Mastering Multiple-Choice Questions in PTE and IELTS

Whether you’re tackling PTE or IELTS reading, or other tests involving multiple-choice questions (MCQs), the key to finding the answer remains the same. This applies to both the listening and reading sections.

Differences Between PTE and IELTS:

• PTE Reading: You’ll encounter short readings, typically a paragraph or a few short paragraphs, along with one set of questions. Simply:
  1. Read the question.
  2. Read the text until you locate the answer.
• IELTS Reading: Expect a long passage with 8 to 15 paragraphs (a few difference question types but possible 5-7 MCQs). With multiple-choice questions, the questions are generally in the same order as their answers in the text. To answer:

In essence, the IELTS reading is like a collection of PTE readings on a shared theme.

Tips for Tackling Multiple-Choice Questions:

METHOD 1- Question- Read- Answer- Match

1. Read the question first. Do NOT read the options yet- go straight to the text.
2. Then, read the paragraph: Find the answer to the question
3. Identify the answer in the text and consider how it could be rephrased in the options.
4. Read the options and match: Choose the one that aligns with the answer you’ve identified.

This method saves time and stops you getting overwhelmed and confused by the wrong options during these long tests.

Take Away: answer the question before you read all the options.

But sometimes that doesn’t work. Go to method 2.

METHOD 2- the elimination method

When Unsure, Use the Elimination Method:

If you can’t find a clear answer, try eliminating incorrect options. Here’s how:

1. Extra Information:
   • One option often includes extra details that aren’t in the text.
   • These might be true based on general knowledge but are irrelevant if not mentioned.
   • THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER
2. Contradictory Information:
   • Another option might outright or partially contradict the text.
   • This could involve completely opposing details or subtle changes to the information.
   • THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER
3. Two Plausible Options:
   • The remaining two options will both appear in the text.
   • Choose the one that best answers the question.

Take Away- often there are 2 answers that are true to the text. You need to decide which one answers the question best.

Meanwhile, here are some practice lessons. This covers practice for IELTS & PTE, both reading and listening.