Long multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in listening tests are a common challenge in exams like IELTS. These questions often involve long passages, tricky distractors, and closely related answer choices that can confuse even advanced learners.
But don't worry — with the right techniques, you can turn this tough section into a scoring opportunity. Here are 10 powerful tips to help you succeed:
1. Read the Questions Carefully Before Listening
Use the preparation time wisely. Read the question stem (the part of a question that contains the actual question or incomplete statement and provides the necessary context) and all the options. Try to understand:
- What is the speaker's purpose?
- Are you listening for a fact, reason, opinion, or outcome?
2. Predict the Type of Answer
Based on the question, guess what kind of answer you're likely to hear. If the question asks "Why did the speaker…?", expect a reason. If it says "What does the speaker suggest?", listen for advice.
3. Highlight Keywords
Underline important words in the question and options. Focus on names, verbs, adjectives, and time expressions. These keywords help you stay focused and catch relevant information during the audio.
Verbs (Action or opinion words)
These tell you what's happening or what the speaker is doing/thinking.
Examples: suggest, recommend, complain, reject, agree, prefer, decide
Why they matter: If the question says "What does the speaker suggest?", you need to listen for advice or a recommendation — not just information.
Adjectives (Describing words)
These give opinions or qualities and help you identify tone or attitude.
Examples: expensive, useful, disappointing, easy, difficult, suitable, beneficial
Example:
- Option A: "The course was useful"
- Option B: "The course was boring"
You need to listen carefully to the speaker's opinion about the course. Adjectives give this away.
Time Expressions
These help you locate events in the audio.
Examples: last year, recently, now, at the moment, in the future, by the end of the week
Example:
Question: "When will the results be available?"
- A. Next week
- B. By the end of this week
- C. They're already available
4. Be Ready for Paraphrasing
The exact words from the options won't be repeated in the audio. Examiners love paraphrasing. For example:
Option: "He rejected the offer"
Audio: "He decided not to accept the proposal"
Train yourself to recognise meaning, not just exact words.
5. Watch Out for Distractors
Speakers may mention all the options, but only one is correct. Be alert for:
- Changes of opinion: "Initially I thought… but then I realised…"
- Contrasts: "Although some believe…, I don't agree…"
The real answer may come after a correction or contrast.
6. Follow the Order
In most tests, questions follow the order of the audio. If you miss one, don't panic—move on to the next. Staying calm helps you catch upcoming answers.
7. Don't Get Stuck
If you didn't catch the answer, don't waste time guessing while the audio is still playing. Mark your best guess and move on quickly.
8. Use Elimination
Eliminate answers that are clearly wrong or don't match the speaker's tone or meaning. Even if unsure, reducing choices increases your chances.
9. Take Notes While Listening
Jot down short notes or keywords as the audio plays. This helps you match ideas with answer options during review time.
10. Practice Actively
Do regular timed listening practice using real test materials. Review transcripts, check mistakes, and learn how speakers build meaning.
Final Thoughts
Long MCQs in listening are tough — but with these strategies, you'll build the focus, speed, and confidence needed to choose the right answer every time.
Practice consistently, stay alert for paraphrasing and distractors, and remember that success comes from mastering the technique, not just knowing English.
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