Multiple-choice listening
IELTS listening multiple choice: read options first, listen for meaning not matching words, and avoid distractors that are mentioned but wrong.
In this lesson you will
- Prepare options before the recording
- Recognise distractors
- Handle ‘choose TWO’ questions
Learn
Before listening: read the question and underline key words; notice how options differ. Think of synonyms you might hear.
Distractors: speakers often mention every option — but reject, correct or change most of them: We thought about the museum, but it’s closed on Mondays, so… Wait for the final decision.
Meaning, not words: the correct option is usually paraphrased; an option that repeats the exact words you hear is often a trap.
Choose TWO/THREE: the answers may come in any order; cross out options as they are rejected. Check the instructions for how many letters to write.
Examples
- “We considered the bus, but in the end we took the train because…” → answer: train.
- Question: Why did she choose the course? Recording: “…mainly because the timetable fitted around my job” → option: its flexible schedule.
- “The talk was meant to be on Friday, but it’s been moved to Thursday” → Thursday.
Vocabulary
distractor
a wrong option designed to seem right
paraphrase
different words, same meaning
reject
decide against
option
one of the choices
underline
draw a line under key words
Practice
A speaker says “We almost booked the hotel, but the reviews put us off, so we rented a flat.” Where did they stay?
Listening: Choosing a volunteering project
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Tutor: So, Kim, which volunteering project did you choose?
Kim: Well, I was keen on the beach clean-up at first, but it clashes with my Saturday job.
Tutor: And the library reading scheme?
Kim: I thought about it, but they need people who can commit for a whole year. So I’ve gone for the community garden — it’s only two hours a week.
Tutor: What do you hope to get out of it?
Kim: Mainly to meet people outside the university. Learning about plants is a bonus, I suppose.
1.Which project did Kim choose?
2.Why did she reject the beach clean-up?
3.What is her main reason for volunteering?
4.The reading scheme requires a one-year commitment.
Lesson quiz
What should you wait for?
Review
Key points
- Read and underline before listening.
- Expect every option to be mentioned.
- Listen for the final decision.
- Meaning over matching words.
What you learned
- ✓ I can avoid distractors.
- ✓ I listen for paraphrase.
- ✓ I handle choose-two questions.