Listening Multiple Choice: Pre-Reading

This approach is all about familiarizing yourself with the questions and answer choices before the audio even begins. It’s like getting a sneak peek.

First, when you get your question booklet, take a moment to carefully read through the questions and all the answer choices.

This gives you a clear idea of what information you need to listen for.

Next, you can try to anticipate the type of information that might come up.

Are the questions about numbers, dates, or specific details?

Finally, as you listen to the audio, you’ll find yourself more attuned to the specific information you need. It’s like your brain has been primed to catch these details!

Different Scenarios

University Lecture Scenario

Question: What is the main topic of the lecture?

A) Climate change effects

B) Renewable energy sources

C) Urban planning challenges

D) Agricultural innovations

When the lecturer starts talking about “sustainable city design” and “traffic congestion solutions,” you’ll quickly realize that C) Urban planning challenges is likely the correct answer.

Job Interview Scenario

Question: What skill does the interviewer emphasize as most important?

A) Technical knowledge

B) Communication skills

C) Leadership experience

D) Time management

After pre-reading, you’ll be alert for any mention of these skills. When you hear the interviewer say, “We’re looking for someone who can explain complex ideas in simple terms,” you’ll recognize that B) Communication skills is being highlighted.

Travel Information Scenario

Question: What is the recommended mode of transportation?

A) Bus

B) Train

C) Taxi

D) Rental car

If the speaker mentions “It’s best to take the underground, as it’s faster and cheaper than other options,” you’ll quickly connect “underground” to B) Train, even if the exact word “train” isn’t used.

Environmental Documentary Scenario

Question: What is the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest according to the documentary?

A) Agriculture expansion

B) Logging industry

C) Urban development

D) Mining operations

As you listen to the documentary, you hear phrases like “vast swathes of forest cleared for cattle ranching” and “soybean plantations encroaching on previously untouched areas.”

Even though the exact phrase “agriculture expansion” isn’t used, your pre-reading has primed you to connect these ideas to option A.

You’re less likely to be distracted by mentions of logging or mining, which might be discussed but not presented as the main cause.

Technology Conference Scenario

Question: What does the speaker predict will be the most significant technological advancement in the next decade? A) Artificial Intelligence

B) Quantum Computing

C) Biotechnology

D) Space Exploration

As the speaker discusses various innovations, you hear: “While AI and space tech will continue to advance, I believe the real game-changer will be the maturation of quantum computing. Its potential to revolutionize fields from cryptography to drug discovery is unparalleled.”

Even though all options are mentioned, the emphasis on quantum computing’s wide-ranging impact aligns with the question’s focus on the “most significant” advancement, leading you to correctly choose option B.

This pre-reading strategy can be a real game-changer for your IELTS Listening performance, especially in those challenging Multiple Choice questions.

It can help you listen more actively and make more informed choices.

I’m really curious about your experiences with IELTS Listening Multiple Choice questions.

Take a look at other strategies in Listening: Prediction Technique and Elimination Strategy

Share your thoughts in the comments below.