MCQ in Listening is a topic that keeps rearing its ugly head over and over. I have said much on this topic and I keep, nevertheless, getting questions almost every day about how to manage these questions. So here again is the step by step way of dealing with MCQ.
- Focus on the stem of the question
- Underline 1 key word/phrase – this is what you will be listening for
- As soon as you hear your key word or phrase really focus on what you hear
- Now listen and check the choices you have been given
- Ideally you should be able to cross out some
- In a 4-choice you should, have 2 that seem close
- Check all the words in these two one will be more appropriate than the other
- In a 3-choice there will be one that fits closer than the others
- Select the answer
If you are finding this process time-consuming then you just need more practice. Start slowly, be prepared to stop the tape and listen again if necessary (you should do this anyway when you are still preparing in order to build your skills) don’t rush to the tapescript – this should be a last resort.
Here is an example:
The first is from Section 1 so should be quite straightforward. The green words are background and the red words represent the information we need.
Where will the 4pm concert of Latin American music take place? (we are asked for a venue)
A. In a museum
B. In a theatre
C. In a library
The boat race begins at: (we are asked for a starting place)
A. Summer Pool
B. Charlesworth Bridge
C. Offord Marina
One of the boat race teams (we are asked for some information)
A. won a regional competition earlier this year
B. has represented the region in a national competition
C. has won several regional competitions
We discover that there are free concerts in the area including pop music and Latin American music (now we have to focus). The speaker asks what time this begins. We find out that it is repeated in various venues at various times for example the library at 1.pm, the City museum at 4pm and the theatre at 7.30pm.
Now we can answer the question (A)
For the second question the tourism officer suggests the boat race as an event for the family. Now focus we need more information. We hear immediately that the race starts at the Offord Marina and ends at the Summer Pool. We also hear that the best place to watch is Charlesworth Bridge.
All three places are mentioned but only one is related to the start of the race (C)
Finally for question 3. The speaker wants to know who will take part in the race. We learn from the tourism officer that it is local boat clubs and that they are all very good. In fact one of them came first in the West of England regional championship.
West of England is a region so we are looking at A or C but only one competition is mentioned so A is the answer.
This second example is from Section 3 – you can see how the questions are now more involved:
Russ says that his difficulty in planning the presentation is due to (essentially ‘why’)
A. his lack of knowledge about the topic
B. his uncertainty about what he should try and achieve
C. the short time that he has for preparation
Russ and his tutor agree that his approach in the presentation will be (which direction will he take)
A. to concentrate on how nanotechnology us used in one field
B. to follow the chronological development of nanotechnology
C. to show the range of applications of nanotechnology
In connection with the slides, the tutor advises Russ to (this is about the tutor’s advice)
A. talk about things he can find slides to illustrate
B. look for slides to illustrate the points he makes
C. consider omitting slides
(Note A and B contradict each other)
In the first question we hear Russ say he’s ‘really struggling’ this is the clue to listen carefully. He’s not sure if the other students will know about the topic and wants to know if he should provide an introduction to help them or try and make them understand his interest in an aspect of nanotechnology.
The lack of knowledge may be the students not Russ. No mention is made of time here (it says he has 20 minutes earlier but this isn’t the struggle) so B is the answer.
For the second question the Tutor suggests he should look at how the technology is applied in a particular area such as medicine or space. Russ says that would be a good idea (they agree).
A particular area tells us that A is the best answer.
Finally, Russ asks if he should include slides – his tutor says they are not essential. He feels it’s a bad idea to tailor what you say to the slides you have (so A is out) and it can waste a lot of time trying to find slide to fit what you want to say (so B is doubtful). He thinks it’s better to leave them out.
The answer is C
Listening, reading and assessing simultaneously takes time so practice is essential.