Key Idea: Each listening question type has its own routine. Learn the five routines and use the two listens well: first the gist, then the detail.
Multiple choice
- One correct option, no half marks.
- Read → Predict → Meaning → Eliminate → Choose.
- Read all the options first, and don't change a right answer on the second listen.
True/False: choose the true statements
- Choose exactly the number of true statements asked. No written justification.
- Read → Locate → Decide → Prove → Choose N.
- Watch past-tense traps: "used to" is not "now".
Gap-fill
- Write the exact word(s) you hear, spelled so they are clear.
- Read → Predict type → Listen → Write → Check fit.
- The word must fit the sentence grammatically. Write only what the gap needs.
Short answer
- A few words, not a full sentence. Content counts, not style.
- Read Q → Listen → Note → Write short → Check.
- The wh- word tells you which detail to give.
Listening strategies
- Predict the vocabulary before you listen.
- Work out unknown words from the rest of the sentence.
- Infer: many answers come from tone, mood or opinion, not stated words.
The word-match trap is in every question type: an option that repeats a word you heard is often wrong.
A gap needs a noun. When do you decide that? Before you listen: predict the word type.
The question asks for two true statements. You are sure of three. What now? Choose only two. Too many choices loses the mark.
Do you write a full sentence for a short answer? No. A few words with the exact detail.
You don't know one word. What do you do? Keep going. Use the words around it to guess.
Which question type has no half marks? Multiple choice.