08 Dec
TIPS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR IELTS LISTENING TEST
Information and tips related to the IELTS Listening test. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely used English language proficiency tests designed to assess the ability to communicate effectively in English and is commonly used for academic and professional purposes.
First of all, IELTS exams consist of 4 modules, of which the IELTS listening test assesses your ability to understand English in academic and everyday contexts. Additionally, if you plan to pursue education abroad, you will need to understand lectures and discussions, take notes, and participate in group discussions. Moreover, the IELTS listening test evaluates your ability to do all of these things. Furthermore, overall, the test requires good listening skills, concentration, familiarity with the test format, and the ability to understand English with various accents. Lastly, passing the IELTS listening test requires a combination of language proficiency, test-taking skills, and preparation. Therefore, here are some tips to help you pass:
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Know the format.
The first and foremost important thing is to understand the test format. Here is an outline of how the IELTS Listening test works:
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Test format
The test takes approximately 30 minutes, and you will have to listen to a recording. The recording can be of a conversation, lecture, or monologue.
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Recording
The recording is played only once, so it is of utmost importance to listen to it carefully.
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Question types
The types of questions one can expect include multiple-choice, matching, labeling, completing a sentence, and various other short-answer questions.
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Answering
You are given the time to read the questions before the recording starts, so make sure you read them carefully. You will have ten minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Be careful while transferring the answers to the answer sheet to avoid grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, as such errors are penalized.
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Scoring
You will receive a band score between 0 and 9 based on your performance on the test. The score is based on your overall performance, so it is important to do your best in all sections.
To understand the test format more thoroughly, check out https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/test-format
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Practice listening to English.
The recording plays the language in various accents to test your ability to understand it. Hence, one of the most important things you can do to prepare for the IELTS listening test is to practice listening to English as much as possible. This will help you become familiar with different accents and the way English is spoken in different contexts. You can practice by listening to podcasts, news broadcasts, lectures, and other recordings. This will not only improve your vocabulary but also help you improve your comprehension skills, which are essential for the Listening test.
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Get better at note-taking.
Note-taking is a significant skill for the IELTS listening test. You will need to take notes while you simultaneously listen to the recordings to remember key information and answer the questions.
When you read the questions beforehand, mark the keywords, and match them once you start listening to the recording, this will help you pace up the tasks. Scoring in every section is important as it will impact your score on your overall IELTS exams. Try to focus on the most important information and use abbreviations and symbols to save time. Don’t try to write down everything you hear, as this will be too time-consuming and may cause you to miss important information.
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Listen to questions carefully.
Make sure you read the instructions carefully and understand what is expected before you begin to listen to the recording.
It is important to pay attention to the instructions given at the beginning of each section of the test. The instructions will tell you what you need to do and what information you need to listen for.
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Effective reading.
Before recording, you are given the time to read the questions, take a few seconds to read through the questions, and try to anticipate the answers. This will help you focus on the information you need to listen for and may also help you predict the answers. However, walk through and answer according to the recording, as the answers might differ. This tip will just help you to focus and quickly pick the answers you are looking for.
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Crosscheck spelling and grammar
In the IELTS listening test, you have 10 minutes to write your answers on an answer sheet. It is important to check your spelling and grammar before you submit your answer sheet, as errors can result in lost marks. Make sure you spell words correctly and use correct grammar and punctuation.
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Time management
Time management is the key! You are listening and noting down simultaneously. It’s important to have the right tricks to make note-taking quick. You will have only one chance to listen to each recording, so it is important to use your time wisely. Make sure you read the questions and instructions carefully and use your note-taking skills to help you remember key information. Try to answer all the questions within the time limit and don’t spend too much time on one question.
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FOCUS
The IELTS listening test can be challenging, but it is important to stay focused throughout the test as you will be listening to everything only once, and sit through the process patiently. Practice doing that beforehand. While preparing, make the habit of sitting through all sections and also listen to the recording only once.
Listening may seem difficult, but it’s not. The right amount of practice, patience, and ultimate focus will help you reach your goal!
