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Multiple-Choice, Multiple-Answer Questions in IELTS Academic Reading
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May 29, 2025
Part 1: What Are Multiple-Choice, Multiple-Answer Questions in IELTS Academic Reading?
Definition:
Multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions in the IELTS Academic Reading test require test-takers to select more than one correct option from a list of possible answers based on the given reading passage. These questions are designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand details, opinions, or specific ideas within the text.
Characteristics of the Question Type:
Format: A question or statement is provided with a list of 4–7 options. More than one answer will be correct.
Instructions: The instructions will specify how many answers to choose, such as “Choose TWO letters (A-F).”
Focus: These questions test detailed comprehension, including the identification of:
Facts or information explicitly mentioned.
Opinions or ideas expressed by the author.
Comparisons or relationships between ideas.
Common Challenges:
Distractors: Incorrect options may include partial truths, information not directly relevant to the question, or interpretations that are misleading.
Time Management: Reading and analyzing multiple options takes time.
Comprehension Accuracy: Requires precise understanding of the text and the ability to distinguish between similar ideas.
Part 2: How to Approach Multiple-Choice, Multiple-Answer Questions in IELTS Academic Reading (Step-by-Step Guide)
To successfully answer multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions in IELTS Reading, follow this structured approach:
Step 1: Carefully Read the Instructions
Purpose: Understand how many answers are required.
Example: If the question states, “Choose TWO letters (A-E),” you must select exactly two answers. Selecting more or fewer will result in no marks.
Step 2: Skim the Question and Options
Purpose: Get a sense of what the question is asking.
Action:
Identify the keywords in the question.
Take note of the main ideas in each option.
Example Question:
What are the benefits of online education mentioned in the text?
Options:
A. Flexibility
B. Lower costs
C. Better social interaction
D. Broader subject choices
E. Faster degree completion
Step 3: Locate Keywords in the Passage
Purpose: Find the section of the passage that corresponds to the question.
Action:
Use the keywords or synonyms from the question or options to scan the passage.
Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and key phrases that match the topic.
Example: If the passage discusses “online learning” benefits, look for related words like “flexibility,” “affordability,” or “choice.”
Step 4: Analyze the Relevant Section
Purpose: Understand the context of the information.
Action:
Read the surrounding sentences carefully to confirm the meaning.
Focus on connections between ideas (e.g., cause and effect, examples, contrasts).
Example Analysis: If the passage states, “Online courses are cost-effective because they eliminate travel and physical materials,” confirm that “lower costs” (B) is supported.
Step 5: Eliminate Distractors
Purpose: Narrow down your choices by removing incorrect options.
Action:
Eliminate options not directly mentioned or contradicted in the passage.
Beware of options that partially match but do not fully align with the text.
Example:
If the passage does not mention “better social interaction,” eliminate option C.
Step 6: Select the Correct Number of Answers
Purpose: Ensure you choose the exact number of answers required.
Action:
Revisit the question to confirm how many answers are needed.
Double-check that each selected option is clearly supported by the text.
Example with Step-by-Step Explanation
Question:
What are the reasons for increased urban migration mentioned in the text?
Options:
A. Better job opportunities
B. Improved healthcare facilities
C. Higher wages
D. Quality education
E. Access to public transport
Passage Excerpt:
“Urban migration is primarily driven by individuals seeking better job opportunities and higher wages. In cities, the abundance of industries provides more employment options. Additionally, urban areas often have superior healthcare services, which attract families looking to improve their quality of life.”
Step-by-Step Answering:
Read the instructions:
“Choose THREE letters (A-E).” This means three answers are required.Skim the question and options:
Keywords: “urban migration,” “reasons,” “mentioned in the text.”Locate keywords in the passage:
Scan the passage for mentions of “urban migration” and associated reasons.Analyze the relevant section:
The text explicitly mentions:“Better job opportunities” (A).
“Higher wages” (C).
“Superior healthcare services” (B).
Eliminate distractors:
“Quality education” (D) and “Access to public transport” (E) are not mentioned in the passage.
Select the correct answers:
The correct answers are A, B, and C.
Part 3: IELTS Reading Passage with Multiple-Choice, Multiple-Answer Questions
Reading Passage 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture
Paragraph 1:
Climate change has profoundly impacted agriculture worldwide, posing both challenges and opportunities. Rising temperatures have resulted in longer growing seasons in some regions, while others have experienced severe droughts that compromise crop yields. Moreover, unpredictable weather patterns have increased the frequency of floods and storms, further threatening agricultural stability. In response, farmers are adopting innovative strategies such as drought-resistant crops and precision farming techniques.
Paragraph 2:
One of the major consequences of climate change is its effect on water resources. With glaciers melting and rainfall patterns changing, the availability of freshwater for irrigation has diminished in many areas. This has led to conflicts over water use between agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors. On the other hand, regions with previously unsuitable climates for farming have started to see improvements due to warmer temperatures.
Paragraph 3:
Global food security is also at risk due to climate change. The increased occurrence of pests and diseases, facilitated by changing climates, has affected both crop and livestock production. This problem is exacerbated by the rising cost of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. However, some regions have benefited from climate change, with increased carbon dioxide levels enhancing plant growth in specific crops like wheat and rice.
Paragraph 4:
Efforts to mitigate these effects are underway. Governments and organizations worldwide are promoting sustainable farming practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, agroforestry combines agriculture and tree planting to absorb carbon dioxide, while vertical farming in urban areas minimizes land use and water consumption. Despite these efforts, global collaboration remains essential to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change on agriculture.
Questions:
1. What are the challenges posed by climate change to global agriculture? (Choose THREE letters, A-F)
A. Longer growing seasons in some regions
B. Increased droughts in certain areas
C. Unpredictable weather patterns causing floods and storms
D. Enhanced plant growth in some crops due to carbon dioxide
E. Increased pests and diseases affecting crops and livestock
F. Rising costs of fertilizers and pesticides
2. What are the solutions being implemented to address the impact of climate change on agriculture? (Choose TWO letters, A-E)
A. Adoption of drought-resistant crops
B. Use of precision farming techniques
C. Agroforestry practices to absorb carbon dioxide
D. Establishment of irrigation systems in glacial areas
E. Promotion of vertical farming in urban spaces
Part 4: Step-by-Step Explanation of the Answers
Question 1: What are the challenges posed by climate change to global agriculture? (Choose THREE letters, A-F)
Options:
A. Longer growing seasons in some regions
B. Increased droughts in certain areas
C. Unpredictable weather patterns causing floods and storms
D. Enhanced plant growth in some crops due to carbon dioxide
E. Increased pests and diseases affecting crops and livestock
F. Rising costs of fertilizers and pesticides
Answer: B, C, E
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Locate the relevant information in the passage:
Paragraph 1: Discusses droughts (“severe droughts that compromise crop yields”) and floods (“unpredictable weather patterns have increased the frequency of floods and storms”).
Paragraph 3: Mentions pests and diseases (“The increased occurrence of pests and diseases… has affected both crop and livestock production”).
Analyze each option:
A. Longer growing seasons in some regions: While mentioned in Paragraph 1, this is presented as a benefit, not a challenge. (Incorrect)
B. Increased droughts in certain areas: Explicitly mentioned as a challenge in Paragraph 1. (Correct)
C. Unpredictable weather patterns causing floods and storms: Directly stated in Paragraph 1 as a threat to agricultural stability. (Correct)
D. Enhanced plant growth in some crops due to carbon dioxide: Discussed in Paragraph 3 as a benefit for specific crops, not a challenge. (Incorrect)
E. Increased pests and diseases affecting crops and livestock: Clearly stated in Paragraph 3 as a challenge. (Correct)
F. Rising costs of fertilizers and pesticides: While mentioned in Paragraph 3, it is not directly tied to climate change as a primary cause in the passage. (Incorrect)
Question 2: What are the solutions being implemented to address the impact of climate change on agriculture? (Choose TWO letters, A-E)
Options:
A. Adoption of drought-resistant crops
B. Use of precision farming techniques
C. Agroforestry practices to absorb carbon dioxide
D. Establishment of irrigation systems in glacial areas
E. Promotion of vertical farming in urban spaces
Answer: A, C
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Locate the relevant information in the passage:
Paragraph 1: “Farmers are adopting innovative strategies such as drought-resistant crops and precision farming techniques.”
Paragraph 4: “Agroforestry combines agriculture and tree planting to absorb carbon dioxide… vertical farming in urban areas minimizes land use and water consumption.”
Analyze each option:
A. Adoption of drought-resistant crops: Explicitly mentioned in Paragraph 1 as a solution. (Correct)
B. Use of precision farming techniques: While mentioned in Paragraph 1, it is listed as an innovation, not specifically as a solution to climate change’s impact. (Incorrect)
C. Agroforestry practices to absorb carbon dioxide: Clearly described in Paragraph 4 as a solution. (Correct)
D. Establishment of irrigation systems in glacial areas: Not mentioned anywhere in the passage. (Incorrect)
E. Promotion of vertical farming in urban spaces: Discussed in Paragraph 4 but focuses on minimizing land use and water consumption, not specifically addressing climate change. (Incorrect)
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