’s second half (“postponed until next year”) disqualifies it.

 

Solution:

  1. Compare Each Option Thoroughly: Rather than picking the answer that sounds right at first glance, scrutinize each option to ensure it fully aligns with the speaker’s final statement.

  2. Listen for Contradictions or Add-Ons: If the speaker adds a condition or a reversal (e.g., “We used to… but now we…”), verify the option reflects the updated information.

  3. Take Light Notes: If you’re unsure, jot down keywords or short phrases. By cross-checking these notes with the question’s options, you can spot if an option only partially matches.

 

Key Tip: If an option sounds perfect except for one detail that the speaker refutes or modifies, it’s probably a distractor.

2. Synonyms and Paraphrased Expressions

Issue:
The speaker’s words in the audio may not mirror the exact phrases in the multiple-choice answers. Often, the correct answer uses synonyms or paraphrased vocabulary, leading you to overlook it if you’re hunting for identical word matches.

 

Why It Happens:
IELTS targets your ability to recognize equivalent meanings. In real-world English, synonyms are used frequently, so the exam wants to ensure you can match “cheaper option” with “cost-effective choice,” or “ceased operations” with “stopped running.”

 

Example:
If an option says “The budget was cut significantly,” the speaker might say “We had to reduce funding drastically.” Although “cut significantly” and “reduce funding drastically” sound different, they convey the same idea. If you only listen for “budget cut,” you might think it wasn’t mentioned, missing the correct answer.

 

Solution:

  1. Expand Your Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with synonyms in common IELTS topics (education, environment, technology, health, etc.).

  2. Practice Conceptual Listening: Instead of clinging to specific words, focus on whether the idea or message in the option is what the speaker is expressing.

  3. Look for Paraphrased “Bridges”: Words like “similar,” “means,” or “refers to” sometimes signal that the speaker is about to paraphrase or restate an idea.

 

Key Tip: Mentally train yourself to substitute synonyms whenever you read an option. If an option says “increase profits,” anticipate hearing “boost earnings,” “raise revenue,” or “grow income” in the audio.

3. Speed and Time Management

Issue:
Each Listening section plays only once, and the audio moves on rapidly to the next topic or question. If you fixate on a single MCQ or re-check your answers obsessively, you might miss essential information for subsequent questions.

 

Why It Happens:
Some test-takers become too cautious, wanting to be 100% certain about one question, which can cause them to tune out the ongoing audio. By the time they realize the speaker has moved to the next point, it’s too late.

 

Example:
If you’re stuck between options B and C for question #2, and you keep replaying the speaker’s statement in your head, you might fail to notice that question #3’s answer was briefly mentioned. Consequently, you risk losing points on both questions.

 

Solution:

  1. Pre-Read the Options: Use any spare seconds (often provided between questions) to scan the next set of MCQs. This mental preview readies you to spot critical details quickly.

  2. Decide Swiftly: If you’re fairly confident in an answer, mark it and move on. You can make a brief mental note if you want to review it at the end, but don’t sacrifice the next question’s answer by dwelling too long.

  3. Practice Under Timed Conditions: Simulate real exam settings. The more you train with time constraints, the better you’ll get at quick yet accurate decision-making.

 

Key Tip: MCQs are best handled with a balanced approach—be careful enough to avoid mistakes but not so cautious that you miss future details.

4. Multiple Answers Required

Issue:
Some Multiple Choice Questions ask for more than one correct letter (e.g., “Choose TWO letters that apply”). This significantly elevates the difficulty because missing a single correct option or adding an incorrect one can invalidate your entire answer.

 

Why It Happens:
IELTS designs these questions to test your ability to track multiple relevant points. You might hear the speaker list several reasons, advantages, or steps, and you must identify exactly which ones were endorsed or confirmed.

 

Example:
The question might be, “Which TWO benefits does the speaker mention about online courses?” Suppose the options are:

  • A: They cost less than on-campus classes.

  • B: They allow flexible study hours.

  • C: They offer direct face-to-face interactions.

  • D: They provide a chance to travel abroad.

  • E: They can be completed faster in some cases.

 

If the speaker says: “It’s great that you can study anytime, even at night, and you don’t have to commute. However, they’re not necessarily cheaper than campus courses, and you certainly don’t get face-to-face interactions that some learners prefer. But many find they can finish modules more quickly.”

  • Correct answers: B (flexible study hours) and E (can be completed faster).

  • Incorrect distractors: A (cheaper) is refuted, C (direct face-to-face interactions) is negated, D (travel abroad) is not mentioned.

 

Solution:

  1. List Key Points: When the speaker mentions features or reasons, note them down quickly. Label them if they match any of the multiple-answer options.

  2. Verify Each Option Thoroughly: Even if an option partly matches, it might contain an extra detail that contradicts the speaker.

  3. Stay Organized: For multiple-correct MCQs, it’s easy to tangle details. A simple bullet or numbering system in your notes can keep track of each reason, advantage, or factor.

 

Key Tip: If you need to choose two or three answers, the speaker might mention more than two or three reasons in total, including some negatives or partial truths. Listen carefully for disclaimers like “but,” “however,” or “though” that can nullify an option.

 

By addressing these four key hurdles—Distractors, Synonyms, Time Management, and Multiple Answers—you’ll significantly boost your success rate with IELTS Listening MCQs. Over time, consistent practice and familiarity with these strategies will make it easier to distinguish correct answers from well-crafted distractors.

Five-Step Strategy for IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions

Navigating Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the IELTS Listening test can be challenging due to distractors, synonyms, and time constraints. Below is a five-step strategy designed to help you tackle MCQs with clarity and confidence. Each step offers in-depth insights and practical tips to boost your accuracy and speed.

Step 1: Preview the Questions and Options

  1. Skim Each Option

    • Why: Quickly scanning the possible answers helps you anticipate the key words or topics that may appear in the audio. Look for names, figures, or descriptive adjectives (e.g., “inexpensive,” “dangerous,” “complicated”).

    • How: Spend the brief interval before the audio starts or during the short pause between sections to read each MCQ. Mentally note any standout terms—like dates (1975), amounts ($200), or key descriptors (“eco-friendly,” “mandatory,” “unusual”).

  2. Predict Possible Synonyms

    • Why: The IELTS test rarely uses the same words in both the audio and the question. Synonyms and paraphrasing are a hallmark of the exam’s style.

    • How: If an option says “cost-effective,” the speaker might say “cheaper solution,” “economical choice,” or “less expensive route.” By brainstorming a small list of synonymous phrases, you’ll be primed to spot the correct match when the speaker uses different wording.

 

Pro Tip: Keep your mind open to conceptual matches rather than waiting for identical phrases. If your option is “increased profits,” listen for “boosted revenue,” “raised earnings,” or “grew income.”

Step 2: Listen for Clues and Order

  1. Audio Flow

    • Why: IELTS Listening generally follows the question order in the audio. For instance, if question #2 refers to a statement about plans for next year, you’ll likely hear that detail after the statement for question #1, but before the statement for question #3.

    • How: Mentally align each question with its place in the narrative. If you sense the speaker is moving on to a new topic, it’s probably tied to the next question.

  2. Watch Transitions

    • Why: Words like “However,” “Actually,” “On the other hand,” or “Wait, there’s more” can alter the meaning of a previous statement or provide new details that confirm or negate an option.

    • How: Train your ear to perk up at these transitional phrases. Often, the speaker might begin by agreeing with something but then pivot with a “but,” “yet,” or “although,” revealing the actual correct detail.

    • Example: The speaker could say, “We did initially consider hiring extra staff for the project. However, we realized that we already have enough employees.” If your option is “They plan to hire more staff,” that phrase “However” negates it.

 

Pro Tip: If the speaker changes direction mid-sentence, be prepared to update your interpretation. A single transitional word might swing the answer from correct to incorrect.

Step 3: Eliminate Clearly Wrong Answers

  1. Partial Matches

    • Why: One of the most common MCQ pitfalls is the “almost correct” choice that shares some of the speaker’s statements but misses or contradicts a crucial point.

    • How: After you hear the relevant details, review each option. If an option’s detail doesn’t fully align—like it has the right figure but the wrong timeframe or location—discard it.

    • Example: The speaker might say, “We start production in June, not July.” An option that references “starting in July” is a partial match but is ultimately wrong.

  2. Absolute Phrases

    • Why: Words like “always,” “never,” “completely,” or “absolutely” can be red flags unless the speaker clearly confirms that absolute statement. A single flexible or partial term in the audio might invalidate these absolutes.

    • How: Listen closely for disclaimers (e.g., “most of the time,” “usually,” “rarely,” “almost”). If the speaker doesn’t state an absolute, an answer that uses “always” or “never” is suspicious.

 

Pro Tip: Swiftly crossing out obviously wrong choices narrows your focus, making it easier to pick the correct one. This reduces mental load and saves time.

Step 4: Confirm the Correct Choice

  1. Double-Check Logic

    • Why: Even if an option seems correct at first, you need to ensure it fits all the details the speaker provided. Sometimes, you’ll find an option that’s mostly accurate but includes a contradictory element the speaker never confirmed.

    • How: After eliminating wrong answers, compare your final candidate with the speaker’s statement line by line. Does everything match, or is there a hidden mismatch?

    • Example: The speaker could say, “Yes, we have reduced our ticket prices by 10%, but we haven’t changed opening hours.” If an option mentions both the price cut and altered opening hours, that’s a mismatch.

  2. Stay Alert for Corrections

    • Why: The speaker may initially mention an incorrect date, figure, or name, then correct themselves. Missing the correction means you might choose an outdated or incomplete detail.

    • How: Key phrases like “Oh wait,” “Actually,” “Sorry,” or “Let me rephrase” signal a correction. Update your note or your mental picture accordingly. If the speaker ends with “so it’s Tuesday, not Monday,” be sure the final detail you choose is Tuesday.

 

Pro Tip: If you’ve been diligently crossing out partial matches, you should only have one or two options left. Ensure your final pick has no contradictions with the speaker’s ultimate, corrected statement.

Step 5: Manage Time Wisely

  1. Mark Quickly

    • Why: Lingering on a single MCQ for too long can cause you to miss vital information for subsequent questions, especially if the audio continues at a steady pace.

    • How: As soon as you’re confident—or at least mostly confident—mark your answer and shift your attention to the next question. Delaying might mean you lose track of the next relevant snippet of the audio.

    • Example: If question #2 is still unclear by the time the speaker transitions to the point for question #3, you must adapt. Put a provisional mark for #2 and fully focus on #3.

  2. Use Short Notes

    • Why: You might be 80% sure about an option but want to confirm if the speaker might clarify something further. Quick note-taking can help you revisit the question if you spot new info.

    • How: Jot a quick code like “Q2→ B? Possibly C” if you’re torn between B and C. If you hear a clarifying statement, you can quickly finalize your choice.

    • Example: The speaker might circle back to the same topic after briefly discussing something else. If they add a clarifying detail (“We actually decided not to invest in solar panels yet…”), that could confirm or disprove your guess.

 

Pro Tip: Effective time management is critical. You can’t pause or rewind the audio, so adopting a “best guess and move on” approach can protect your score for future questions.

Essential Tips on IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions

To excel in IELTS Listening Multiple Choice (MCQ) questions, you need a balanced mix of active listening skills, strategic elimination techniques, and a deep understanding of how synonyms and paraphrasing can alter meaning. Below, you’ll find seven comprehensive tips that will help you handle MCQs with confidence and accuracy.

1. Practise Active Listening

What It Means:
Rather than zeroing in on one or two keywords, focus on the full context of each statement. When you listen to entire sentences, you’re less likely to miss subtle negatives, disclaimers, or changes in tone that can flip the correct answer.

 

Why It Helps:

  • Nuances Matter: The speaker might drop a single word—like “not,” “rarely,” or “except”—which changes the direction of a claim entirely.

  • Real-Life Relevance: In academic or professional settings, partial listening can lead to misunderstandings, so cultivating the habit of full-sentence comprehension has benefits beyond the exam.

 

Example:
If the speaker says, “I initially agreed with the policy, but now I’m having second thoughts,” you might hear “agreed with the policy” and stop listening. However, “but now I’m having second thoughts” reveals a changed perspective, which is crucial for identifying the correct answer.

2. Keep an Ear Out for Quantifiers

What It Means:
Quantifiers are words like “some,” “most,” “few,” “every,” “none,” “several,” or “all.” They can significantly alter the meaning of a statement and thus the correctness of an option.

 

Why It Helps:

  • Precision: A statement that says “some staff disagree” is not the same as “all staff disagree,” or even “most staff disagree.”

  • Avoiding Absolutes: If the speaker uses “some,” an MCQ option claiming something applies to “everyone” is probably incorrect.

 

Example:
If an answer choice is “All participants left the workshop early,” but the speaker states, “Many participants left early, though some stayed behind,” the absolute “all” is contradicted by “some stayed.” That single quantifier difference invalidates the option.

3. Revisit Options Briefly After Each Question

What It Means:
If you feel uncertain about a question, place a tentative mark and then pay attention to any subsequent clarifications in the audio. The speaker may circle back to the topic or add more details that confirm or refute your initial choice.

 

Why It Helps:

  • Maintains Flow: You won’t risk missing the next question’s detail by obsessing over the previous one.

  • Opportunity for Confirmation: Sometimes the speaker wraps up a topic or references it again before moving on, giving you a second chance to solidify your answer.

 

Example:
The speaker might say, “We plan to renovate the main hall by June,” then later clarify, “Regarding that main hall renovation—unfortunately, we’re delaying it to next year.” If you initially chose an answer about “June renovations,” a quick revisit allows you to correct it.

4. Don’t Get Stuck

What It Means:
MCQs demand efficient decision-making. If a particular question baffles you, move on swiftly rather than risking missing details for upcoming questions.

 

Why It Helps:

  • Time Management: The IELTS Listening test runs continuously; you can’t pause or rewind the audio. A single overlong hesitation can derail your performance on multiple questions.

  • Strategic Guessing: You can always come back at the end to refine guesses or confirm if time allows, but at least you’ll have an initial selection in place.

 

Example:
If you can’t determine whether option B or C is correct for question #2, make a note or guess, then shift focus to question #3. You might catch a crucial statement relevant to #3 that you’d miss otherwise.

5. Highlight Keywords in the Options

What It Means:
When scanning multiple-choice options, underline or mentally note the keywords—like “increased revenue,” “significant delay,” “environmental benefit,” etc. Each keyword can have several synonymous phrases in the audio.

 

Why It Helps:

  • Direct Clue Matching: “Increased” might appear in the speaker’s statement as “rose,” “expanded,” or “jumped,” while “revenue” could be “income,” “profit,” or “earnings.”

  • Anticipating Paraphrasing: By identifying synonyms in advance, you’re less likely to overlook the correct option when the speaker rewords it.

 

Example:
If option D says “reduced environmental impact,” note that “reduced” might appear as “lowered,” “decreased,” or “cut back,” and “environmental impact” might become “ecological footprint.”

​6. Listen for Negative Constructions

What It Means:
The speaker may use phrasing like “I wouldn’t say”, “it’s not that,” or “don’t”—making a seemingly positive statement actually negative, or vice versa.

 

Why It Helps:

  • Avoiding Wrong Assumptions: A statement like “I wouldn’t say I hate it” is ambiguous—does it mean they like it, or do they merely tolerate it? You must consider the entire context.

  • Spotting Contradictions: Negative constructions can disqualify an answer choice that states a positive or neutral stance.

 

Example:
An option might say, “The speaker likes the new policy,” but the audio states, “I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of it, but I do see its benefits.” That partial acceptance is not the same as fully liking it, so the option is likely off-target.

7. Match Meaning Over Words

What It Means:
Don’t get fixated on hearing the exact language from the option in the audio. Instead, focus on conceptual alignment—does the speaker’s meaning mirror what’s in the answer choice?

 

Why It Helps:

  • Higher-Level Skill: IELTS consistently tests paraphrasing skills, so purely word-for-word listening might mislead you.

  • Real-World Relevance: In real conversations or academic lectures, synonyms and varied expressions are normal.

 

Example:
If the speaker says, “We aim to cut down on production costs,” and an option states, “The company wants to decrease manufacturing expenses,” that’s a conceptual match—even though the wording differs.

 

By combining active listening, swift elimination methods, and a keen awareness of synonyms, you’ll enhance both your speed and accuracy with MCQs. Above all, practice consistently under timed conditions so these tips become second nature.

Example of IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions

It’s crucial to see IELTS Listening Multiple Choice techniques in action to truly grasp how to apply them effectively. In this example from Cambridge IELTS 19 – Test 1, we’ll break down each question to show you exactly why the correct answer is what it is, and how you can replicate these strategies in your own test. This example is part of our comprehensive collection, and you can find hundreds of more such exercises, along with a detailed demonstration of proven effective tips and strategies, in our IELTS Listening eBook. If you’re aiming for a higher band score, these real-world examples will help you master the nuances of IELTS Listening questions step by step.

 

Below, we’ll analyze Questions 11 to 15 from the Stanthorpe Twinning Association audio transcript, applying the exact strategies we’ve outlined for solving IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions. Let’s see how we arrive at each correct answer.

 

Play Audio

 

Transcript:

"It’s great to see so many members of the Twinning Association here tonight. Since the twinning link between our two towns, Stanthorpe here in England and Malatte in France, was established, the relationship between the towns has gone from strength to strength.

 

Last month, 25 members of the association from Stanthorpe spent a weekend in Malatte. Our hosts had arranged a great programme. We learned how cheese is produced in the region and had the chance to taste the products. The theme park trip had to be cancelled, but we all had a great time on the final boat trip down the river – that was the real highlight.

 

This is a special year for the Association because it’s 25 years since we were founded. In Malatte, they’re planning to mark this by building a footbridge in the municipal park. We’ve been discussing what to do here and we’ve decided to plant a poplar tree in the museum gardens. We considered buying a garden seat to put there, but the authorities weren’t happy with that idea.

 

In terms of fundraising to support our activities, we’ve done very well. Our pancake evening was well attended and made record profits. And everyone enjoyed the demonstration of French cookery, which was nearly as successful. Numbers for our film show were limited because of the venue so we’re looking for somewhere bigger next year.

 

We’re looking forward to welcoming our French visitors here next week, and I know that many of you here will be hosting individuals or families. The coach from France will arrive at 5 pm on Friday. Don’t try to do too much that first evening as they’ll be tired, so have dinner in the house or garden rather than eating out. The weather looks as if it’ll be OK so you might like to plan a barbecue. Then the next morning’s market day in town, and that’s always a good place to stroll round.

 

On Saturday evening, we’ll all meet up at the football club, where once again we’ll have Toby Sharp and his band performing English and Scottish country songs. Toby will already be well known to many of you as last year he organized our special quiz night and presented the prizes."

 

Questions:

Questions: 11–15

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

Stanthorpe Twinning Association

11) During the visit to Malatte, in France, members especially enjoyed

  1. going to a theme park.

  2. experiencing a river trip.

  3. visiting a cheese factory.

 

12) What will happen in Stanthorpe to mark the 25th anniversary of the Twinning Association?

  1. A tree will be planted.

  2. A garden seat will be bought.

  3. A footbridge will be built.

 

13) Which event raised most funds this year?

  1. the film show

  2. the pancake evening

  3. the cookery demonstration

 

14) For the first evening with the French visitors host families are advised to

  1. take them for a walk round the town.

  2. go to a local restaurant.

  3. have a meal at home.

 

15) On Saturday evening there will be the chance to

  1. listen to a concert.

  2. watch a match.

  3. take part in a competition.

 

Correct Answers

11. B

12. A

13. B

14. C

15. A

Detailed Breakdown of Each Answer

Question 11

Transcript Reference:

…The theme park trip had to be cancelled, but we all had a great time on the final boat trip down the river – that was the real highlight…

Answer: B (experiencing a river trip)

Why This Answer Is Correct:

  1. Identify Key Words in the Question: The question focuses on what members “especially enjoyed” during the visit.

  2. Scan the Transcript: Listen for mention of events – theme park, cheese factory, boat trip.

  3. Check for Synonyms or Contrasts: The speaker explicitly says the theme park “had to be cancelled,” so A is ruled out. They also say learning about cheese production was interesting, but the boat trip was the “real highlight.”

  4. Correct Option: Since the speaker emphasizes the river trip as “the real highlight,” the best match is B.

 

Question 12

Transcript Reference:

…We’ve decided to plant a poplar tree in the museum gardens. We considered buying a garden seat to put there, but the authorities weren’t happy with that idea…

Answer: A (A tree will be planted)

Why This Answer Is Correct:

  1. Underline the Key Part of the Audio: The speaker directly states the plan for the 25th anniversary is planting a poplar tree in the museum gardens.

  2. Eliminate Distractors: A garden seat was considered, but it was rejected. A footbridge is being built in Malatte (in France), not in Stanthorpe.

  3. Confirm the Exact Wording: “Plant a poplar tree” exactly matches the answer choice of A.

 

Question 13

Transcript Reference:

…Our pancake evening was well attended and made record profits. And everyone enjoyed the demonstration of French cookery, which was nearly as successful…

Answer: B (the pancake evening)

Why This Answer Is Correct:

  1. Focus on Comparative Language: The speaker compares the success of different fundraising events.

  2. Listen for Clues About Funds Raised: The pancake evening “made record profits” and the French cookery event was “nearly as successful,” indicating the cookery event raised slightly less.

  3. Identify the Highest Fundraiser: Since the pancake evening set a “record,” it had the highest profits, so B is correct.

 

Question 14

Transcript Reference:

…Don’t try to do too much that first evening as they’ll be tired, so have dinner in the house or garden rather than eating out…

Answer: C (have a meal at home)

Why This Answer Is Correct:

  1. Pinpoint the Advice for Host Families: The speaker advises “don’t try to do too much that first evening” and suggests having dinner “in the house or garden.”

  2. Check Each Option:

    • A (take them for a walk around town) is not mentioned as the recommended plan for that evening.

    • B (go to a local restaurant) is discouraged because the speaker says “rather than eating out.”

    • C (have a meal at home) matches the direct recommendation “have dinner in the house or garden.”

  3. Correct Match: The instruction clearly aligns with C.

 

Question 15

Transcript Reference:

…we’ll all meet up at the football club, where once again we’ll have Toby Sharp and his band performing English and Scottish country songs…

Answer: A (listen to a concert)

Why This Answer Is Correct:

  1. Interpret the Planned Activity: Toby Sharp and his band are performing songs, which indicates a musical performance.

  2. Check Other Options:

    • B (watch a match) is not supported, even though they meet at a football club. There’s no mention of a match being played.

    • C (take part in a competition) refers to last year’s “quiz night,” but this year it’s a live performance.

  3. Confirm the Detail: A live band performance indicates listening to a concert, so A is correct.

 

By carefully comparing each answer choice against direct evidence in the transcript, you reduce the risk of choosing distractors. Following a step-by-step elimination approach ensures you match the exact phrasing in the audio with the correct letter. These strategies are invaluable across various IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions—especially when multiple details or similar-sounding options are presented.

 

Finally, if you want to refine your approach to IELTS Listening Multiple Choice questions—and every other question type—our IELTS Listening eBook is a must-have resource. This eBook (available in pdf format) has hundreds of additional exercises and advanced tactics to significantly boost your IELTS Listening band score. By integrating these specialized drills and techniques into your preparation, you’ll not only ace Multiple Choice questions but also gain a deeper, more versatile skill set for tackling all listening challenges.

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