Are you one of those who say, “I am listening to her speech during IELTS listening practice, but why am I not getting it?” And this making you worry about your IELTS listening score? Here is everything you need to know about the IELTS listening section.
The listening section is one of the four sections of the IELTS test. This section has 4 parts which have 10 questions each. And the duration of the IELTS listening exam will be 30 minutes. An extra 10 minutes will be given to transfer the answers to the answer sheet.
IELTS Listening Test Format:
IELTS listening section has 4 parts, where each part has a different kind of recording.
Recording 1: Real-Life Conversation:
This recording will have two people having a conversation on a common topic like opening a bank account or traveling to other places. Etc.
[Read more: The Complete Guide to Take the IELTS Exam in 2021]
Recording 2: Real-Life Monologue:
In this recording, a single person will be giving a speech on a common topic like community activity, or a travel guide, etc.
Recording 3: Academic Conversation:
This recording will have a conversation between two speakers about any academically related topic like universities and admissions, education, etc.
Recording 4: Academic Monologue:
This will have a monologue by a single speaker on academic topics.
These recordings can listen only once and there will not be any second chance to listen. So one should listen keenly to the recording first time itself. And there is a definite need for thorough practice for the IELTS Listening section.
After listening to the recordings, the test takers need to answer the questions based on the recordings. These questions can be of different types like:
• Multiple Choice
• Sentence Correction
• Short Answer Questions
• Diagram Labeling
• Mapping
• Choose correct Summary
There is no need to have any subject knowledge to answer the IELTS listening section questions. Just the right practice will do the needful.
How to Prepare for the IELTS Listening Test?
As a part of IELTS exam preparation, the listening section needs a different style of training. Never rely on the last-day preparations and tricks. It needs a lot of patience to sit, listen and follow a foreign language for 30 minutes. But it can be achieved with the right practice. Plan your practice times months ahead of your IELTS test.
Before going to any kind of preparation tips, one thing to improve is listening to English. Start getting habituated to listen and understand English. Not only IELTS practice tests, listening to podcasts, news, movies, documentaries, etc.
Along with that here are some points to remember while preparing for the IELTS listening section:
• Improve Vocabulary using flashcards, websites, and vocabulary books. Because good vocabulary is always directly proportional to the IELTS score.
• Take IELTS practice tests regularly. It can help in getting used to exam patterns, timing and improves the speed of answering. Numerous practice tests are available online.
• Have nice and clear handwriting while transferring answers to the answer sheet. Utilize the extra ten minutes and double-check after completion.
• Never leave an answer blank. As there is no negative marking in the IELTS exam, try to guess the answer if it is consuming more time rather than leaving it unanswered
• Double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes in the answers. Because this is one of the common mistakes by IELTS test takers.
What are the Tips to Improve the IELTS Listening Score?
A lesson taught in a class is not just enough to attempt the exam. One must know how to implement the knowledge. In the same way, for exams like IELTS where time rules, expert tips to answer easily and score more are mandatory. So, here are some tips to perk up the IELTS listening score easily.
[Read More: The Seven Habits of Success in IELTS Test]
1. Study the Questions First
Read the questions before listening to the recording. As there will be only one chance to listen to the recording, having an idea of questions will make the task easier.
2. Make a Note of It
It is tough to remember all the key points of the speech and put them on paper at the end. So, it is better to scribble a note while listening. And make sure to listen to the audio completely and clearly. Most of the time, the answer will be at the end of the audio with a similar kind of information in the middle.
3. Remember the Keywords
Even if the sentences are tough to follow, have a note of keywords to listen carefully. Even the meaning is quite confusing, never bother about that.
4. One-word Answer Means just One Word
One-word answer questions are common in the IELTS Listening section. Check the word carefully before answering the question.
5. Double-check the Answers
Check the answers along with the writing as your writing should be easily understandable.
With all the above information, a better practice will boost up your IELTS preparation. Any exam can be easily cracked with expert guidance. For such guidance, connect with our best IELTS trainers.
