IELTS Listening Test Tips and Strategies

Navigating the IELTS listening test effectively is crucial for achieving a desirable score. This exam section demands sharp listening skills and strategic approaches to tackle various question types efficiently. In this guide, we’ll explore a range of IELTS listening tips and strategies tailored to help you excel in the exam. From enhancing your concentration to mastering different question formats, these insights will equip you with the tools to navigate the test and achieve your desired band score confidently.

What Does an IELTS Listening Section Comprise?

The IELTS Listening section comprises four parts, each containing ten questions. The test typically lasts about 30 minutes, progressively increasing the difficulty level in each section. You’ll have 10 minutes after the listening test to get your responses transferred to the answer sheet.

What is the IELTS Listening Test Format?

The IELTS Listening Test Format consists of four recordings comprising conversations and monologues, followed by corresponding questions. The tapes feature native English speakers with a variety of accents. It’s important to note that each recording is played only once. Here’s an overview of the format:

• Recording 1: Dialogue in Daily Life Context

You’ll listen to a conversation set in everyday life situations.

• Recording 2: Monologue on Everyday Life or Social Context

You’ll hear a monologue discussing topics related to daily life or social issues—for example, a talk about the condition of streets in a particular area.

• Recording 3: Conversation in Training or Educational Context

You’ll listen to a conversation involving more than two people in a training or educational setting. For instance, a teacher discusses an assignment with students.

• Recording 4: Monologue on Academic Subject

You’ll hear a monologue covering an academic topic, such as a college lecture.

IELTS Listening Question Types

In the IELTS Listening Test exam, you’ll encounter six types of tasks and questions, such as:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): MCQs present a question with three possible answers. Occasionally, there may be more options, requiring a clear understanding to choose the correct answer.

• Matching: After listening to the recording, you must match numbered items with the corresponding ones on the question sheet. Matching criteria are specified in the question paper.

• Labelling: This task involves labelling items on a given structure, such as a building, map, diagram, etc.

• Complete the Summary: You may be asked to complete a flowchart, form, notes, or table based on information provided in the audio. Pay close attention to every part of the recording for accurate completion.

• Complete the Sentence: You must fill in the missing word or number from the given sentences, with the answer embedded in the recording.

• Short Answers: Short questions require answers based on information provided in the recording. Be concise and precise in your responses.

IELTS Listening Tips and Strategies to Ace the Test

Here are some of the proven IELTS listening tips and strategies that can help you score amazingly in the IELTS exam:

• Understand the Test

All IELTS listening tests have the same format and duration of thirty minutes. Both the academic and general versions are identical. Below is an overview of each section:

• Prepare for Every Type of Question

The IELTS Listening exam typically consists of six types of tasks or questions. Ensure thorough practice across all question types and familiarise yourself with their varying difficulty levels.

• Acquaint Yourself with Various Accents

The IELTS Listening test presents a variety of accents to reflect the global nature of English. Therefore, you must familiarise yourself with accents from different English-speaking countries. Rather than solely relying on mainstream sources like the BBC, consider listening to smaller regional radio stations actively watching TV shows or listening to podcasts from diverse English-speaking nations.

• Improve Your Vocabulary

Recordings in the exam feature speakers with varying vocabulary levels. Thus, one of the best IELTS listening tips is to enhance your vocabulary to avoid getting stuck on unfamiliar words and to comprehend the content more effectively.

• Practice Listening and Writing Answers

With only 30 minutes to listen to four recordings, there’s limited time for repetition. Take practice tests to hone your listening skills and practice answering questions at home to gauge difficulty levels.

• Differentiate Between Essential and Non-essential Information

Develop the habit of distinguishing between essential and non-essential information while listening to recordings. This skill will help you prioritise critical details during the exam, allowing you to complete the test within the allocated time without getting bogged down by irrelevant information.

• Maintain Your Focus

Maintaining concentration throughout your IELTS Listening test can be challenging, yet it’s crucial for achieving a Band 7 or higher. To enhance your concentration, adopt active listening techniques. This entails setting specific tasks during practice sessions and engaging with the audio content, mirroring the actual test conditions.

• Use Audio Scripts

When selecting practice tests, try to find ones that include scripts—the word-for-word written texts of the audio. Here are a few activities you can do with scripts:

• Accuracy Check: First, take notes without looking at the script. Then, compare your notes to the script to check for accuracy, spelling, and misunderstandings.
• Read Aloud: Read the script aloud and then listen to the audio. How accurate were you? Did you sound similar to the speaker(s)? Follow the text when listening to the audio. This will help you connect pronunciation with understanding keywords. Notice how keywords are pronounced more clearly and loudly.

• Adhere to Instructions Diligently

It’s vital to follow instructions meticulously, particularly regarding word limits. If a question specifies ‘No more than three words,’ exceeding this limit would result in an incorrect response. Ensure your answer aligns precisely with the given instructions to avoid any errors.

• Make Use of Synonyms

Synonyms are words or phrases that have similar or the same meanings. If you’ve taken an IELTS preparation class, you know synonyms are crucial in all exam parts. You must demonstrate your ability to use synonyms in the speaking and writing sections. In the reading and listening sections, many questions rely on synonyms.

Conclusion

Implementing these IELTS listening tips will enhance your preparation for the exam and provide a clear understanding of how to approach it effectively. Concentrating on refining your listening skills before or during the exam is crucial. By dedicating time to applying these tips, you’ll gradually improve your exam-taking abilities and increase your chances of scoring well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the trick for listening in IELTS?

The trick for listening in IELTS is actively engaging with the audio, focusing on keywords, and practising regularly to improve your listening skills.

• How can I get an 8.5 on the IELTS listening test?

To achieve an 8.5 in IELTS listening, you should practice listening to various accents, familiarise yourself with different question types, and improve your vocabulary and concentration skills. Also, implement the IELTS listening tips mentioned above for better results.

• How to avoid mistakes in IELTS listening?

To avoid mistakes in IELTS listening, it’s essential to carefully read and understand the instructions, listen attentively without getting distracted, and double-check your answers before finalising them.

• Which section of IELTS listening is difficult?

The difficulty level varies for each individual, but some candidates find Section 4 of the IELTS listening test, which features an academic monologue, more challenging due to its complex language and content.

• How can I listen better in IELTS?

To listen better in IELTS, practice active listening techniques, such as focusing on keywords and main ideas, familiarising yourself with different accents, and regularly exposing yourself to English audio materials like podcasts, movies, and news broadcasts