IELTS lesson · Reading

IELTS Reading Multiple Choice notesMultiple choice, option by option

Judge each option, then pick the one that answers the question. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: question, locate, test each option and choose. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSReading · Multiple choice

    True, but not the answer

    the trap in multiple choice

    A wrong option is often a true fact from the passage. It still loses the mark if it doesn't answer the question.

    Q: "Why did students join?" Option A: "Membership costs £12 a year."true True, but it does not answer why.off-question

    True is not enough. It must answer the question.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSReading · Multiple choice

    Multiple choice at a glance

    the official facts

    FeatureThe official line
    ShapeA question, or a sentence start
    OptionsFour possible answers
    UsuallyChoose one correct answer
    SometimesAcademic: more than one
    OrderQuestions follow the text's order
    TestsDetail, or the main points

    Source: ielts.org Reading format. Always check how many answers to choose.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
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10 cards

Contents

  1. 1True, but not the answerthe trap in multiple choiceIn the preview
  2. 2Multiple choice at a glancethe official factsIn the preview
  3. 3Question, locate, test, choosefour moves for every questionFree account
  4. 4Meet the passageall three questions use this textWith a plan
  5. 5Q1: test every optionone true option, three that failWith a plan
  6. 6Q2: true, but off-questionthe option that tempts youWith a plan
  7. 7Q3: choose TWOeach answer must be provenWith a plan
  8. 8Two ways to sliptrue isn't enough, and count the answersWith a plan
  9. 9Your turntest the optionsWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe multiple-choice checklistWith a plan

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Questions

FAQ

Is the Multiple choice, option by option lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Multiple choice, option by option PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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