How it's scored
One mark per question. In the choose-several format each correct letter is one mark, in any order.
Strategy & template
- 1Read the question stem, locate the part of the passage it refers to, and read that part fully before looking at the options.
- 2Check each option against the passage sentence, not against your memory of it; distractors reuse the passage's words with a changed subject, time or degree.
- 3Reject options that are true but do not answer the question asked; a common distractor is a correct fact from elsewhere.
- 4For the last question of a set, which is often about the whole passage or the writer's purpose, use the first and last paragraphs.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the option with the most words in common with the passage.
- Answering a which-is-true question from the first option that seems right without checking the rest.
- Losing time on one question; guess, mark it, and move on since there is no negative marking.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in IELTS reading?
No. A wrong answer scores zero, the same as a blank, so always choose something.
Are IELTS multiple choice answers in order?
Yes for single-answer sets: the questions follow the passage. Use each answer's location to start the search for the next.
Practise Reading: Multiple Choice
Real questions with instant AI scoring and feedback.