Be Ready…IELTS Listening Tips

The Listening Test is the same for the Academic Module and the General Training Module.  There are always 4 separate sections and they will only be played once.  The moment you hear the words “Section #” be ready:

·         Be ready to Listen – once the listening test starts, there is no turning back.  Follow the instructions of the speaker, you will be given time (usually 10 sec.) to look over the questions.  If an example is provided, the speaker will most probably discuss the example as well. 

·         Be ready to mark keywords – after reading the questions instructed by the speaker, will need to remember what to expect.  The who, what, when, where, why and how questions; knowing these will give you an idea when to pay particular attention to the speaker. 

·         Be ready to spot stressed or repeated phrases – in most listening test, the answers are stressed or repeated.  If you practiced your listening, try listening to it again after you’ve checked your answers; you’ll notice that the answers were either stressed or repeated.  Pay attention to those stress and repeats during your next practice.

·         Be ready to move on to the next question – even if you were unable to answer a question, be ready to move on to the next question.  Getting stuck on a particular question will not be beneficial to you, accept the laps in concentration and move on. 

·         Be ready for when the speaker changes his/her mind – sometimes the speaker will change their minds, their final decision will be the correct answer.  The speaker may also correct the person they are talking to.

·         Be ready to write using shorthand – if you are lagging behind, the ability to use short hand will come in handy.  Remember that you are allowed to write on the questionnaire and you will be given enough time to transfer the answers are the 4 sections are done.

To find out what to expect from the IELTS listening test click here

For other Listening Tips click here