Listening and Reading Level Improvement Guides

Multiple choice:
In this type of question, several options (usually 3 or 4) are given, but only one or a few of them are correct. Listen carefully to the talk to eliminate the options that do not match the given information and arrive at the correct answer.

• Basic: Multiple choice lets you pick one answer from a few choices. Listen for keywords mentioned in the audio that match the answer options. Don’t be fooled by similar-sounding answers!
• Intermediate: Multiple choice can be tricky because answers might be rephrased. Focus on understanding the overall idea and listen for synonyms of the keywords in the answer choices.
• Advanced: While multiple choice seems easy, it tests your ability to grasp subtle differences. Pay attention to the speaker’s tone and qualifiers (words like “always” vs. “usually”) to choose the most accurate answer.

Matching:
In this type of question, you are given a list of items (e.g., names of people, places, or objects) and a list of corresponding descriptions or information. Your task is to match each item with its correct description. The order of items in each list may not match the order of information presented in the talk, so high attention and concentration are required while listening.

• Basic: Connect speakers, places, or objects to their descriptions. Listen for clear identifiers like names or characteristics.
• Intermediate: Matching might involve synonyms or require identifying the speaker’s purpose. Anticipate paraphrasing and focus on the speaker’s intent.
• Advanced: Be prepared to match multiple parts of the audio to a single option. Take notes while listening and review them quickly to confirm matches.

Fill in the blanks:
In this type of question, you are given a table, form, note, or summary with several blanks. Carefully listen to the provided talk to find the information needed to fill in these blanks. This information might be directly mentioned or may require you to infer from the conversation.

• Basic: Focus on catching missing words to complete simple sentences. Listen for keywords like names, dates, or places.
• Intermediate: The blanks might require synonyms or rephrased information. Anticipate related vocabulary and write down key phrases while listening.
• Advanced: Be prepared for missing summaries or conclusions. Actively listen for the main idea and supporting details to fill the gaps.

Labeling a diagram/map or plan:
In this type of question, you are given an unlabeled diagram, map, or plan. By listening to the talk, identify the words and phrases suitable for labeling different parts of the diagram, map, or plan.

• Basic: Identify and label basic locations or features on a simple diagram. Listen for clear instructions and directions.
• Intermediate: Labels might require more specific vocabulary or involve interpreting symbols. Pay attention to details and match labels to their corresponding descriptions.
• Advanced: The diagram might be complex, with multiple elements requiring labels. Skim the labels beforehand to understand the overall layout and listen for specific details.

List Selection:
In this type of question, you are given a long list containing information that will be mentioned in the talk. Listen carefully and mark the items related to the topic. Note that the number of correct items may be fewer than the total items in the list, so review the entire list carefully.

• Basic: In listening tests, you might be asked to choose one answer from a list that matches what you hear. Listen carefully for key details like names, places, or dates mentioned in the recording. Cross off any answer options that don’t match what you hear.
• Intermediate: List selection can be tricky because answer choices might use synonyms or rephrased words. Focus on understanding the overall idea and don’t get hung up on single words. Anticipate synonyms by underlining key information in the answer choices before listening.
• Advanced: Master the art of skimming answer choices! Quickly scan the list for keywords or phrases that relate to the topic. Pay close attention to the speaker’s tone and purpose to distinguish between similar-sounding options. Use the process of elimination to discard choices you know are wrong.

Short-Answer:
In this type of question, you are required to give brief, concise, and direct responses based on the information you hear in the audio file. Actively listen for the main idea, supporting details, and key phrases, and be prepared to rephrase the information in your own words. Prepare for open-ended questions that test your overall understanding.

• Basic: Answer short questions about specific details like names, numbers, or dates. Focus on keywords and write down the information as you hear it.
• Intermediate: Short answers might require identifying the speaker’s opinion or summarizing a short point. Listen for key phrases and be prepared to rephrase the information in your own words.
• Advanced: Prepare for open-ended questions that test your overall understanding. Actively listen for the main idea and supporting details to formulate your answer.