IELTS Reading Test Multiple-Choice Questions (Choosing Two Answers from Five Choices)
In today’s free IELTS materials we will practise answering multiple choice questions in the reading test.
For multiple-choice questions, you must choose the correct answer(s) based on the reading.
Multiple-choice questions test your ability to understand the main idea of the relevant paragraphs and require you to look for specific information in the text.
Types of Multiple-Choice Questions
There are three types of multiple-choice questions that you could be required to answer in the IELTS Reading Test.
Choose one answer from four choices (A, B, C or D)
Choose two answers from five choices (A, B, C, D or E)
Choose three answers from seven choices (A, B, C, D, E, F or G)
It is very important that you read the instruction carefully, so you know how many answers you are looking for!
In today’s materials we will look at multiple-choice questions where you need to choose two answers from five choices (A, B, C, D or E).
In the real test, a combination of different question types will be used for each reading passage, but for this exercise we will use an extract from a full passage and practise multiple choice questions.
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It encompasses the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within species. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and the sustainability of life on our planet.
Firstly, biodiversity provides ecological services that are vital for human well-being. These services include air and water purification, pollination of crops, and regulation of climate. For instance, forests act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances such as extreme weather events and disease outbreaks.
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in supporting food security and livelihoods. A wide range of plant and animal species contribute to global food production, and genetic diversity within species is essential for breeding resilient livestock. Loss of biodiversity can lead to reduced agricultural productivity and crops’ increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Moreover, biodiversity has intrinsic value, meaning it has value in and of itself, independent of its usefulness to humans. Every species has a unique role to play in its ecosystem, and the loss of any species diminishes the richness and complexity of life on Earth.
In conclusion, protecting biodiversity is not only a matter of environmental conservation but also a necessity for human well-being and survival. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage biodiversity are essential for ensuring a healthy planet for current and future generations.
Multiple Choice Question:
Choose TWO letters A-E.
Which of the following are NOT mentioned as an advantage provided by biodiversity?
A) Air and water cleansing
B) Disease reduction in humans
C) Energy production
D) Carbon dioxide absorption
E) Climate change mitigation
Answers
B and C.
Note:
(B) The text mentions agricultural crops’ increased vulnerability to pests and diseases without biodiversity but does not mention humans in this context.
(C) The text does not make reference to energy production efficiency.
How did you do?
Here are some tips for tackling multiple choice questions in IELTS.
Tips
It’s generally a good idea to skim the passage first before looking at the answer options. Circle keywords or main ideas that might help you locate the relevant information later.
Read the instructions carefully: Understand what the question is asking you to do. Pay attention to any specific instructions such as selecting one answer or multiple answers.
Read the questions. Pay close attention to any keywords or phrases that tell you what type of answer you are looking for.
Eliminate wrong answers. After reading the answer options, try to eliminate any that are obviously incorrect. Try to identify information in the passage that directly supports or contradicts each option.
There will generally be a reference to all the possible choices, but the incorrect answers will clearly be wrong or will be incomplete.
Go back to the passage and read the relevant paragraphs carefully. Pay attention to relevant details such as dates, names, and specific examples.
Beware of answer choices that are designed to trick you. They may contain information that is mentioned in the passage but is not directly relevant to the question or states an opposite idea.
Avoid wasting time! Don’t spend too much time on any single question. If you get stuck, move on to the next question and come back to it later.
If you are still not sure about an answer, make an educated guess! There is no penalty for incorrect answers in the IELTS reading test so don’t leave any questions unanswered.
Practise regularly: This will help you become more confident and efficient in answering questions under time pressure.
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