2.4Question type 2: multiple choice

You hear a question and choose one of three options. This is the most dangerous type in the Listening section, because the recording usually mentions all three options and rules two of them out quickly.

How the wrong options are built

The examiner builds distractors in three predictable ways. Learn to recognise them and half the difficulty disappears.

1. 1.The option is mentioned, but it belongs to a different person, a different place or a different time.
2. 2.The option was true and then the speaker rejected it or changed their mind.
3. 3.The option repeats the exact words from the recording, while the correct answer uses a synonym. This one catches every student who listens for words instead of meaning.

The method

1. 1.Read the stem first, the part before the options, and be clear about what is being asked.
2. 2.Underline the one or two words that actually separate the three options from each other.
3. 3.Listen for meaning, not for whichever option is mentioned first.
4. 4.Cross an option out with your pencil the moment it is ruled out. Do not try to hold it in your head.
5. 5.If you lose the question, choose any option at once and move on. Never go back.

Practice 2

Your teacher will read a short talk once only. Read the questions first.

Library induction talk