This technique is all about ruling out incorrect options to increase your odds of choosing the correct answer.
Here’s a simple approach that might help:
First, as you listen to the audio, try to identify information that clearly contradicts any of the answer choices. This information becomes your first clue to eliminate incorrect options.
Next, you can look for partial matches.
Sometimes, an option might be partially correct but contain an element that makes it wrong. These can be tricky, but they’re great candidates for elimination.
Finally, if you’re left with two options and you’re not sure which is correct, go with your gut feeling. Often, your initial instinct is right!
Practical Examples
University Course Scenario
Question: What is the main focus of the new course?
A) Ancient History
B) Modern Literature
C) Cultural Studies
D) Political Science
In the audio, you might hear: “Our new course isn’t about specific historical periods or literary movements. Instead, it explores how different societies have developed and interacted over time.”
Using the elimination method, you can cross off A and B immediately. The speaker specifically said it’s not about historical periods (ruling out Ancient History) or literary movements (ruling out Modern Literature).
Between C and D, Cultural Studies is a better fit for exploring how societies develop and interact, so you can eliminate D as well.
Travel Accommodation Scenario
Question: What type of accommodation does the speaker recommend?
A) Hotel
B) Hostel
C) Apartment
D) Camping
The audio might say: “While hotels can be comfortable, they’re often expensive and impersonal. For a more authentic experience that won’t break the bank, I’d suggest looking into short-term apartment rentals.”
Here, you can quickly eliminate A (Hotel) because the speaker says they’re expensive and impersonal. B (Hostel) and D (Camping) aren’t mentioned at all, so they can be crossed off too. This leaves C (Apartment) as the correct answer.
Job Interview Scenario
Question: What quality does the interviewer emphasize as most important?
A) Experience
B) Education
C) Teamwork skills
D) Technical knowledge
You might hear: “While your technical skills are impressive, and your degree is from a top university, what we’re really looking for is someone who can collaborate effectively with different departments.”
In this case, you can eliminate A (Experience) as it’s not mentioned. B (Education) and D (Technical knowledge) are acknowledged but not emphasized as most important. This leaves C (Teamwork skills) as the best match for “collaborate effectively.”
Environmental Policy Scenario
Question: What is the government’s main strategy to reduce carbon emissions?
A) Increasing taxes on fossil fuels
B) Investing in renewable energy
C) Implementing a car-free day policy
D) Promoting reforestation
In the audio, you might hear: “While the government has considered various approaches, including taxation and urban planning, their primary focus is on shifting our energy sources. They’ve committed significant funds to developing wind and solar power infrastructure.”
Using the elimination method:
You can cross off A (Increasing taxes) because although it’s mentioned, it’s not the main strategy.
C (Car-free day policy) isn’t mentioned at all, so it can be eliminated.
D (Reforestation) isn’t discussed, so it’s also out.
This leaves B (Investing in renewable energy) as the correct answer, which aligns with the mention of wind and solar power infrastructure.
Career Development Scenario
Question: What does the speaker suggest as the most effective way to advance in your career?
A) Obtaining advanced degrees
B) Changing jobs frequently
C) Building a professional network
D) Working overtime regularly
The audio might say: “While further education can be beneficial, and some people find success in job-hopping, I’ve found that the real key to career advancement is who you know, not just what you know. Cultivating relationships with colleagues and industry professionals can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.”
Here’s how you can eliminate options:
A (Obtaining advanced degrees) is mentioned but not emphasized as most effective, so it can be crossed off.
B (Changing jobs frequently) is also mentioned but not recommended, so eliminate it.
D (Working overtime regularly) isn’t mentioned at all, so it’s out.
This leaves C (Building a professional network) as the correct answer, matching the emphasis on cultivating relationships.
Healthy Lifestyle Scenario
Question: According to the nutritionist, what is the most important factor for maintaining a healthy weight?
A) Regular exercise
B) Calorie counting
C) Balanced diet
D) Intermittent fasting
You might hear: “While exercise is crucial for overall health, and some people find success with specific eating patterns like intermittent fasting, the cornerstone of weight management is simply eating a variety of nutritious foods in appropriate portions. Obsessing over calorie counts can often do more harm than good.”
Applying the elimination technique:
A (Regular exercise) is mentioned but not as the most important factor, so it can be eliminated.
B (Calorie counting) is actually discouraged, so it’s definitely not the answer.
D (Intermittent fasting) is mentioned but not emphasized, so cross it off.
This leaves C (Balanced diet) as the correct answer, aligning with the emphasis on eating a variety of nutritious foods.
You might find it helpful to apply this technique when watching English language TV shows or listening to podcasts. Try to actively eliminate options as you listen, and you’ll find yourself getting better at it over time.
I’m really interested to hear about your experiences with IELTS Listening Multiple Choice questions. Take a look at other Listening starategies: Synonym Strategy and Prediction Technique
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.
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