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
- check for a title
- you might be asked to respond to a question or complete a sentence
- find keywords in the question
- the keywords will help you understand which answers are right and which are wrong
- paraphrase the keywords
- 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
- read through the answer options
- highlight similar options so you don’t get confused
- note the differences between those options
- think of paraphrases for keywords
- all answer options will probably be given in the recording
- don’t think that the first answer you hear is the correct one – keep listening
- watch out for answers that are given and then taken away again by the speaker
- listen for the word “but” or “however” this can mean a negative is coming which means it might not be the right answer
- if you think an answer is correct, put a tick but keep listening to make sure it is right
- you can write on your question paper so use ticks and crosses for right and wrong answers
Multiple Choice Answers
- you might not hear the exact words in the answer options – answers might be a paraphrase
- 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,
- 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
- 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
Thanks dear Liz, your lecture is very helpful.
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.
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?
You should not write “of” or “the” with dates in IELTS.
Dear Liz,
Many thanks for your great efforts, it is very clear and helps a lot.
Stay Safe 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
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.
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
I’m glad the lessons are useful to you 🙂 Stay safe!
If the audio says’ lets meet on the 25th of december’.
What is the correct answer.. 25th December or 25 december.
Both answers are fine for IELTS.
25 December
Thank you dear Liz, your advice is very useful and I appreciate your efforts.
Hi Liz,
Thank you so much. The listening tips and explanation was very helpful.
Agnes
Good
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).
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.
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 🙂
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.
If your task is to fill in the gap, then you only write what is missing.
Thank you.
Dear Liz,
Thank you very much for all your efforts since starting this website. You are doing great job.
Greetings
I’m so glad you are finding my site useful 🙂
Thanks very much Liz. This is a reality of doing it right. Thanks.
What does it mean BC website and send the link here
BC = British Council – they are part owners of IELTS.
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?
Mam..I expecting you to continue your Liz IELTS videos….pls….
Sorry, I had to stop for health reasons. Hopefully in the future I will be able to start again.
Ma, the Word of God said by His stribes we are health. I degree health over you in Jesus name. You are healed ma, you are a great source of help to many
May GOD ALMIGHTY bless u with good health Ma’am. Your blog is reason behind success of many of us. Thanks for being here for us.
God bless you dear best teacher
I hope you will be better soon ❤
Thanks.
😭 😭 😭 liz，take care of yourself，i will get 7!
Wish you good health..
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.
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.
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.
Pls get well Soon Liz, so Many people out there need you to move forward in life 🤗
I’m trying my best to get well – but it isn’t fast 🙁
Thank u so much Liz
R u OK… God bless tc
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.
may you get well soon
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.
Thank you, Liz, for all your efforts, you are so great
Thank you, Liz, for all your efforts, you are so great
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
As long as your answers were in the boxes provided and were written very clearly, it should be fine. Contact your test centre if you are worried.
Oh alright ! That helps, thank you 🙂
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.
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.
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).
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
Each question is worth one point.
You are da best Liz…Lov u <3
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.
I recommend you use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
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.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/
Hi Liz,
Im very glad to know you.
Im goind to prepare with you for IELTS exactly 🙂
Kind Regards
Berna from Turkey 🙂
You are brilliant as always
Hello Liz,
Do I always have to add articles with answers in the listening test ?
See the video and tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/
Dear Madam,
thank you so much for your wonderful teaching.
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?
The examiner does NOT look at the question paper.
Hello mam,
First of all thank you for everything.
Can we used our own headphone in IELTS exam in ?
You can ask your test center but I think it is unlikely.
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.
You should write one letter for each question, in this case. The order of the letters doesn’t matter.
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.
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.
Watch the video on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/
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.
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.
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.
I’ve posted a lot of tips for writing task 2. If you need more help, you will need to get my advanced writing task 2 lessons. They are not cheap but each lesson is a 1 hour lecture with step by step techniques and all possible tips: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
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
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
Hi liz in speaking test i had given lots of wrong answers this will effect on my bands please help
There are no wrong answers in speaking. The examiner will score you based on your level of English.
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.
That’s great news!! Well done to you 🙂 And thanks for letting me know 🙂
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).
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.
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.
Thanks 🙂
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.
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?
Each question is one mark. This means you get one point for each answer when it covers more than one question. So, yes, you would get one point for the answer B
Yes, thank you teacher.
My IELTS test is on this Saturday, thank you a lot for your useful lessons!
Have a nice week!
Good luck!
we’re so lucky to get what we need for IELTS from an amazing person like you .. Go ahead
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.
Thanks a lot Teacher….
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”.
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.
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.
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?
Of course you can write one word. The instructions are saying that you can write MORE THAN…
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?
You need to contact your IELTS test center with a medical note. You must discuss this with them directly.
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.
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.
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!! 🙂
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
I’m so glad the lesson was useful 🙂
Soon true, Liz is quite positive, an embodiment of confidence!
There’s no more for practice multiple choice? just two exercises? Sorry! Thank you for your support!
There are more on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/. All main pages are accessed through the red bar at the top of the website.
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/
Mam i started Ielts yesterday,, i want practice,, please help me..
Go to the red bar at the top of this website and click on the part of the test you want to practice.
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…
I’m really pleased for you. Band 8.5 overall is excellent!! I love hearing such good news. Well done to you !! 🙂
Please how did you do it. My exam is coming up on the 21st of Jan 2017.
Also, I am doing general and not academic. Somebody said I do not need to write on charts or tables on task 2. Is it correct?
how was the exam..please tell me your experience..how long you prepared for exam
Hi a big congratulations to you, pls how did you make it?
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?
You will be given time to read the questions. Use this time to skim read them and underline key words.
you clear my doubt thanks lot you mean we do not read when they give sheet
I don’t understand. Before each section of listening, you read the questions on the question sheet. I suggest you do a full IELTS practice test to get used to this.
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
Thank you very much Liz, God bless you:)
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
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/
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.
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.
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.
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 ,
The IELTS Cambridge tests from the official test books are real tests from the past – so they are the same level. However, each test has different topics, different vocabulary which is why you might feel some may be harder than others.
Thank you very much
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
Sorry it was Liz..my cell took auto dictionary mode and I didn’t realize that..sorry for my mistake..
Funny 🙂 I just answered your question on the “ask a question” page.
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
They could be written in any order.
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.
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
Very well done!! A great score 🙂
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
You can write then as you wish.
Thanks Liz for your response on this. I think I will go ahead with all capitals where I can write roman numbers/letters as I, II, III, IV
Thanks for helping me out.
wawooooo its away some
Dear Liz
I am pleased to thank you for your advices and nice explanation.
Best
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
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi Liz
I would like to thank you for your effort and nice explanation.
Best,
although I have same doubt can anyone help us please
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?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
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.
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!
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
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.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
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 .
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
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.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
vocab is impo but there are stuff more impo than that including strategies for listenin
Hy monna my test is also on 12th of December. Where you will go for your test I mean centre name? If you contact me I will be glad and can discuss further about test.
hello Liz, I am trying to do my best to acquire a suitable ability of listening test and I have practiced Cambridge’s IELTS books one to nine for over eight months but I am still slow and feel a bit sluggish at getting listening test properly.
is it possible somehow to direct me the best way how to continue practicing listening test and mention to other suitable sources rather than Cambridge
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/ also see my listening exercises for IELTS: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/
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?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
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.
I’m really pleased my videos are useful 🙂
Thanks
Liz
Hi dear Liz
I can not open videos.
All videos are from youtube. See my youtube channel (IELTS Liz) for direct viewing.
All the best
Liz
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.
Thanks for your support 🙂
It is really useful strategies and tactics , thanks so much for your nice advice. It’s helpful
Qusay
You’re welcome 🙂
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
Thank you Liz
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
It is your choice entirely. Certainly it is one way to avoid such problems.
All the best
Liz
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,
If they are joined, they are just one number.
Liz
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..
Hi, Kartik, i have passed recently the same listening because i had the same answer and problem with “rubber”. Please can you share answers with me?!
my email address: mr.abilkhaiyr@mailru or mr.abilkhaiyr@gmail.com
Thank you!
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
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
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
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
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!
No, you must have the word 100% correct which includes an “s” if plural.
Liz
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
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.
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.
People in different parts of England pronounce that vowel differently.
Liz
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
Because “many” means a large quantity not the size of the problem.
Liz
Hi Liza,
Please help me.
How i can overcome my spelling mistake .
Only you can learn correct spelling. Try to google some websites for spelling practice.
Liz
Hi mam
Please if you know any links share me please.Its very useful to me because i am going taking my ielts test on Sep12th.
Go to the IELTS Extra Section and see the useful website page.
Liz
hy mam, this website are very usefull for me.
Hi Liz hope u doing well ….I watched your few videos that helped me lot to over with my score as practice. I am taking my IELTS Exam General Test in Dec just started preparing can u please help me out with all modules of exams and links to practice online. If possible please send me daily topics to my mail. I am week on reading and writing any advice that will be great thank full to you ….
anyhow you are doing good job…GOD BLESS you thanks for everthing ..sunny
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
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?
Write the roman numerals as they are written on the question paper – don’t change them.
Liz
How improve my grammer in task 2
See the IELTS Extra section for useful websites for English and IELTS.
Liz
Mam
why u help us restlessly? u r really great, i don’t find anybody like u…
You’re welcome 🙂
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
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
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.
Thanks for sharing that information. There are a lot of students in Pakistan that can’t access youtube.
Liz
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
It is just practice that buildings speed and familiarity with key words.
Liz
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 ?
That was a listening exercise so it does not relate to any author.
All the best
Liz
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
Multiple choice questions require you to write a letter as an answer, not words.
Liz
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?).
That might be marked wrong, unfortunately. Hopefully you will still do well.
Liz
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
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
Hi liz,
Are we allowed to answer in all capital letters in the listening exam?
Your response will be appreciated 🙂
Thank you.
Yes, you can answer in all capital letters. Please watch my listening useful tips video for more information.
Liz
can we practice speaking in skype?
Sorry, I don’t offer private lessons this year.
Liz
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
I’m happy to it doesn’t matter, Thank you Liz you’re the best teacher 🙂
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