IELTS Listening: Top 6 tips to ace your test

When it comes to the IELTS Listening test, there are a few crucial things you should focus on during the exam. Consequently, you will be able to boost your performance and get a high band score.

Firstly, the academic and general IELTS Listening tests have the exact same format. Secondly, the test is divided into 4 sections. Each section has 10 questions adding up to 40 questions in total. Thirdly, you will have about 30 minutes to complete the listening test. In addition, paper-based IELTS candidates will have an extra 10 minutes to transfer their answers from the question sheet to the answer sheet. Finally, the test mainly assesses your ability to apply your knowledge of English in different situations.

Here are 6 tips to remember if you wish to ace your IELTS Listening test:

Part I

1. You will only hear the recording once! In case you missed out on certain words or questions, don’t panic. Leave those spaces blank and stay focused. Go over those questions at the end of the section. Otherwise, you may continue to miss more questions or details and get confused. You have to read, write and listen all at the same time so make sure you are alert.
2. Understand the situation! You will hear a short introduction before each part such as “Now, you will hear a dialogue between…” or “You will hear a lecture on…”. This information is not present on the question sheet. As a result, you must be attentive. For example, pay attention to who the speakers are, why they are speaking and where they are. You will find it easier to understand the rest of the recording.
3. Don’t be too quick while writing your responses. This mistake is common among candidates. You may hear some information and assume that it is correct. However, this information may be repeated or corrected later in the section. For example,

John: Thank you! I’ve received your email. So it is lauren-hanson@gmail.com.

Lauren: No no! You have mistaken, it is lauren-hamson@gmail.com, spelled with M.

John: Oh, I apologize…

Part II

1. You have 30 seconds to check your answers following each section. Check spellings, plurals and word forms. Ensure that you have written each answer correctly. Only then will you gain points.
2. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers! Write a response whether you know the answer or not. Read the question once again and make a guess.
3. Candidates writing the paper-based IELTS test will have 10 minutes at the end of the Listening test to transfer their answers onto the answer sheet. Be extra careful during this process. As you write down your answers, ensure that they are correctly numbered. In other words, note that the answer for question 5 is written in space number 5.

Solution:

PINNACLE offers intensive IELTS exam preparation for aspiring students, teachers and working professionals. Firstly, our course will have extensive training on all 4 sections of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Secondly, our expert trainer will guide you throughout your preparation process. Finally, you will be more than ready to undertake your IELTS exam and achieve your desired score by the end of the course.

Join PINNACLE today to secure your tomorrow!