IELTS Listening Multiple Choice: Essential Tips

This lesson focuses on IELTS listening multiple choice questions and offers tips, practice and useful vocabulary to help you achieve your best. Multiple choice questions are the most difficult of all the questions in IELTS listening and you need to develop the right techniques to deal with them in order to do well.

Watch the video tutorial before you read the tips below.

Multiple Choice Video Tutorial

Multiple Choice Tips Summarised

Please read all tips below. There are extra tips listed below:

Preparing the Questions
  1. check for a title
  2. you might be asked to respond to a question or complete a sentence
  3. find keywords in the question
    1. the keywords will help you understand which answers are right and which are wrong
    2. paraphrase the keywords
    3. if it is a list selection multiple choice, underline the number of answers you need to find – for example, choose three letters.
Preparing the Multiple Answers Options
  1. read through the answer options
    1. highlight similar options so you don’t get confused
    2. note the differences between those options
    3. think of paraphrases for keywords
  2. all answer options will probably be given in the recording
  3. don’t think that the first answer you hear is the correct one – keep listening
  4. watch out for answers that are given and then taken away again by the speaker
  5. listen for the word “but” or “however” this can mean a negative is coming which means it might not be the right answer
  6. if you think an answer is correct, put a tick but keep listening to make sure it is right
  7. you can write on your question paper so use ticks and crosses for right and wrong answers
Multiple Choice Answers
  1. you might not hear the exact words in the answer options – answers might be a paraphrase
  2. your answer should be a letter not a word – be careful when you transfer your answers. If you write a word instead of a letter, your answer will be marked wrong,
  3. when you have a list selection that asks you to choose two or three letters, you can write those letters in any order. For example: d b a or b a d
  4. when you have to choose two or three letters for two or three questions, make sure it is still one letter for each question on the answer sheet

Recommended

Comments

  1. Ayantubo modupe Oluwayemisi says

    Thanks dear Liz, your lecture is very helpful.

  2. Hi Liz

    How are you ? Thanks for the wonderful work you are doing. Is it true that we should practice with recent Cambridge books(6-14 only) and not with Cambridge (1-5) as some pattern has changed.

    • The test is still the same. However, I would always advise using more recent versions if you have a choice. But if you just need extra practice, use the older tests – it is all good practice.

  3. Hi Liz,

    Firstly, thank you so much for your courses and documents. I want to ask you about the dates of the listening part. I mean sometimes the right answer is “17th of November”, sometimes “17 November” even if the speaker says “the 17th of November”. Therefore I cannot make a decision and write the wrong answer. How should I write the dates in the listening section?

  4. Wafaa Elsawah says

    Dear Liz,
    Many thanks for your great efforts, it is very clear and helps a lot.

    Stay Safe 🙂

  5. Hello Liz,

    I hope this message finds you well 🙂

    Multiple choice answers are super hard when the sentences are long. As a general tip, is it advisable to read first the answers super fast?

    Thanks,
    Blixa

    • You should be reading all questions and answer options before you listen – for all types of questions. You should underline keywords as well – for all types of questions. Get the IELTS Cambridge test books which contain real IELTS tests published by IELTS. You will get used to the length of time you have to read the questions before the audio starts. You need to build your speed reading skills for this aspect of IELTS Listening.

  6. Hello Liz
    hope this message finds you well. you clarified everything’s that would bevrelated to IELTs test, I want just to sat THANKS
    Hope you are Healthy
    Good luck

  7. If the audio says’ lets meet on the 25th of december’.
    What is the correct answer.. 25th December or 25 december.

  8. Thank you dear Liz, your advice is very useful and I appreciate your efforts.

  9. Agnes Arokiasamy says

    Hi Liz,

    Thank you so much. The listening tips and explanation was very helpful.

    Agnes

  10. Good

  11. Marie Chrisse says

    Hello! I’m about to take my IELTS test on the 29th of October which is next week and I’m wondering if we’ll be able to listen to the recording again? I mean, for example you weren’t able to grasp what was asked about so you decided to skip the number and proceeded to the next set of questions or recording. Then, after everything you’ll be able to review your answers at the end. While reviewing for the answers, will the audio or recording play again so you could double check your answers or no? I did try the practice test online and it did play once. But, there was a certain part of the practice test where I wasn’t able to grasp like the location of the store and the like, so I decided to skip, but once I was able to answer most of the questions and went back to that certain set of questions, the recording played again. So, I was wondering if it happens on a computer based test.

    • You don’t have any control over the recording. It is played, the time to read questions is built into the recording. Haven’t you done real IELTS tests at home yet? You must practice full IELTS tests at home under exam conditions before your test day. The British Council IELTS website has a full test for free which you can use or you can purchase the IELTS Cambridge test books from 1 to 14 (14 is the most recent).

  12. Hi Liz,
    I am a Nigerian living in the US. when I took the academic IELTS back home I had 9 in Listening. Ive taken general IELTS twice since being in the US and I got 7.5 both times. I’m pissed because I need at least 8.5. I’ve maintained a consistent 8.5 in speaking and 7.5 in writing.
    I started to think that maybe my British spellings in the listening section is affecting me eg ‘Honor (US) and Honour (UK)”. Since IELTS is largely a UK body, I stick to my British spellings also because that’s what i’m used to.
    Is my test marked by British or Americans? If the latter, do they take cognisance of UK and US spellings? the audio is always in British accent.

    • IELTS is an international English language test – both UK and US spelling is accepted – but don’t mix them together.

  13. The Labeling of the Map is the most confusing.

    • The key is getting to know the language and the different layouts.

    • Hi Liz,

      Hope you are doing well.

      For answers that are in two words, is it necessary to use “comma” or/and “and” ?

      Thank you.

      Stay safe and healthy

      • Do you mean that you would write two words and then add a third word “and”. In that case, your answer would be three words and probably wrong unless the word “and” was actually needed in the sentence for completion. It is also not necessary to use a comma either. Just write two words so that they are easy to read 🙂

  14. Hi Liz,
    Your lessons are truly helpful ,I must say. One thing I’d love to receive clarification on is about symbols and numbers. Let’s say, the dollar sign precedes a blank space in a particular question. Is there still a need for the dollar sign? I hope you do understand.Thank you in advance.

  15. Mohamed Kamal Ali says

    Dear Liz,
    Thank you very much for all your efforts since starting this website. You are doing great job.
    Greetings

  16. What does it mean BC website and send the link here

  17. Hi Liz
    I am confused ,weather we have to listen and write alternatively or we have to read questions first and then listen and answer

    • You read a number of questions, then you listen to the recording, writing the answers at the same time. Please go to the BC website and download their free full IELTS test to get used to the format.

    • Please suggest me for what is best to choose for IELTS exam-IDP or BC?

  18. Mam..I expecting you to continue your Liz IELTS videos….pls….

  19. Hey Liz,

    Trust me its such a fantastic effort you are putting out here, if i may ask how do you even get paid?.

    Thanks for impacting the world!.

    • I don’t get paid for this site at all or for answering questions etc. But some people choose to buy my Advanced lessons which helps me.

  20. Thanks for let us pay attention for more and more tricky modules in the era.p …unfortunately I have your blog since long time but I didn’t take care of it until now ..I’m seriously considering your lessons to go ahead and achieve a good mark

    One important question I’m following BBC website is it useful to strengthen my vocab and reading skills hope to got your recommendation

    • The BBC website will help with language, but it will not teach you IELTS exam skills. Choose carefully how you use your time.

  21. I have signed up for IELTS and as usual, they have sent me a workbook. While practising, I found that, a couple of book-back answers in the listening test, didn’t match even the audio.
    You might think it as sentence completion, but it’s not. It’s filling in the blanks sort of. So in that case, will the answer key be right or will my answer be right? I listened the audio back and again, still I find no such word as mentioned in the key. So what would be done? I’d be marked wrong? Please, help me out with this. Thanks in advance!

    • Check the transcript. Also make sure you get the IELTS Cambridge test books and practice with them – they definitely have the transcript so you can read through the listening audio to check your answers.

  22. Pls get well Soon Liz, so Many people out there need you to move forward in life 🤗

  23. Joseph Orji says

    Hi Liz,
    with deep sense of gratitude, I appreciate your work on this platform, I just checked my IELTS result [which was taken on September 29, 2018] online, I got 7.0 in Speaking, Listening, and Reading respectively and Writing was 6.5, a total of 7.0

    Honestly I don’t think I could have come this close without the help of your blog.
    I used the free resources to get this, I imagine what it would have been if I had subscribed to the premium materials.

    Once more, I say thank you from the depth of my heart and may God reward and strengthen you.
    If there is a link to upload a video, I wouldn’t mind doing a video to upload in order to tell other prospective IELTS candidate the essence to visit and study this knowledge rich blog
    Joseph from Nigeria.

    • I’m really pleased to hear your score ! You’ve done well 🙂 I’m not doing video testimonials at present because I’m not well and avoiding over work. But hopefully in the future it will be something that I will encourage – it’s great for people to share their experiences in video form.

  24. Hello Liz,
    First of all, thanks a lot for your videos. It is indeed the best IELTS study material available.

    Needed your help in solving one set of questions. In particular, if I am asked to write 2 words for 1 Question (for 2 blanks in the reading section), should I add a comma in between. A similar question was asked in the comment section. But it dealt with letters and not words.

    For example : Is “Thermodynamics, Physics ” right or “Thermodynamics Physics”?
    Thanks for the help.
    Regards,
    Anirudh

    • The comma is unnecessary. You do not need punctuation for listening answers. Just make sure the two words are distinct and easy to read.

  25. Hanan Shenouda says

    Thank you, Liz, for all your efforts, you are so great

  26. Ehab Ekladious says

    Thank you, Liz, for all your efforts, you are so great

  27. Hello Liz
    First of all, I can’t thank you enough for all the tips you’ve shared, they have been very useful! I had very limited time to prepare but your lessons helped me to stay motivated and keep going.

    I had my IELTS test today, and I think it went well. But I have a question. While we were given instructions we were told to fill in the answers in the middle of the box on the listening answer sheet. Unfortunately, I happened to miss out on this particular instruction and happened to fill in my answers to the left hand corner of the boxes provided on the answer sheet. I got to know later after the time was up and they gave out the instructions for the reading section and said that ‘similar to the listening section fill your answers in the centre of the boxes provided’.

    Will this reduce my band score? Will my listening section go unchecked? I am really worried.

    Regards
    Avz

  28. Vasanthakumar Karumannan says

    Hello Liz!

    Before purchasing your advanced lessons, I was in the middle of nowhere. But, now the path is crystal clear. Thanks a lot for that.

    So, my query is,
    In the listening, if the audio plays as ‘STUDENTS’, but mistakenly i wrote as ‘STUDENT’.
    Will it be considered as wrong?
    ( 😅listening can be either right or wrong, there is no minimal penalty)

    Thanks in advance.
    Regards,
    Vasanth.

    • Glad my Advanced Lessons were useful. For listening, you must get the answer 100% right. This is a language test. The listening test is checking your ability to hear plurals. If you get it wrong, you will not gain a point. There are no minus points awarded.

  29. Hello Liz
    First I have to thank you for your selfless advices. I appreciate it.
    My problem in listening test is only MCQ questions. I don’t know, it is hard for me to do 3 things at same time, read and understand and spot key words of questions statments while listening the voice and writing the a answers at same time and beside all in short time ☹
    Most of the times I don’t have time for analysing the MSQ options…
    My question is: can I solve this problem just by practising more and more Listening MSQ questions or is there any particularly strategy that helps me about this ?

    • You have time to read the questions and underline keywords before the audio starts. It is a skill you need to develop to be able to use that time and quickly spot keywords – you must practise again and again to build up your speed.

  30. Kan Roger says

    Hi Liz,
    First of all, thank you very much for your selfless service.
    I have the same doubt as someone asked above. But the link given by you for that question is dead now. Could you please answer me here ?

    Question 11 – 12
    Choose TWO letters A-E.
    Which TWO facilities at the leisure club have recently been improved ?
    A. the gym
    B. the tracks
    C. the indoor pool
    D. the outdoor pool
    E. the sports training for children

    In answer sheet we will have
    11.
    12.

    If two correct answers are A and B , How should I answer ?
    11. A
    12. B
    or
    11. B
    12. A
    Which one is correct ? Can I write in any order ?

    Another question is if one question requires two answers , Should I use comma in between letters or just a space ?
    for example,
    11. A , B
    or
    11. A B

    • If you look at the answer key for any IELTS test published by IELTS, the answer key will state “in any order”. This means each question has one letter for an answer and you can write them in any order. If one question requires two letters, then you write two letters (the comma is not needed).

  31. Hi Liz,

    While watching the essential tips for multiple choice questions and come across one question, Do I get marks if examiner asked to answer 25-26 questions but only 25th answer is write and the other one is not correct.

    Regards,
    Sachin

  32. Reshma das says

    You are da best Liz…Lov u <3

  33. Hi Liz,
    First of all, I must appreciate the great work you are doing. Your lessons are very helpful and logical as compare to other online courses. I need to ask, if I can write my answers for listening using capital letter for the first alphabet and rest with lower case (not just for the names of person, country or months). For example. Can I write “Approach” , “Methods” “Coordination”like this? or I should write approach, method and son starting with lower case? Some one told me I can use the same pattern . In your video you mentioned either we can write GARDEN or garden, can we use Garden instead? will it be considered as wrong?
    Once again thanks for your lessons.
    Regards.

  34. Hi. Liz i need help in multiple Choice Questions but with 3 options. you describe the list of options but i need the one with 3 options. i didnt find any.

  35. Hi Liz,
    Im very glad to know you.
    Im goind to prepare with you for IELTS exactly 🙂
    Kind Regards
    Berna from Turkey 🙂

  36. You are brilliant as always

  37. Jasmeen kaur says

    Hello Liz,
    Do I always have to add articles with answers in the listening test ?

  38. Kinley Chophel says

    Dear Madam,

    thank you so much for your wonderful teaching.

  39. Hi Liz,
    Although I found it in your FAQ section, I just wanted to be sure.
    After making notes on the question paper, underlining words and so on (listening or reading), do we have to erase those before handing over the question paper to the examiner? Or should we return it as it is?

  40. Prakash Patel says

    Hello mam,
    First of all thank you for everything.
    Can we used our own headphone in IELTS exam in ?

  41. Thank you Liz for your valuable help.

    I have a question about writing the answers for the questions in the video above. the questions needed to be answered are 4 – 6. After hearing listening, the answers were found to be: b, d, f. So, in the sheet answer, what an answer should I write for each question? For example, should I write (b) for question 4, (d) for question 5 and (f) for question 6? Or should I write (d) for question 4 (since it was the first answer provided), (b) for question 5 and (f) for question 6?

    Thank you again for your amazing help.

  42. Hi Liz,
    How should I answer list type MCQs?
    Should I write BCD or B, C, D or B C D in the answer sheet?

    • It makes no difference. Make sure your letters are easy to read and don’t add the word “and”.

      • Hi Liz
        They had asked for the questions 25 and 26 write two letters
        So out of 5 options A, B, C, D and E
        We had to chose one for 25 and one for 26
        I’ve written it as
        25. A, D
        26. A, D

        Assuming A and D are the answers

        Is this accepted?

        • If you must choose one for 25 and one for 26, why have you written two for 25 and two for 26. Don’t do that. Follow the instructions – one letter for one number.

  43. Harshal Goyal says

    Hello mam,
    I am facing difficulty in “NO MORE THAN TWO/THREE WORD” type of question in listening test. Please give me simple and basic tips to get correct all questions of this type. How to fit a word according to grammar in 2 word question is my main problem,please solve my query.

    just tell me which things I have to keep in my mind while solving those type of questions.

  44. So, Can I write in the exam sheet, I mean as you said in the video, can I highlight some key words? is the same in the reading part? because it helps me a lot

    • You can write all over the question paper for listening, reading and writing. Only the answer sheets are marked for scoring.

  45. Hi Liz,

    Thanks for your tips, it’s very useful.
    About the listening test, when section 1 begins (when time to check answers is given) are we able to skip to other sections to highlight words in advance?

    • You should always use the time to read and prepare the questions ahead. You will be told how many questions to prepare.

      • Hello beautiful Liz;

        First thanks a lot for all of your tips 🙂
        I have two questions,
        1) Do we get partial points ( Ex. 0.5) in reading and listening sessions ?
        2) In reading sessions, if ”WRITE ONE WORD” written and we write 2 words in answer sheet ( Ex, answer is ”axle” and I wrote ”central axle” ) do we loose all point ?

        • There are no half points for half answers. If the instructions say one word and you write two words, the answer would be marked wrong.

  46. Hi Liz,
    Its wonderful to have yoh always teaching us ielts from long time.

    I have written ielts 2 times and got only 6.5 in writing whereas 7 in other modules.
    Can you please tell me how to really work on writing. I need to achieve 7 in general writing as well.
    Pls do guide me. I ready to really work hard for it.
    Thanks and pls do reply.

  47. I just practised on the listening section of the third test on the IELTS 11 book and scored a 9.0 . Thank you, Liz, for the valuable help 🙂

    • Well done – brilliant !! 🙂

      • Hi Liz

        Please do I. Tackle multiple choice questions, I discovered I don’t have problem with multiple choice answers that are short like a word or two words blocked road., but when the option becomes longer eg she declined after the airport was passed in the same street,
        I immediately become confused and overwhelmed

        • Adam Ren says

          Me too. When the options are short, it is much easy to stay on the track. When they are overwhelmingly long, I get panic.

          I really hope IELTS can be more realistic with real life. I have no difficulty understanding my English-speaking colleagues, but I have difficulty getting correct answers with Multiple choices tasks.

          IF the ielts continues like this, more candidates will shift to PTE

  48. Patel sarfaraz says

    Hi liz in speaking test i had given lots of wrong answers this will effect on my bands please help

  49. Rajyaguru harsh says

    You are really a tremendeous person…. Who gtake opportunities for do social work for ielts students… And i am happy to say that i got 7.5 bands by your lessons of all moduels…. And espessially i enjoy my listening and get8.5 band by your tips…. Thank you for taught me…. I really follows you now…… Thanks again.

  50. Hello Liz,
    Thank for such a useful website. I visit your website everyday to practice for the test.
    Could you please help me with this question?

    (Transcript) Each day kicks off with a sports match, perhaps football or volleyball match, followed by an hour of drama for everyone. This may include singing or dancing, mime or other activities. In the afternoon, there’s a different art activity for each day of the week including a poster competition or model making.

    Question: Which organised activity can children do every day of the week?
    a) football
    b) drama
    c) model making

    I chose answer A) football because of the key word ‘each day’ but the correct answer is B) drama. What is the key word here? “for everyone? I am very confused.
    Thank you very much for your answer.

    • You will see the the days starts with either football OR volleyball – this means they choose. This means they don’t do football everyday – they might do volleyball.
      You will see that all students do drama (drama for everyone).

  51. Hi Liz,

    I can scribble on the listening test questions? So I can underline/encircle keywords.

    • Yes, you can write all over the question paper in reading, listening and writing. Only your answer sheets are marked.

  52. JENIL PATEL says

    You are the best mentor for IELTS students. Your website provides all the information and detailed explanations to secure desirable goal. I likes your speech with very nice explanation in videos, and how i can forget your beautiful smile.

  53. Hi dear Liz
    you know I have some problem in learning english. first is about remembering the meaning of huge number of English new words 😱and worse than it is that you have to know which word is formal or informal😰😅
    can you give me some advice about these
    thanks a lot🙏🙏🙏

    • Don’t try learning so many new words. Just choose a small number of words and practice using them. Write the meaning in English, practice sentences and also practice using them in speaking. When you have learned them well, choose 5 more words. Every 10 days, stop learning and review all the words you have learned. Any that you forget will go on to the new list of words and you will learning them again.

  54. Hi Liz,
    When the questions 23 and 24 are to choose TWO options among a list, I choose A & B but the answers are B & C, I will get 1 mark or get nothing in this situation?

  55. Ms. Liz,
    Firstly may almighty bless you with health and happiness. Reading above comments gives me confidence and hope it boost me to focus as per your teaching.

    I have few questions like :
    1. In recording it says 04th of November but in answer it is written 4 November so which one is correct, when the question says write no more than 3 words.- I write 04th of November.
    2. In recording it says 16. I wrote Sixteen but in answer it is given 16.
    3. In recording it says home sickness. I wrote home sickness. But in answer it is a combined word homesickness. Will i get right.

    And i would really appreciate if you could send me a link of multiple choice listening practice test only.

    Thanks a lot teacher. GOD bless you….

    • Question 1) when the instructions say no more than three words, it means you can’t have four word. But you can have one word or two words or three words. Not all answers will be three words – some will be less.
      Question 2) it is ok to write the word not the number
      Question 3) homesickness should be one word
      I only have some practice lessons on my main listening page for MC. You should get the IELTS Cambridge test books which contain real tests and practice from those.

  56. Ramanjeet Singh says

    Hi liz
    Can you please help me out in case there are lengthy options for a multiple type questions and when we have no time to read all the options.
    Example what did the student say about the lecture?
    A. it was boring
    B. he could not understand the lecture because it was difficult.
    c. he had heard it before.
    D.he disagreed with the lecture.

    • The key will be quickly underlining key words:
      boring / not understand / heard before / disagree
      Then you listen out for these words or paraphrases of these words. For example, the word “boring” could also be “tedious”.

      • Zeshan Ali says

        Hi Liz,
        I am practicing for IELTS Listening from Cambridge Books and always get confuse in long MCQ’s. Most of time I make mistakes only in this section, can you please guide me so that I can secure higher bands in Listening.
        By the way I have secured 7.5 in Listening part of IELTS and want to go for 9 band score but this section of Listening always confuses me.

        • The key to MC with long options is to identify key words. Go back to one of the MC listening questions in the IELTS Cambridge test books and check what the key words were in the options by looking through the transcript. I hope you are reviewing all the transcripts???? That is essential. You do just do test after test. You review, assess, consider, investigate and review the transcripts and language.

          • Liz you are a genius. U give great answers, i have been looking for an answer like this for a while. Thank you and may God bless you.

  57. Hi Liz,

    Thanks for sharing such useful information in such easy-to-understand explanation!

    I have a question. I am preparing for IELTS General testing. Do you have specific video for that, or can I refer the same videos for preparing General testing Reading exam also?
    Kindly suggest.
    Regards,

    • The question types for GT reading as the same as Academic reading. So, you will use the same techniques. The only difference is GT reading has easier topics. This means you can use all my reading materials to help you prepare. But you must also make sure you practise a few full GT reading tests as well.

  58. Hi Liz,

    I am confused if its written “no more than 3 words” so is it ok to write 1 word only? it would be consider as correct or wrong?

    i was praticing a listening test online they said the correct answer is “about 4 months” but i have written “4 months” it would be consider right or wrong?

  59. Hi Liz,
    One of my ear is removed after surgery,so what you recomend me.Is there any extra rules for me type of people?

  60. Thanks Liz, very helpfull,
    my problem is with multichoice that time isnt enough to read complete question with choice, especialy when the choice sentences are long, would you advice how can solve this problem???

    • Firstly, more practice. Secondly, start learning to focus on key words – being able to identify them and paraphrasing them instantly.

  61. Hi liz, in the listening test are earphones allowed?

    • Each center has a different policy of using headphones or loud speakers. You need to contact your test center and ask them which ones they use.

  62. Dear liz
    thank you very much for all your supports.
    Your face and voice is full of posetive energy .
    I hope you be more successful in your life.

    • That’s very kind of you 🙂 Thanks so much for your support. Good luck in your test!! 🙂

      • SK JIAUL HAQUE says

        Hi Liz ,

        I am very thankful to you for IELTS tips and traps in your video lecture.It is very useful and gave me a clear picture about my preparation .I must say that you are doing a wonderful job which is benefited immensely many IELTS aspirant .
        Regards
        Jia

    • Soon true, Liz is quite positive, an embodiment of confidence!

  63. There’s no more for practice multiple choice? just two exercises? Sorry! Thank you for your support!

  64. Ahmed Seif says

    Hello,
    Thank you so much for your distinguished website.
    My exam will be in 7 Jan 2017 , so I hope to get your urgent reply.
    while practicing online exams on ieltsonlinetests.com the automatic checker usually shocks me , here are some examples from : IELTS Practice test Plus 3 , test 1 , listening
    the following are checked as wrong
    part of the question model answer/ my answer
    1. Age Group over 50/ above 50
    2. because reluctant to pay extra/ extra payment
    3. Install air conditioning/conditioners
    4. open the restaurant/restaurant
    All these points in a table, and so on.
    My question is :
    Does the real exam checking is such regorous?
    which of the previous points may be correct?
    Thank you

    • Without seeing the questions and transcript I can’t really comment. If you are filling in a table, you usually fill in simple words, not phrases. There are usually sample answers given in the table which show you how to fill it in. It is exceedingly rare that IELTS ask for a 5 word answer, such as “because reluctant to pay extra”. Are you checking the word count for answers? Start paying attention to instructions and sample answers. WAtch the full video on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/

  65. Gurwinder singh says

    Mam i started Ielts yesterday,, i want practice,, please help me..

  66. Odunjo Abimbola says

    Liz!!! Thanks soo much. You were really helpful. Here is my score:
    Listening- 9
    Reading- 9
    Writing- 7.5
    Speaking- 7.5
    Total- 8.5
    Couldn’t have done it without you. Really appreciate your help.
    God bless u Liz…

  67. Do we have time to read the questions and then listen to the recordings? or we need to read the questions during the recording has started?

  68. hi liz
    firstlr I should appreciate about your very goog tips.
    I have a question : how I can have your all video?

    • You can watch them all on my youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ieltsliz

      • Hi Liz,
        Good day, it’s me again Lynn, I’m feeling anxious because I’ll take my test next week.

        I have clarifications in Listening Test.
        There are some example recording test that I’ve tried which says during after each sections” you have time to check and review your answer”.Is that included in ten minutes transfering of answer, or the ten minutes counting will start after the 40th question?

        Also, if I will answer in all capital letters in Listening test, do I also need to write capital letters in multiple choice (a,b,c,d)?
        Looking forward for your very helpful answers.

        Sincerely,
        Lynn

  69. HI
    DIS IS BASANTH I HAVE ONE DOUBT CAN WE LISTEN FOR 2 TIMES WHY BCOZ IF MIS ANY WORD WHILE RECORDING I S GNG ON

  70. Arasi achu says

    hi liz god bless you
    thank you very much for your great lessons
    I will have plan to do my first ielts exam on next month .I need minimum 6.5 bandscore but now i take 20/40 on my practice exams, how long time i need to practice ? just last month i had started to study ple give some advise thankyou

    • Each student develops at a different rate. You must identify your weaknesses and then plan a strategy for your studies.

  71. Velmurugan D says

    Hi Liz,
    Thanks for all your tips and techniques. Much useful and hats-off.
    I would like to check if you have any tips or better way to handle multiple choice questions , especially for the ” answer options with more word counts – horizontally”, I am finding very tough to handle that type as more reading effort required while listening.

    Your suggestion is much appreciated.

    Regards,
    Vel

    • It’s tough for everyone. When there is so much information given in the multiple choice options the only thing you can do is to focus on key words and differences between options. Also make sure you delete options as you listen. When you skim read options before listening, put a mark near the option you think most likely.

  72. Harjot Singh says

    Hi Liz,
    I have gone through every lesson of your ielts. I am having my exam tomorrow.
    Thanks a lot for helping tips you are doing great job mam.

    • Good luck! Keep calm. Sleep well, eat and drink before the test. Keep your eye on the clock for reading and writing.

  73. How much difficult real test is compared to Cambridge ielts listening tests? Sometimes i find youtube tests those are quite difficult than Cambridge.. i get good marks on Cambridge. 32-34/40 is my regular score. How much difficult questions im going to find in the actual listening test? Help me ,

  74. Hi Lizard,
    I have my ielts this month on 27th
    My concern is that in listening or in reading passage we have questions like choose 2 letters which are correct.sometimes I get both letters correct and sometimes I get one answer as correct and one as wrong.for example
    If the answer is
    1.B
    2.C
    And if my answer is
    1.C
    2.A
    will the whole answer is considered wrong..
    Or will I get one score for the correct answer..
    Thanks in advance,
    Palsi

  75. Anil pothula says

    I have taken ielts on may 28th
    In listening section i was asked to choose 2 correct options from 5 given options.
    While listening the audio i have noticed that E and B are my answers
    Do i need to present them in my answer sheet in same order as
    1)E
    2)B

  76. Suci Bedia says

    hy

    Liz.. i’m wonder why my score doesnt improve well while i have learned ielts about 2 years. my average score is 5.5 and 6.0. sometimes it’s too difficult to get 6.0. i dont know what happen 🙁
    i’m planning to take ielts exam in July

    • Learning IELTS is not enough. This is an English language test. If your level of English doesn’t improve, then your score is unlikely to improve either. Getting band 6 means reducing the number of errors you make and having a wider more accurate range of English. I suggest you work on English language as well as your IELTS skills.

  77. Hi Liz,

    You are a very Good teacher. I have scored 7.5. I listen to your videos, tips and lesson. Thank you very much. I am very thankful to God.

    SS

  78. Hi Liz,
    I qill be taking my IELTS in couple of days and writing in capitals has got me confused. Can you please advise me on the below? If the options in reading are i, ii, iii, iv and if I am writing all in caps should I write I, II, III, IV?

    Thanks.
    Vinay

  79. wawooooo its away some

  80. Dear Liz
    I am pleased to thank you for your advices and nice explanation.

    Best

  81. hi Liz,
    I have a question regards to multi choose (specifically, choose more than one letter)
    my question is (does the order of the letters matter?)
    sometimes while I am practicing these types of question, I will get one or two of the answers wrong, so the order of the letter will change.
    for example, the right order
    1- B
    2-C
    3-F
    4-G
    5-H
    and my answer will be:
    1-C
    2-F
    3-G
    4-H
    5-I
    I got C,F,G, and H right, but not in the same order.
    does the IELTS examiner will count them or not?
    Thanks in advance,
    Arwa

  82. Dear Liz,
    Thank you so much for the lesson. I am wondering if you could give us more advice about multiple choices with longer answer choices (such as the ones in section 3 or 4). I personally can hardly manage to go through the answer choices in that 1 min. given. Is there any way to tackle this problem?

  83. Hi Liz
    Hi Liz
    Thanks for your wonderful job !

    I actually read all your comments first to make sure I don’t ask you something what you have already answered.
    I’m blessed that I’ve found your blog. Hopefully, I’ll get my desired band score now which is 8.

  84. Qurat-ul-ain says

    Hi,
    You have done a great job, I am feeling bit difficulty in listening mcqs because its quite difficult for me to listen and also reading the options at the same time , and we don’t have enough time to underline all keywords from questions and options too.

    Please let me know any simple step by step process. should I go for questions and listening only and then later on find the right answers ? I am confused
    Thanks in advance!

  85. Sivathanupillai says

    Dear Liz,

    Thank you so much for a detailed session. This session is a real eye-opener. I have a small doubt on the evaluation of answers. If I get any of the answers correct but not all the three, will I get any marks? Kindly throw some light on this aspect. Thanks in anticipation.

  86. kuljeet kaur says

    Hi liz .
    Can you give some tips or way to solve yes no not given qustion .
    I can’t understand how to solve .i have problem with these type qustion .

  87. Dear LIZ
    I really have a great benefit from you I have to meet you one day to thank you for that effort
    I have a question that I have practiced for listening for 2 months but not all the time and now I have a deadline of December to have my score test so my exam in 12/12/2015 so I have only about a month. I have practiced English for one year, but my level is only intermediate because the problem of vocab. so I will practice everyday. Do you think I can get at least 6.5 or it’s difficult to my level to have.

  88. Shabbir Ali says

    Hello Liz! you are doing well,i want to give IELTS exams and being preparing for last 3 months but i don’t know either i am prepared or not so how someone can take test himself either he is ready for exam or still he need to practice more?

  89. Sorry for the inconvenience Liz. I just saw the answer in your video above! Let me just give you the feedback that I really like both your homepage and the videos you are providing to prepare for the IELTS exam! It definitly makes a big difference to my preparation.

  90. Hi dear Liz
    I can not open videos.

  91. Dear Liz. You are the best in every thing, your face , your language, your attitude. your are very clear and very beautiful as well . I like to hear to your voice and your face is relaxing me.

  92. It is really useful strategies and tactics , thanks so much for your nice advice. It’s helpful

    Qusay

  93. Hi Liz,

    This is very useful video. I just want to ask something, if I choose to write my answers in upper case but the option is in a lower case does it matter? or do I need to follow whats the option is given?

    Thank you so much!

    Diane

  94. Dr. Syed Iqtidar Ali Raza says

    Dear Liz
    Would you recommend using capital letters in listening and reading section which will enable us to avoid problems of using capital letters at the start or in between wherever required?????
    Kindly reply

  95. hello ma’m,
    I watched your videos, they are really helpful.
    Can you please help me with date and time format for listening in respect to ‘word count”;
    like:
    12-02-2011(it counts as one number or three numbers) and moreover is the format right?
    04:30(it counts as two numbers or one number??)
    04:30 PM (it accounts for 2 or 3..?)
    Thank you,

  96. Mam, may I lose marks in ielts listening if i have made mistakes in upper and lower case? Please reply..for ex..’rubber’ is the answer and I have written Rubber..

  97. Hi LIZ,
    iam having problem with multiple choice in listening in section 4 because the questions and the answers ARE TOO LONG and i get confused of how to solve it, could you please give me any easy way to deal with these questions
    thanks in advance 🙂

    • There is no easy system. You just need to practice identifying key words in the answer options and spotting paraphrases in the listening recording.
      All the best
      Liz

  98. Hi Liz,

    For Listening –> multiple choice –> eg: answer 10-12, A-F if the answer comes in the order F A D, then we should write 10 = F, 11 = A and 12 = D OR it should be in alphabetical (i.e 10=A,11=D,12=F) or any other order

    • It can be in any order. You can see this in the answer key in the IELTS Cambridge practice tests.
      All the best
      Liz

  99. Hi Liz!

    I have been reading your posts on website and I must say, it’s very useful! It has boosted my confidence already!

    I have a couple of questions!
    1. Is listening answers checked manualy or electonically?
    2. I have taken coaching from one of the institutes in india and instructer told us to write capital only for those which are spelled out, rest must be in small. here in above comments you have repeatedly replied that it’s okay to write all answers in capial. Please advise me on this. I would like to write all my answers in capital only. this was I wont have to worry about getting wrong answer where capital is required.

    I would really appreciate the help!

    Thank you,
    Palak

  100. Dear Liz,
    For listening test, Questions 16-18, circle THREE letters A-F, in case I only choose one correcly among three, may I have the score for that one correct item?
    Regards

    • Because this is for questions 16 – 18 and each question is worth one point in IELTS listening, you would get one point for one letter.
      Liz

  101. Dear Liz,
    In listening test, if I fill in the blank the word which is correct but lacks of the plural form ‘s’, can I have the score with it?
    Thanks for your answer!

  102. Hi Liz,
    Thanks for your invaluable advice. I need your help regarding band calculation for listening section. As per IELTS 37-38 right answers are equal to 8.5 and 39-40 are equivalent to 9 band.
    My question is, if on a particular exam day there was a question which not even a single exam taker could manage to answer it. In that situation will the IELTS adjust band allocation criterion? I mean will it grant 9 to someone who got 38 right answers.?

    Regards

    • The band scores are never adjusted for one test. The tests are checked and accepted before being used by IELTS so they will never do that.
      All the best
      Liz

  103. If I wish to write all answer in capital letter in listening and reading sections, does it applies for letters as well like in multiple choices and heading match? A or a, I or i.

  104. Hello, Liz. I watched your multiple choice video and I was confused by your pronunciation of ‘rucksack’. It’s a key word to get a correct answer and I always pronounce it like /r^k/, not like /ruk/. Macmillan offers the same pronunciation. But I know a real English differs considerably from a textbook one. So are there two altenatives for this word? Thank you.

  105. Madam@ I have faced some problems in listening section.
    1. The speakers told that they had all without exception come up against enormous bureaucratic obstacles.
    a) Enormous problems
    b) few problems
    c) Many obstacles

    Madam Would you tell me why answer A instead of answer C

  106. Hi Liza,

    Please help me.
    How i can overcome my spelling mistake .

  107. Hi, I would like to ask you a question.
    I decided to write all answers in capital.but ,what about Roman number? Should I put them in lower case? And can I answer all the questions in capital and this with Roman numbers in lower case?

  108. harpinder singh says

    How improve my grammer in task 2

  109. Mam
    why u help us restlessly? u r really great, i don’t find anybody like u…

  110. hi.. i want to ask can i write all the answers in listening test with capital letters..like the full answer in capital.. to avoid the risk of wrong answers?
    i am practicing but i reading i dont know what is wrong i cannot get a good score dont know why but beacuse the time is too less and the pasaages are difficult..i dont know weather to read the questions first or the passage? in listening i have one issue i do alot of umm .. i ve recorded many lessons but dont know how to reduce?

    • Yes, as explained above, all answers can be written in capitals. For reading, skim read the passage which means don’t read to understand, read to know the topic and layout only (2 mins max). Then review questions and spend time with the questions before looking for the answers.
      Liz

  111. hello maam i want to give IELTS test for the first time.plz help me in preparing. im in pakistan and youtube is not opening here. thats why i can’t watch your videos here on this site . plz help me what to do…..

    • There are many many pages which do not contain videos. Read all pages, particularly the information pages and model answers.
      Liz

    • Engr Muhammad Abdurrehman says

      Assalam o alaikom
      sister don’t worry it is easy to access to youtube in Pakistan.
      Just go and Install hotspot shield and then run it after running then check the youtube.
      hope so it will start work
      other wise you can also use youtube proxy. but first you should check hotspot.

  112. Hi Liz ,i have question?!when we do multiple choice academic in Ielts tests how can we find key word in questions and options in break before listen to record???!!!plzz help

  113. Hi Liz,

    In reference to the listening of multiple choice in which there was a session about rainforest excursion and we need to choose which recommendation of things to bring. I somehow alittle confused of the words “recommendation”. Usually author’s recommendation will be the right answer while the article’s recommendation such as “some people recommend to bring etc”.. should not accepted to be the answer ?

  114. if in multipe choice they are given using no more then two words but if i write only one word means is it correct answer or should i write in two words

  115. Hi Ma’am,
    I took the exam last week.
    Your videos were very helpful. Thanks a ton for it.

    I am a bit worried now. I have a doubt if a word in listening can be written by using the first letter in upper case and the rest in lower case (not a proper noun and not first word of the sentence).
    Eg: Sam is busy in the _____________. The answer for this is “morning”(will i lose a mark if I write it as Morning?).

  116. i am going to held my ielts exam on august 8 so liz help me how to writing task 1 and 2 please help me how to write these task.

    • All my lessons, model answers and tips for writing task 1 and 2 can be found on the main pages.
      All the best
      Liz

  117. Hi Liz!
    while practicing for my IELTS listening part, I found some answers in the answer key like (seat) reservations or yoga (classes). I wanna know that why did they write those words within the bracket? what does that mean? will I loose mark if i don’t write the words which have been mentioned within the bracket on the main answer sheet during the exam?

    • It means that you can use one word or both words as your answer. So, yoga is right and also yoga classes is right.
      Liz

  118. Hi liz,
    Are we allowed to answer in all capital letters in the listening exam?
    Your response will be appreciated 🙂
    Thank you.

  119. hi liz, thank you for all lessons but could you please tell me how to transfer my answer to answer sheet? for example in this lesson should I write;

    4)d 5)b 6)f or 4)b 5)d 6)f

    • Yes, for multiple choice you usually transfer the letters not the words. Here’s a video which will explain most things about writing answers for IELTS listening: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening-25-essential-top-tips/
      All the best
      Liz

      • I think you misunderstood, it can be about my english, sorry about that but I’m not asking for letters or words, I’m talking about which answer shoud I write first? Is it should be based on your list or your recording? I mean, Should I write firstly d)walking boots for question 4 or should I write b)food and drink for question 4? Which one is correct?
        4)d 5)b
        or
        4)b 5)d

        • If you look in the answer key of the IELTS Cambridge books (these are real IELTS test papers), you will see that the answers are in any order. That means d then b or b then d.
          All the best
          Liz

  120. angela shakya says

    can you mail me all practice tips daily.plz…

    • Please subscribe to get all lessons by email. If you haven’t received any yet, look in your spam folder.
      All the best
      Liz

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

error: Content is protected !!