Common question types - Multiple choice and short-answer que...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to identify and answer multiple choice and short-answer questions in the IELTS Reading and Listening tests. You will know how these questions are presented, understand the skills required, and use effective strategies to select the correct responses, even when distractors or paraphrased content are used.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS, you are required to understand how to approach multiple choice and short-answer questions. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

• Recognize the format and requirements of multiple choice and short-answer item types in Reading and Listening.
• Distinguish between questions that require one answer and those that require more than one.
• Apply strategies to eliminate distractors and select the correct response.
• Answer short-answer questions clearly, keeping to word and/or number limits, as specified by the instructions.
• Use information given directly or indirectly (including paraphrased language) to answer correctly.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What is the best first step when facing a multiple choice question in IELTS Reading?
2. What should you do if a short-answer question says "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS and/or a NUMBER"?
3. True or false: In multiple choice questions, all options are based on facts given in the passage or recording.
4. How can you avoid writing too many words in a short-answer question?

Introduction

Multiple choice and short-answer questions are used in both the IELTS Reading and Listening papers. Each type tests your ability to understand relevant information and answer with precision. Knowing the differences and similarities between these formats is essential for effective exam technique.

Key Term: Multiple Choice Question
A type of IELTS question where you choose the correct answer(s) from a set of options (letters or numbers), based on information in the passage or recording.

Key Term: Short-Answer Question
An IELTS task where you write a word, phrase, or number in response to a specific question, following a word/number limit set in the instructions.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple choice questions offer a list of answer options, from which you must select the one (or more) that matches what the text or audio provides. You may be required to pick one answer, or more if stated in the instructions (e.g., "Choose TWO letters, A–E").

Key Term: Distractor
An incorrect answer option in multiple choice questions designed to look possible, but does not fully fit the information in the text or recording.

Structure and Approach

• Carefully read the instructions for how many answers to select.
• Skim the question and answer choices to identify keywords (names, dates, actions).
• Scan or listen for these keywords or their paraphrased forms in the text or audio.
• Check every option: many distractors are plausible but not exact matches.
• For Listening, answers are presented in the same order as you hear the audio.
• For Reading, the order usually follows the passage sequence, but content is often paraphrased.

Worked Example 1.1

The passage below is from an article about city parks:

Green spaces in cities do much more than provide pleasant views. Numerous studies have demonstrated their effects on air quality, physical health, and social well-being. One experiment in South City measured the health of residents before and after a new park was established. Within a year, regular visitors to the park showed a significant reduction in stress levels compared to those who did not visit.

Question: According to the passage, what is one proven effect of having city parks?

A) They make property prices higher.
B) They always reduce air pollution.
C) They can improve residents' health.
D) They prevent city crime entirely.

Answer:
C) They can improve residents' health.
The passage states that regular park visitors showed reduced stress—a health benefit. The other options are either not mentioned or are too strong (using words like "always" or "entirely").

Types of Multiple Choice (IELTS)

• Single answer: Choose one correct option.
• Multiple answers: Choose two or more, as instructed.
• Choosing features: e.g., Which THREE statements are correct about a subject.

Common Mistakes

• Overlooking instruction details (e.g., choosing more or fewer options than required).
• Picking distractors that use similar words but slightly change the meaning.
• Guessing answers based on prior knowledge, rather than the passage.

Exam Warning

Many students pick answers because the words look familiar. Do not rely on surface similarity—read/listen for the idea, not just matching words.

Revision Tip

For Listening, mark keywords on the question sheet before the recording begins. For Reading, underline phrases in both question and passage that match.

Short-Answer Questions

Short-answer items require you to produce a word, phrase, or number yourself, not select from options. Be careful to follow the word and/or number limit exactly as stated (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS").

Structure and Approach (Short-Answer)

• Read the instructions to check the word and number limits.
• Identify the question topic and main keywords.
• Scan the relevant passage section to find the answer.
• Use only information from the passage (not your own opinions).
• Write the answer clearly—spelling must be correct.
• Do not add unnecessary words or change grammatical form unless required for accuracy.

Key Term: Word Limit
The maximum number of words (and/or numbers) allowed for the answer, as given in the instructions.

Worked Example 1.2

Read the following excerpt:

The local zoo recently welcomed the birth of two panda cubs, a significant event as pandas are an endangered species. Their mother, called Mei Ling, has lived at the zoo since 2017.

Question: What is the name of the panda cubs' mother?

Answer:
Mei Ling
This is a short-answer question. The answer is given directly in the passage.

Word and Number Limits

• If the question asks for "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER," do not write more than this in your answer.
• Words like "a" or "the" count as words.
• Hyphenated words (e.g., "twenty-one") count as one.

Worked Example 1.3

The passage states:

In 2018, the town's population was 17,300, an increase of almost 1,000 compared to the previous year.

Question: What was the population of the town in 2018?

Answer:
17,300

Key Term: Paraphrasing
Restating information or ideas using different words, a common feature in IELTS passages and answers.

Common Mistakes (Short-Answer)

• Including more words than allowed.
• Copying irrelevant text from the passage.
• Spelling errors or not writing as shown in the text.
• Not using the exact number or word as required.

Exam Warning (Short-Answer)

If your answer exceeds the word limit, it will be marked wrong, even if the content is correct.

Revision Tip (Short-Answer)

After answering, recount the number of words and check spelling. Even a small spelling mistake counts as incorrect.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Identify multiple choice and short-answer question formats in IELTS Reading and Listening.
• Use targeted reading or listening strategies for these question types.
• Recognize and eliminate distractors in multiple choice items.
• Write short-answer responses within the word and/or number limit and spell answers accurately.
• Avoid relying on personal knowledge; use only information from the passage or recording.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Multiple Choice Question
• Short-Answer Question
• Distractor
• Word Limit
• Paraphrasing