IELTS Listening & Reading: Question Types

Mastering IELTS Listening and Reading

By Grad-Dreams

IELTS

General

IELTS Listening & Reading: Question Types

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) stands as a globally acknowledged test for English language proficiency. It evaluates the English language abilities of applicants through four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Every component presents its own set of difficulties and question formats aimed at assessing various facets of language skills. In this detailed guide, we'll examine the kinds of questions you might encounter in each component and provide tactics to approach them successfully.

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#Listening Section:

In the IELTS exam, the Listening portion consists of four audio files from native English speakers, followed by multiple-choice questions. This section is approximately 30 minutes in length, with an extra 10 minutes allocated for recording your responses on the answer sheet. The audio files contain a blend of individual speeches and dialogues across different situations.

Multiple Choice Questions: These questions test your ability to understand detailed information and follow the main points of the listening text. You will be given a question and a list of possible answers, from which you must choose the correct one.
Example: What is the main reason for the student's visit to the library? A. To borrow books B. To attend a seminar C. To use the computer facilities

Matching: This question type assesses your ability to understand detailed information and the relationships between different parts of the listening text. You might be asked to match a list of items to a set of options.
Example: Match the following activities with their respective times:

A. Morning
B. Afternoon
C. Evening

Plan, Map, Diagram Labeling: These questions require you to understand, visualize, and follow a description to complete labels on a plan, map, or diagram.
Example: Label the following parts of the library map with the correct areas:

Reading Room
Information Desk
Computer Lab

Form, Note, Table, Flow-Chart, Summary Completion: These questions test your ability to fill in gaps with information from the listening text. You may need to complete forms, notes, tables, flow-charts, or summaries.
Example: Complete the notes: The seminar will begin at ____, and the guest speaker is ____.

Sentence Completion: These questions require you to complete sentences using information from the listening text. They test your ability to understand specific information and details.
Example: The main benefit of the new system is ____.
Short-Answer Questions: These questions require concise responses, usually not more than three words. They test your ability to locate and understand precise information in the listening text.
Example: What is the name of the project manager

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Important strategies:

Plan Ahead: Before you start listening, quickly glance over the questions to understand what details you need to pay attention to.

Highlight Important Words: Look out for and concentrate on the important words in the questions that will help you listen effectively.

Keep Your Cool: If you don't catch an answer, remain composed and proceed to the next question to prevent missing additional details.

#Reading Section:

The Reading section lasts for 60 minutes and consists of three long texts taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. The texts are designed for a non-specialist audience and are on academic topics.

Types of Questions

Multiple Choice: These questions test your understanding of specific details, main ideas, and inferences within the text. You choose the correct answer from a list of options.
Example: According to the author, the primary cause of pollution is: A. Industrial waste B. Agricultural practices C. Urban development.
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given): These questions assess your ability to distinguish between factual statements, inferred statements, and information not included in the text.
Example: The article states that air travel is the safest mode of transportation. True / False / Not Given
Identifying the Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given): These questions require you to identify opinions or claims made by the writer and distinguish them from factual information.
Example: The writer believes that climate change is an imminent threat. Yes / No / Not Give
Matching Information: These questions test your ability to locate specific information within paragraphs or sections of the text.
Example: Match the following details with the corresponding paragraphs:

The history of the company
Recent technological advancements
Future plans for expansion

5. Matching Headings: These questions require you to match headings to the appropriate paragraphs or sections. They assess your ability to identify the main idea of each section.
Example: Match the headings to the correct paragraphs:

A. Introduction to Renewable Energy
B. Benefits of Solar Power
C. Challenges in Implementation

6. Matching Features: These questions test your ability to match a list of features to a set of options within the text.
Example: Match the following features with the relevant species:

A. Migration Patterns
B. Feeding Habits
C. Breeding Grounds

7. Sentence Completion: These questions require you to complete sentences using words from the text. They test your understanding of specific details and information.

Example: The primary advantage of wind energy is ____.

8. Summary, Note, Table, Flow-Chart Completion: These questions involve filling in gaps in summaries, notes, tables, or flow-charts using words from the text.Example: Complete the summary: The new policy aims to reduce emissions by ____ percent over the next decade.

9. Diagram Label Completion: These questions require you to label a diagram based on information in the text.
Example: Label the parts of the ecosystem diagram:

Producers
Consumers
Decomposers

10. Short-Answer Questions: These questions require brief answers based on information in the text. They test your ability to locate and understand specific details.

Example: What is the main ingredient in the new medication?

Methods for Achievement:

Quick Skimming and Scanning: Learn to swiftly skim through the content to grasp the main ideas and quickly look for particular details.
Efficient Time Use: Use your time effectively, making sure you have sufficient time to respond to every question.
Frequent Reading: Consistent practice of reading different types of texts can improve your reading pace and understanding abilities.