How to Solve IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions + Free Practice Test

✅ Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in IELTS Reading

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the IELTS Reading ask you to choose the correct answer from a bunch of options (which are usually four). These questions are intended to test the candidates’ ability to comprehend detailed information and analyze the meaning of the text.
Keep in mind that questions in this type of test are in order, so you will get all the answers in order, making it much easier to spot.

📚 Question Format:

You are given a question from the passage, which is followed by 4 possible answers labeled as A, B, C, and D.

🔑 Ways By Which You Can Understand the Multiple Choice Questions:

1️⃣ Read the Question First:

At the start, it is vital to skim through the question and all the answer choices before reading the passage in full detail.
This will give you a proper idea of what to find while reading the passage.
Also, pay close attention to any keywords in the question that you might want to find in the text.

2️⃣ Read the Passage Carefully:

Read the passage carefully and keep the question in mind. Focus on searching for the information related to the question.

Moreover, don’t worry about understanding every word or sentence in the passage because not all information is essential.
Instead, focus more on the main points and relevant details.

3️⃣ Analyze the Options in the Question:

Once you have landed on the relevant part of the passage, read through each of the four answer choices.

After that, you can discard the answers that are clearly wrong.
If you can eliminate at least two options, there is a lesser chance of selecting the wrong answer.

4️⃣ Choose the Most Suitable Answer:

If you’re unsure, go with the answer that fits most logically with the text.

Remember, there’s only one correct answer, so trust the passage over what you might already know or assume.
I heard a writer of one of the passages used in the IELTS test saying that he himself could not score perfect, because it is not about what you or the writer know, it is all about what is explicitly written.

📝 Example:

Here’s an example of a multiple-choice question based on a sample text.

Sample Passage:

"Many species of animals are being threatened in recent years due to the disturbance and destruction of ecosystems and climate change. However, the conservation efforts, including breeding programs, afforestation, and habitat restoration, have been fundamental in reversing some of these deteriorations."

Sample Question:

What has been most important in preventing the deterioration of animal species?

A) The protection of animal habitats.
B) The introduction of new breeding programs.
C) Habitat restoration and breeding programs.
D) The reduction of climate change.

Correct Answer:
➡️ C) Habitat restoration and breeding programs.
(As it completely matches with the passage)

🚀 Final Tip:

The best way to work on your reading, however, is to practice reading as much as you can.
Have a go at the following reading passage and associated questions!