IELTS Listening MULTIPLE CHOICE | Band 9 Strategy & Practice

Summary

This IELTS listening tutorial focuses on tackling the most challenging multiple-choice questions. The instructor shares strategies for identifying correct answers, especially when options are short or lengthy. With examples from Cambridge practice tests, the video demonstrates how to avoid common traps and emphasizes the importance of paraphrasing and keyword identification. The instructor also advises on effective preparation, such as listening to clear English audiobooks to enhance listening skills.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The video focuses on tackling the most difficult type of questions in IELTS listening, particularly multiple-choice questions.
• 📝 Tips are shared on how to find correct answers by identifying paraphrased answers and being wary of 'traps' where keywords are repeated but the answer is incorrect.
• 📚 The video uses questions from Cambridge practice tests, which are recommended for their similarity to real exam papers.
• 🕒 The length of options in multiple-choice questions can affect their difficulty; shorter options may have paraphrased correct answers, while longer ones require careful keyword identification.
• 👂 Listening for paraphrased answers is crucial as the correct answer may not be a direct repetition of the information in the transcript.
• ⏰ Utilizing the review time at the end of part two to start reading multiple-choice questions can improve response time and accuracy.
• 👀 It's important to read all questions and options carefully, even if time is limited, to avoid falling for traps and to identify paraphrased answers.
• ✏️ When options are lengthy, finding the keywords and differences between options can help navigate through the text more efficiently.
• 📈 The video provides practical examples from IELTS practice tests to demonstrate how to apply the tips in real exam scenarios.
• 💡 The video concludes with advice on improving listening skills for IELTS, such as listening to clear English audiobooks, and a call to action for viewers to share their performance in the video's comments.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide tips and strategies for tackling multiple choice questions in the IELTS listening section, specifically focusing on identifying correct answers and avoiding common traps.

What are the two types of multiple choice questions discussed in the script?

The two types of multiple choice questions discussed are those where you choose one correct letter out of three options (A, B, or C) and those where you choose two letters from five options (A to E).

Why are short options in multiple choice questions considered easier to start with?

Short options are considered easier to start with because they usually have correct answers that are paraphrased, making them easier to identify, and they are less likely to contain traps where keywords are repeated but the answer is incorrect.

What is the significance of the keyword 'traps' in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'traps' refer to options where a keyword is repeated, but the information provided makes the option incorrect, despite appearing similar to the correct answer.

How does the script suggest improving performance in IELTS listening multiple choice questions?

The script suggests improving performance by finding keywords in each option, being aware of paraphrased keywords, reading all questions and options carefully, and being cautious of traps.

What is the advice given for dealing with long options in multiple choice questions?

For long options, the advice is to find the keywords in each option, identify the differences between options, and cross out options that are clearly incorrect to narrow down the choices.

Why does the script recommend using Cambridge practice tests for IELTS preparation?

The script recommends using Cambridge practice tests because they are similar to real exam papers, providing an authentic practice experience.

What is the strategy suggested for managing time when dealing with long options in the IELTS listening section?

The strategy suggested is to start reading the multiple choice questions as soon as part two finishes, using the review time for part two to begin familiarizing yourself with part three questions.

How does the script explain the process of identifying the correct answers in the IELTS listening section?

The script explains that correct answers are often paraphrased and not directly repeated. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and details within the listening material to differentiate between correct answers and traps.

What is the role of the monologue and dialogue examples in the script?

The monologue and dialogue examples are used to demonstrate how to apply the tips and strategies discussed in the script, showing how to identify correct answers and avoid traps in practice.

What additional tip does the script give for improving listening skills for the IELTS exam?

The script suggests listening to audiobooks in English with clear pronunciation to improve listening skills, as it requires switching attention between listening, reading, and writing quickly.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 IELTS Listening Tips: Mastering Multiple Choice Questions

The video begins with a discussion on the most challenging type of IELTS listening questions, identified as multiple choice. The presenter shares strategies to tackle these questions effectively. Tips include recognizing when correct answers are paraphrased and being wary of 'traps' where keywords are repeated but lead to incorrect answers. The segment uses examples from Cambridge practice tests to demonstrate these strategies in action, focusing on short options first to ease into the process.

05:01

📚 Applying Tips to IELTS Listening Practice

This section delves into applying the previously mentioned tips to actual IELTS listening practice. The presenter uses a monologue about an estate to illustrate how to identify correct answers amidst paraphrased options and traps. The discussion highlights the importance of listening for changes and details within the audio, emphasizing the need to move on once the correct answer is identified to maximize efficiency during the exam.

10:11

👂 Advanced Listening Strategies for Longer Options

The focus shifts to handling multiple-choice questions with longer options. The presenter advises on finding keywords within each option to navigate through the discussion more easily. The segment also covers how to identify when a keyword is mentioned but leads to a trap answer. A monologue about a school's extended childcare service is used to demonstrate these strategies, showing how to differentiate between correct and incorrect options based on details.

15:17

🕒 Time Management in IELTS Listening

This part addresses the challenge of managing time during IELTS listening, especially with lengthy options. The presenter suggests starting to read the questions as soon as the previous section ends, to maximize reading time. The advice is illustrated with a dialogue between two students discussing their work experience on farms, emphasizing the importance of understanding the question requirements and the details discussed in the audio.

20:22

📉 Analyzing Work Experiences and Challenges

The video continues with a detailed analysis of the problems faced by two individuals during their work experiences on farms. The discussion includes issues with transportation, finding placements, and the administration of supplements to livestock. The presenter guides viewers on how to extract relevant information from the dialogue to answer multiple-choice questions accurately, highlighting the need for careful listening and the ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect options.

25:22

📚 Conclusion and Additional IELTS Listening Resources

In the concluding part, the presenter summarizes the key points discussed in the video and provides additional resources for IELTS listening practice. The advice wraps up with a recommendation to listen to audiobooks with clear pronunciation to improve listening skills. The presenter also encourages viewers to share their success in applying the strategies discussed and to explore other video resources for tackling different types of IELTS questions.

Keywords

💡IELTS listening

IELTS listening refers to the listening section of the International English Language Testing System, which assesses the ability of non-native speakers to understand spoken English in various contexts. In the video, the speaker discusses strategies for tackling difficult questions in this section, emphasizing the importance of practice and understanding the nuances of the test format.

💡multiple choice

Multiple choice questions are a type of question where respondents are asked to select one or more answers from a list of options. The video focuses on this question format within the IELTS listening section, providing tips on how to identify correct answers and avoid common pitfalls.

💡paraphrased

To paraphrase means to restate or reword information in a different way while retaining the original meaning. The video script mentions that correct answers in IELTS listening are often paraphrased, meaning that the exact wording from the options may not be used, but the same idea is conveyed in different words.

💡traps

In the context of the video, traps refer to misleading options in multiple-choice questions where a keyword is repeated, but the overall statement is incorrect. The speaker advises viewers to be cautious of these traps and to ensure that the correct answer aligns with the information provided in the listening passage.

💡Cambridge practice tests

These are official practice materials published by Cambridge University Press, designed to simulate the actual IELTS exam experience. The video recommends using these tests for practice, as they are similar to the real exam papers and help familiarize test-takers with the question types and format.

💡transcript

A transcript is a written version of a spoken or recorded text. In the video, the speaker uses transcripts of IELTS listening passages to demonstrate how to apply various tips and strategies to find correct answers, highlighting the importance of understanding the context and details within the listening material.

💡keywords

Keywords are significant words or phrases that help to identify the main points or topics within a text. The video emphasizes the importance of identifying keywords in the options and the listening passage to quickly locate and confirm the correct answers.

💡paper-based vs. computer-based

This refers to the two formats in which the IELTS exam can be taken: on paper or on a computer. The video mentions that strategies for managing time and annotations may differ slightly between the two formats, with the ability to physically mark papers being an advantage in the paper-based test.

💡review time

Review time is the period allotted for candidates to check their answers before the next section of the test begins. The video advises using this time strategically, such as starting to read the next section's questions instead of reviewing already answered questions, to maximize preparation and performance.

💡audio guide

An audio guide is a recorded commentary or explanation that accompanies a visual or physical experience, such as a museum tour or a historical site visit. In the script, the speaker contrasts the use of audio guides with live demonstrations by volunteers dressed as servants, indicating a shift in presentation methods at a historical estate.

💡supplements

Supplements in the context of the video refer to additional nutrients or substances added to animal feed to enhance their diet. The speaker discusses the use of supplements in farming and how the students' experiences and observations on this topic can be relevant to their work or studies.

Highlights

The most difficult type of questions in IELTS listening according to the poll are multiple choice questions.

Tips on how to find correct answers in IELTS listening multiple choice questions are shared.

Short options in multiple choice questions usually have correct answers that are paraphrased.

Beware of 'traps' where a keyword is repeated but the answer is incorrect.

Long options require identifying keywords and differences between options to navigate through the text.

Listening for paraphrased keywords is crucial for long options in multiple choice questions.

Crossing out incorrect options can help narrow down the correct answer in paper-based tests.

The importance of reading all questions and options carefully before the recording starts.

Using the review time at the end of part two to start reading multiple choice questions in part three.

A strategy for dealing with long options is to read them during the review time of the previous part.

An example of how to apply tips to a question with two answers from a dialogue.

The correct answer is often found in the middle of the description and is paraphrased.

An example of a 'trap' where a keyword is repeated but the option is incorrect.

The significance of understanding the differences between options for long answer questions.

The importance of finding keywords in each option to track which one is being discussed.

An example of a monologue about a school's extended hours child care service used for practice.

Advice on how to handle multiple choice questions with very long options.

The suggestion to listen to audiobooks in English with clear pronunciation to improve listening skills.

A call to action for viewers to share their correct answer count in the comments.

A reminder to check out the video on the second toughest type of question in IELTS listening: Maps.

Transcripts

in this poll I asked you to vote for the most  difficult type of questions in IELTS listening  

just like me you said multiple choice there  is just so much to read and there are so many  

confusing details in this lesson I'd like to  share my tips on how to find correct answers  

and will immediately check how each tip Works  in practice it's Asiya let's get started [Music]  

there are two types of these questions choose  the correct letter a b or c in this case you  

need to find one correct answer out  of three or choose two letters from  

A to e then you need to find two correct  answers for each of them you get one point  

all the questions we're using today are  from Cambridge practice tests so they  

just like the real exam papers and I highly  recommend using these books in your practice  

I find that the difficulty all these questions  is partly determined by how long your options are  

sometimes you see just one or two words  per option sometimes each is sentence long  

let's start with short options to warm  up and I'd like you to apply these two  

tips if options are short correct answers  are usually paraphrased beware of traps  

these are options where the keyword  is repeated but the answer is wrong  

please count how many questions you answer  correctly okay you're about to hear a monologue  

about an estate or a large house with a garden  and some land used for farming here are the  

first two questions please read them you have a  few seconds and then you will hear the recording

the estate consists of the house Gardens Parkland  and Farm and it dates back to the 14th century  

the original house was replaced in the late 17th  century and of course it has had a large number  

of owners almost all of them have left their Mark  generally by adding new rooms like the ballroom  

and Conservatory or by demolishing others the  farm looks much as it's always done although  

the current owner has done a great deal of work to  the flower beds big houses like onerton had dozens  

of servants until the 1920s or 30s and we've  tried to show what their working lives were like  

photographs of course don't give much of an  idea so instead as you go round the house  

you'll see volunteers dressed up as 19th  century servants going about their work  

they'll explain what they're doing and tell  you their recipes or what tools they're using  

we've just introduced this feature to replace  the audio guide we used to have available  

let's have a look at the first  question and the transcript  

first of all the question says many past  owners made changes to not just one but many  

now in the first sentence we just  have the description of the state  

and that it had a large number of owners  okay so what changes have they made

almost all of them had left their Mark generally  by adding a new room like the ballroom and  

Conservatory all by demolishing others so  adding a new room is making changes to the house  

the correct answer actually there is another  sentence let's check the form so we have a  

word from one of our options looks more like it's  always done so no changes have been made to the  

farm although the current owner has done a great  deal of work to the flower beds so flower beds  

that's our garden but it's only the current  owner who made changes and we need many past  

toners so again this option is incorrect actually  as soon as you hear the correct answer in IELTS  

listening like B can move on to the next  question because the answer will not change  

now question number two visitors can  learn about the work of servants from

now let's have a look at our transcript okay so  here we just learned that there were a lot of  

servants in this house next photographs so that's  option b of course don't give much of an idea  

so this is an incorrect option so instead you go  around the house and you see volunteers dressed up  

as servants this means they are in costumes  they are dressed up going about their work and  

they will explain what they're doing and tell you  their recipes and what tools they're using so you  

can learn about the work of servants from people  in costume that's the correct answer but again  

we have another sentence we've just introduced  this feature to replace the audio guide again  

we have one of our keywords from option A we used  to have available used to means it was true in the  

past but it's not true anymore they don't have  audio guides anymore so the correct answer is C  

as you might have noticed both in this and the  previous question we found the correct answer  

in the middle of the description and the correct  answer was actually paraphrased but then we had  

another option where the keyword was repeated but  this option was incorrect so I call them traps  

now try to apply the same tips to a question  with two answers this one is from section three  

which means it's a dialogue in our case these  are two students working on a theater project  

now you have some time to read this question

so first of all I'm not sure how much  information we should include in our reviews  

right well I don't think we need to describe  what happens especially as Romeo and Juliet is  

one of Shakespeare's most well-known plays yeah  everyone knows the story in an essay we'd focus  

on the poetry and Shakespeare's use of imagery  Etc but that isn't really relevant in a review  

we're supposed to focus on how effective  this particular production is hmm  

we should say what made it a success or a failure  and part of that means talking about the emotional  

impact the performance had on us I think that's  important yes and we should definitely mention  

how well the director handled important bits of  the play like when Romeo climbs onto Juliet's  

balcony and the fight between Mercutio and tibult  yes it would also be interesting to mention the  

theater space and how the director used it but I  don't think we'll have space in 800 words no okay  

let's have a look we need to find two  correct answers student one so how much  

information should we include student two well  I don't think we need to describe what happens  

describing what happens is option b summary of  the plot they don't need it next student one yeah  

everyone knows a story in an essay we would focus  on the poetry and Shakespeare's use of imagery so  

poetry and imagery it may be a little bit  non-stright forward but they're actually  

talking about option A analysis of the text but  he says that in an essay they would focus on it  

but it isn't really relevant in a review and  they are writing a review so again option A is  

incorrect student two we should say what made it a  success of failure and part of that means talking  

about the emotional impact the performance had on  us this is option D yes they think it's important  

student too and we should definitely mention how  well the director handled important bits of the  

play like when Romeo climbed on the balcony  so this is a reference to particular scenes  

they think they should mention that that's the  second correct answer and again we have some more  

and the fight yes that refers to the previous  answer it would also be interesting to mention  

the theater space and how the director used it  so the theater that's option C and actually the  

keyword is repeated here but I don't think we  have space so no they're not gonna mention that  

okay as you can see in the Sansa each  option was mentioned not in order  

most of them were paraphrased  the only repeated keyword was  

the theater discussed at the very end and that  was actually a trap that answer would be wrong  

okay it's time to try some questions where  each option is a bit longer here are some tips  

find the keywords in each option they can  help you find which option is being discussed  

if you are taking a paper-based exam you can  underline them in the computer-based test you  

can highlight text but honestly there is no time  next some keywords are paraphrased some are not  

you will hear a number of options discussed but  answers depend on certain details try to read all  

the questions and options as careful as possible  we'll talk about how to find time for that a bit  

later and do look out for traps if you hear a  keyword it doesn't mean this option is correct  

the answer may be correct or maybe wrong certain  option is incorrect cross it out then you'll be  

selecting your answer among fewer options again  this tip is more applicable to the paper-based  

test where you can quickly cross things out right  now you're gonna hear a part two monologue about a  

school and it's extended hours child care service  ready now you have some time to read this question

we offer child care for children from the ages of  4 to 11 both before and after school we're insured  

to provide care for up to 70 children although we  rarely have this many attending at any one session  

I think we generally expect  around 50 to 60 children for  

the afternoon sessions and about half  that number for The Breakfast sessions  

although we currently do have 70 children  registered with us not all of these attend  

every day it's 10 years since we began offering  an extended hours service and we've come a long  

way during that time when we first opened we  only had about 20 children attending regularly  

before we read the transcript let's have a look  at the question itself when our options are long  

it's particularly important to find the keywords  and to find what the differences are between  

different options then it will be easier for  you to navigate so here I would say that they  

are talking about sessions after school and before  school or mornings and afternoons so that may be  

important and of course numbers 50 Children  more children 70. let's read the transcript  

in the first sentence we learned that they offer  child care for children from the ages of 4 to 11  

we don't have any options with ages both before  and after school okay now we know that have a look  

at this one we are ensured to provide care for up  to 70 children well actually we have 70 children  

here right 17. and it says the maximum number and  indeed if they're only insured for 70 it would be  

legal to take more children so this option is  correct next I think we generally expect around  

50 to 60 children for the afternoon sessions  afternoon okay we have 50 Children Here what  

does it say the average of 50 children attend in  the mornings so no we don't have information like  

that let's continue reading and about half that  number for breakfast sessions or in the morning  

have a look at option b more children attend after  school than before school yes that's correct we've  

actually found our answers but let's continue  reading although we currently have 70 children  

registered with us not all of these attend every  day and I think they are actually talking about  

something similar to this one but they're saying  that not all children choose to come while in  

this option they say children cannot come so they  choose not to come or they cannot come these are  

different things so this option is incorrect  and the last it's 10 years since we began  

and if you have a look at option A it started  recently no so how did that go hope you're up  

for the challenge the most complex questions  are coming in some tests not to know in part  

three you may find a number of questions with very  long options like in this example six questions  

when preparing for this video I try to read all  of them in the time allocated in the test but  

I could barely finish skimming through and it did  reflect on my performance here is what you can do  

these questions come in part three at the end  of part two you'll be given 30 seconds to review  

your answers don't review them start reading  this multiple choice questions as soon as part  

2 finishes then you have a better chance to read  all the questions and it will be a bit easier to  

navigate through these options once the recording  starts the other tips are the same as before I've  

selected three questions for you in this dialogue  two students are discussing their work experience  

which they undertook at two different phones right  now I'm gonna give you as much time to read these  

questions as you're gonna get in the test if you  don't use the review time if that's not enough  

as soon as you hear the recording pause the video  finish reading all the options and then resume it

so Tim we have to do a short summary of our work  experience on a farm right my farm was great but  

arranging the work experience was hard one problem  was it was miles away and I don't drive and also  

I'd really wanted a placement for a month but  I could only get one for two weeks I was lucky  

the farmer let me stay on the farm so I didn't  have to travel but finding the right sort of  

farm to apply to wasn't easy no they don't seem  to have websites do they I found mine through  

a friend of my mother's but it wasn't easy no  I was interested in the amount of supplements  

they add to animals feed nowadays like even the  chickens got extra vitamins and electrolytes in  

their feed yes I found that too and they're not  cheap but my Farmer said some are overpriced for  

what they are and he didn't give them as a matter  of routine just at times when the chickens seemed  

to particularly require them Yes mine said the  same he said certain breeds of chickens might need  

more supplements than the others but the cheap  and expensive ones are all basically the same  

so did your farm have any other livestock Diana  yes Berry cows I made a really embarrassing  

mistake when I was working in the milkshed some  cows had been treated with antibiotics so their  

milk wasn't suitable for human consumption and  it had to be put in a separate container but I  

got mixed up and I poured some milk from  the wrong cow in with the milk for humans  

first of all it's very important to read the  question itself carefully we're looking for  

problems that both Diana and Tim faced both  of them and our options are about the initial  

contact transport and finding a placement  for the required length of time now over here  

team started talking about his problems so one  problem was that it was miles away and I don't  

drive so he had a problem with transport and also  he wanted it for a month but could only get two  

weeks so he had a problem with the length of time  but did Diana have the same problems she says I  

was lucky the farmer let me stay on the farm so  no she didn't have a problem with the transport  

but finding the right sorts of farm wasn't easy so  she had a problem with this one and she actually  

didn't mention option C team replied no they  don't seem to have websites do they I found  

mine through a friend of my mother's yes he also  had this problem of making the initial contact  

the second question was about adding supplements  to chicken what did the students learn so the  

question doesn't specifically say both of them  or what tip was the same for both of them so it  

actually doesn't require a specific confirmation  from both students but let's have a look at the  

transcript Diana says supplements are not cheap so  she's discussing option b is it worth paying extra  

my Farmer said they are overpriced  no they shouldn't pay extra  

and he didn't give them as a matter of  routine he didn't give them regularly  

just at times when the chickens seem  to particularly require them this  

is option A supplements should be given if  specially needed yes that's a correct answer  

but let's continue just to be sure you get  the correct answer Tim Says Yes mine said  

the same and then he added that some breeds of  chickens might need more supplements than others  

but this is not the same as option C where they  say that the amount given at one time should be  

limited no it's not the same and he continues but  the cheap and expensive ones are the same so again  

option b is incorrect and the last question what  mistake did Diana make well actually here we need  

to read a couple of sentences again she says some  cows have been treated with antibiotics so their  

milk wasn't suitable for human consumption and  had to be stored or put in a separate container  

but I got mixed up and poured some milk from  the wrong cow in with the milk for humans  

so the whole lot had to be thrown away so this  keyword thrown away is repeated from option b  

threw away some milk but is it what happened  she accidentally threw some milk away no she  

didn't throw it away she made a mistake  when storing the milk she put it in the  

wrong container and then they had to throw milk  away so that wasn't a mistake the mistake was see  

those were tough in IELTS listening you need to  switch your attention between listening reading  

and writing very quickly and the less effort it  requires you to understand the recording itself  

the better if you have some time before your  exam start listening to audiobooks in English  

pronunciation is clear like in the IELTS exam and  you can listen to them while commuting or cooking  

if you are not on Audible where I listen to all my  books you can get any book for free when you join  

a free trial and after one month you'll start  paying a monthly fee which gives you access to  

one new book every month but if you unsubscribe  during the trial you still keep your free book  

and if you decide to try audiobook  could you please use the link in the  

description box it will allow me to earn  a small commission at no expense to you  

so how many questions in this video could you  answer correctly please tell me in the comments  

the second toughest type of question in our poll  was Maps that's the one please check it out and  

thank you so much for watching me today good  luck with your preparation and your exam bye