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The IELTS listening preparation is considered the most important aspect of the IELTS exam, as many of the students aspire to score a minimum of band 8. Students acquiring Band 8 usually get good scholarships from universities and on the other hand the working professionals or the candidates aspiring for a permanent residency in many countries meet their eligibility criteria if they score so high.
In today's article, we shall discuss the IELTS listening preparation tips and tricks so that help you score the desired band. For this, it is important for you to know the structure of the exam and the strategies to solve each type of question.
Before we start with the strategies, we all need to know that both General and Academic IELTS have a similar listening test. It is also marked in the same way. Hence, we recommend that IELTS listening preparation be done online and you do not have to travel to far-off places to go through any training. Always remember to follow strategies and practice well before the exam will ensure a high band score.
There are four sections in the IELTS listening module and each comes with different types of questions. Let us discuss all in detail.
Now, let us check the strategies to score high in Section - One of IELTS Listening Module
IELTS listening section two normally has map-based questions, so let us follow the given strategies to solve them accurately.
We recommend that you make sentences with each directional word given above to excel in using maps and also following the directions.
While you practice well for the IELTS exam, we recommend that you stay focused and give yourself an English environment so that you are well-versed in the language.
Before the recording begins, carefully read the questions for every section at the beginning. This will make it easier for the candidate to listen to the audio and find the answers. The candidates can do the same during their listening test practices before the actual examination to make this habitual.
It is preferable to read the questions for the next section after finishing the current one rather than worrying about the last section. This can help the candidates in their IELTS exam listening practice as well as on the final listening test.`
Be extremely mindful of word limits. If the instructions state to write no more than two words, then writing more than that will result in the candidate receiving no points for their response, even if part of the words were right..
While listening to the audio, cross out the options that don't apply. This helps the candidate to quickly search for the correct response. This habit must be developed by the candidate from the start of the IELTS listening test preparation.
If there are questions the candidate is unable to answer, leave them and move on to the next question. This will help the candidate to stay relaxed and calm. Try to answer those questions at the end, if the candidate has time. Panicking and writing inappropriate answers must be avoided during both IELTS preparation listening practice tests and the actual examination.
Question Type 1 – Multiple-choice | |
Overview | In MCQs, the candidates will be given 3 options, A, B, and C. They will be asked to find the most suitable answer from the recording that is being played. Almost all of the listening IELTS practice tests available online have MCQ question samples in them. |
What skills are required? | This type of question tests various listening skills (such as detailed understanding) and the alertness of the candidate. |
Question Type 2 – Matching | |
Overview | In this type of question, the candidates are required to match the set of items in column A with the set of items in column B. Practising more IELTS listening practice sets can help the candidates ace this test. |
What skills are required? | This type of question tests the abilities of the candidates to understand the relationship between the different entities in a conversation. |
Question Type 3 – Plan/map/diagram labelling | |
Overview | In this type of question, the candidates are asked to complete labels on a visual which may be: a diagram a group of pictures a plan a map The candidates should: Choose the answers from a list given on the question paper and then write the correct corresponding letter on the answer sheet Select words from the recording that a match into gaps provided on the question paper by following the words or letter limits specified on the question paper without changing any words or adding any extra words by their own. |
Question Type 4 – Form/note/table/flow chart/summary completion | |
Overview | In this type of question, the candidates are asked to fill or complete a part of the conversation given on the question paper. It can be A form: This is used as a substitute for various information such as a name, place, date etc. A set of notes: used to summarise the recording and establish a relationship between multiple concepts. A table: used to summarise information which can be further subdivided into more categories, e.g. place/time/price A flow chart: used to summarise the flow of events in a process, with the direction of the process represented by arrows. The candidates must adhere to the word limits set by and answer the questions accordingly |
What skills are required? | The analytical and reasoning skills of the candidate are put to the test |
Question Type 5 – Sentence Completion | |
Overview | Candidates must read the question's sentences and highlight the key ideas to answer this kind of question. Each sentence will have a gap that they must fill in with information from the recording. These types of questions are very frequent and are seen in almost every set of IELTS listening sections |
What skills are required? | This type of question focuses on the ability of the candidates to identify the pivotal information in a recording. |
Question Type 6 – Short-answer questions | |
Overview | In this type of question, the candidates have to read the question and write a short answer using information they have listened to from the recording. |
What skills are required? | This type of question focuses on their ability to pay attention to vital information presented in the recording such as facts, place names, prices or times, dates and famous anecdotes heard in the recording. |
Refer here for the most important IELTS listening preparation PDFs and essential IELTS listening preparation books to enhance the candidate’s IELTS listening preparation.
Ebook | Links |
IELTS & TOEFL Vocabulary Guide | Download Now |
IELTS Reading Practice | Download Now |
IELTS 2024 Writing Task 1 & Task 2 - Study Material | Download Now |
IELTS 2024 Preparation Tips | Download Now |
IELTS 2024 Listening Section - Study Material | Download Now |
Some Other IELTS Listening Preparation Books
The IELTS practice tests demand a big chunk of the candidate’s IELTS preparation and hence, they should put efforts into attempting various IELTS practice tests throughout their IELTS preparation journey.
Expert IELTS listening tips coupled with extensive IELTS listening practice ensure success in the examination. Candidates can practice selected IELTS listening practice tests and much more from the below.
No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers in the IELTS listening section. It's better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank.
If you encounter a word or phrase you don't understand, try to infer its meaning based on the context. Focus on understanding the overall message rather than getting stuck on individual words.
To improve your listening skills, practice listening to a variety of English audio materials, such as podcasts, radio programs, and TED talks. Focus on understanding main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary.
No, test-takers only have one opportunity to listen to each recording in the IELTS listening section. It's essential to listen carefully and take notes to answer the questions accurately.
Yes, test centers typically provide headphones for test-takers to use during the IELTS listening section.
No. The candidates must refrain from making spelling mistakes. This can severely impact their scores because often answers with spelling mistakes are not counted for final band score calculations.
The best way to improve the listening band score is through constant practice. The candidates must be involved in as much as IELTS preparation listening practice tests. They can also seek help from IELTS listening preparation online articles. The IELTS listening preparation of the candidate can also be enhanced by making IELTS listening practice a part of their daily routine. This can be achieved by listening to English movies, songs, podcasts, shows and audiobooks of different accents regularly.
Hello,
It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.
Hope this helps you ,
Thank you
Hello,
The difficulty of the IELTS General Training and Academic modules depends on individual strengths and backgrounds. Generally, if you are more comfortable with everyday English and practical tasks, you might find the General Training module easier. Conversely, if you are accustomed to academic English and have experience with academic tasks, you might find the Academic module more manageable.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
Hello aspirant,
Opinions on the E-GMAT course vary. Some find it beneficial for improving GMAT skills, especially in verbal sections, while others may prefer different resources. It's essential to explore reviews, consider your learning style, and maybe try a trial or sample to see if it aligns with your preferences before making a decision.
So it all depends on your personal opinion.
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Many candidates ask whether their IELTS certificate is real or fake. To know if your IELTS test report is real or not, check the following points:
Check the certification stamp on the certificate if it matches the centre of registration and your selected IELTS test centre .
Visit the IDP IELTS official website after receiving the oft copy of your certificate via email to check whether it is available online and if it is valid.
Make sure that you receive the confirmation of your IELTS registration from the centre you registered. Also, check the login credentials to verify your IELTS results once the process is complete.
Collect the hard copy of the IELTS scorecard directly from the test centre once the results are announced.
Talk to the agent directly on the phone to verify his identity.
Verify all the above-mentioned points carefully to not get deceived by any fraud attempts.
Yes, if you are not happy with your scores, you can apply for a re-evaluation of your IELTS results . Also, if you think there is a need for improvement in your band score, you can reach out to your IELTS test centre . If you did not achieve the desired IELTS scores , you can also apply to retake the test whenever you feel prepared.
However, the rechecking fee for IDP IELTS in India is Rs. 17,000, and candidates can only apply for rechecking of one section, which is called IELTS OSR (One Skill Retake). Test takers need to submit the 'Enquiry on Results Form' (EOR Form) for sending the re-marking request for the IELTS Academic test.
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