IELTS Tips

Part 1 - Listening

The listening test is perhaps one of the most difficult parts of the IELTS exam. There are four sections and the whole listening test takes 40 minutes. There are separate question booklets and answer sheets. At the end of the test you have ten minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

It is the first part of the exam and this is perhaps when you are most nervous. Try and stay relaxed in order to concentrate.

 

1. Answer all the questions as there is no penalty for wrong answers,
2. Use the “Check your answers time” to read ahead and study the questions in the next section
3. Whilst reading ahead, underline key words in the questions to focus your attention.
4. The recording is only played once, so make sure you listen carefully!
5. Know and understand the structure of the listening test. There are 4 sections: Section one is a conversation between two people, whilst section 2 is a monologue (usually a telephone message). Section 3 is a discussion between 3 or more people and section 4 is another monologue (perhaps a lecture or talk)
6. Read the questions carefully and answer exactly as they say. If it says “Write no more than three words” then do not write figures.
7. Use the questions to predict what you are listening for. For instance if the question is “what does Paul think about the student accommodation?” then you have to listen for the male voice.
8. Write your answers on the question booklet clearly so that when you transfer them to the answer sheet you can read your own writing.
9. Sections one and two are easier than the other two. Try and get all of these questions correct in order to get a better overall score in the listening test
10. Frequently a speaker will say something and then correct himself or herself or change their answer, so make sure you change your answer as well.
11. Practice listening with feedback from a private English tutor. He will show you how to improve your score on the listening section and guide you through the IELTS test preparation process and help you get the score you deserve.

Notes: A good private English tutor will be able to give you feedback on your listening skills and give expert tuition on the whole IELTS test.

 

Back To Resources