The option looks familiar: why is it wrong?
Spot options that use words from the text but link them in the wrong way.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
In multiple choice, a wrong option can take words from the text. What you have to check is not whether the words are familiar but the meaning of the whole option.
Common problems: swapping a cause and an effect, giving an earlier plan as the final decision, turning some into all, and adding a detail that is not in the text.
For each option, ask yourself: “Does the text support all of this?” Partial agreement is not enough.
See an example
Passage: The school planned to build a swimming pool, but later chose a sports hall because it could serve more activities.
Question: Why did the school choose a sports hall?
Answer: It could be used for a wider range of activities.
“Students needed swimming lessons” seems close to the topic, but it is not stated as a reason.
Now you try
Passage: The original tour included the castle. Due to repairs, visitors will go to the botanical garden instead. The tour will still begin at ten.
Which statement is correct?
A. The tour has been cancelled. B. The starting time has changed. C. A different place will be visited.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
C — the botanical garden will be visited instead of the castle.
A is wrong: the tour is going ahead. B is wrong: still begin at ten says the time has not changed. Seeing the word “repairs” and deciding that the whole tour is cancelled is a conclusion the text does not support.
How do I learn from my Reading mistakes?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Reading