UNIT 4 - LESSON 2

reading SKILL

Lesson 2

TOPICTrue, False and Not Given questions

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GOALS

In this unit you will…

• look at example questions
• discuss the reading skills required

• give you tips and advice
• provide you with a strategy to use on exam day

Type of question:Multiple choice

In this question type, you may be given a 'stem' which may be an inadequate sentence. The stem will be taken after by three or four alternatives - one will be adjusted (the correct answer) and three could appear conceivable but are in reality off base in a few ways (the distracters). In handling this sort of address, it is exceptionally vital to examine the stem carefully. Candidates regularly make careless mistakes when they misinterpret the stem and so select the off-base choice.

Adapted from http://Preparation for IELTS Exam - Reading task type four: multiple choice (english-exam.org)

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What is being tested

Multiple-choice questions can be designed to test a wide variety of reading skills. The questions may require you to have an overall understanding of the main points of the text as in Question 1 of the sample task, in which case you will need to be able to read for gist. Or they may require you to have a detailed understanding of particular points, as in questions 2 and 3 of the Sample Task, in which case you will need to be able to read for specific details. Multiple-choice questions may also ask you to identify facts or opinions in the text.

Adapted from http://Preparation for IELTS Exam - Reading task type four: multiple choice (english-exam.org)

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How to approach multiple choice questions

Step 1: Read the instructions carefully. Step 2: Skim all the questions briefly to get an idea of the topics for which you will be searching when reading the text. Step 3: Read the first question again more carefully. Decide what you will need to read to answer the question. Is the question asking you for a particular detail that you need to find in the text? Or is the question asking you for an answer which requires a global understanding of the whole text? Step 4: Once you have decided the best strategy for dealing with the question (as above), you will need to proceed to read the text properly, for example reading for gist, reading for detail etc.

Adapted from http://Preparation for IELTS Exam - Reading task type four: multiple choice (english-exam.org)

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You should choose the correct answer, not confusing it with other answers. To understand what I mean, see the next example:

Types of answers

Usually, you can find:

• Answer that gives opposite information.
• Irrelevant answer that gives information, which is not stated in the text.
• Answer that gives information that figures in the text, but not what you're asked about.
• Correct answer.

I.Taken from: https://ielts-up.com/reading/multiple-choice-lesson.html

Check the questions in the next page.

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Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

When did the 720 travellers die? A. Thirteen decades ago. C. 30 years ago. B. A few decades ago. D. There is no information about it. 2. Twin engine turboprop could carry: A. Eight people. C. Two people. B. Four people. D. Only a pilot. 3. The worst accident in history, according to the paragraph, was: A. Flight 123. C. British Airtours flight 28M. B. Delta flight 191. D. Bar Harbor Airlines flight 1808. 4. Why did the Japan Air Lines Flight 123 crashed? Show hint A. The change in pressure blew off the vertical stabiliser. C. The airtight bulkhead between its cabin and tail tore open. B. Destruction of the hydraulic systems. D. It is unknown.

Show hint

Show hint

Show hint

Show hint

Taken from: https://ielts-up.com/reading/multiple-choice-2.html

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Sample reading tex

What is being tested

Read and answer:

Multiple choice questions are often designed to check a good sort of reading skills. The questions may require you to possess an overall understanding of the most points of the text as in Question 1 of the sample task, during which case you'll got to be ready to read for gist. Or they'll require you to possess an in depth understanding of particular points as in questions 2 and 3 of the Sample Task, in which case you'll got to be ready to read for specific details. Multiple choice questions can also ask you to spot facts or opinions within the text.

Taken and adapted from https://www.english-exam.org/IELTS/preparing/Reading_task_type_four_multiple_choice/226/

The reading text on the following page is longer than usual and is employed as the basis for all the questions and examples during this section. However, within the real IELTS test the 40 or 50 questions are going to be supported three texts not only one , and therefore the questions won't test your understanding of some extent within the text quite once, as they'll do here. Now, go the following page and answer the questions.

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Question 1/3

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

1 Which is most at fault for the magnitude of the Titanic disaster?

A. The ship

B. The Titanic's owners and builders

C. The captain and crew

D. Standard operating procedure

Question 2/3

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

2. The number of lifeboats on the Titanic...

A. met the regulations for much smaller ships but not the Titanic

B. could carry more people than required under the regulations

C. had been designed in 1894 by the British Board of Trade

D. would have been sufficient if all boats had been filled to capacity

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Question 3/3

3 The Titanic was...

A. the most technologically advanced liner of her time

B. divided into 16 watertight compartments

C. higher than the tallest buildings of her day

D. unsinkable

Now, prove your knowledge and do the activities.