20 IELTS listening tips to fulfill your IELTS band requirment | IELTS Listening tips for high band score | How to improve IELTS listening and get 9 bands in IELTS listening
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted English language proficiency test for those who want to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country. The listening section of the IELTS test is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to understand and comprehend English spoken in a variety of accents and settings. Achieving a good band score in the listening test is essential for anyone who wants to fulfill their IELTS band requirement. In this article, we have compiled 20 IELTS listening tips to help you ace the listening section of the IELTS exam.
Before the Exam: IELTS listening tips
1. Know the Format of the Test
Before the exam, make sure you are familiar with the format of the listening test. The IELTS listening test has four sections, and each section is played only once. The test is 30 minutes long, and the audio is played for 40 minutes, which includes the time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
2. Practice Listening to Different Accents
The IELTS test can feature a variety of accents, including British, American, Australian, and Canadian accents. Therefore, it is important to practice listening to different accents before the test. You can listen to various English language podcasts, news broadcasts, and TV shows to improve your listening skills.
3. Improve Your Vocabulary: IELTS listening tips
Having a strong vocabulary is essential for understanding spoken English. Try to improve your vocabulary by reading books, newspapers, and magazines. You can also use flashcards and apps like Quizlet to learn new words.
4. Learn Listening Strategies
Learn and practice different listening strategies that can help you understand the audio better. For example, note-taking, predicting answers, and identifying synonyms and antonyms are some effective listening strategies.
During the Exam
5. Read the Instructions Carefully
Read the instructions on the question paper carefully to understand the format of the test and the types of questions asked.
6. Listen Carefully
Pay attention to the audio and try to understand as much as possible. Focus on the main ideas and listen for signal words such as “however,” “although,” and “on the other hand.”
7. Use Your Time Wisely
You have some time before each section to read the questions. Use this time to read the questions carefully and underline any keywords or phrases that may be helpful while listening.
8. Follow the Audio Script
Follow the audio script while listening to the audio. This will help you identify the specific parts of the audio that correspond to each question.
9. Use Your Note-Taking Skills
Use your note-taking skills to write down any important information or keywords related to each question. This can help you remember the information later and identify the correct answer.
10. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question
If you are unable to answer a question, move on to the next question. Don’t spend too much time on one question as this can make you miss other questions.
11. Be Prepared for Different Types of Questions
The IELTS listening test can feature a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, matching, and sentence completion. Be prepared for different types of questions.
12. Listen for Synonyms and Antonyms
Listen for synonyms and antonyms in the audio that may be used to describe or refer to something. This can help you identify the correct answer.
13. Pay Attention to Grammar and Vocabulary
Pay attention to the grammar and vocabulary tricks for IELTS used in the audio. This can help you understand the context and identify the correct answer.
14. Use Context Clues
Use
context clues to help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases in the audio. For example, if you hear the phrase “a buzzing metropolis,” you can assume that the word “buzzing” means “busy.”
15. Check Your Spelling and Grammar
Make sure you check your spelling and grammar before writing down your answers. Spelling and grammar mistakes can cost you points.
16. Use Capital Letters and Punctuation Correctly
Use capital letters and punctuation correctly while writing your answers. For example, if the answer requires a name, make sure you capitalize the first letter of the name.
17. Don’t Leave Any Questions Blank
If you are unsure of an answer, make an educated guess. It is better to guess than to leave the question blank as there is no penalty for wrong answers in the IELTS listening test.
18. Keep Track of Time
Make sure you keep track of time while taking the test. You have 10 minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answers to the answer sheet, so make sure you allocate enough time for this.
19. Transfer Your Answers Carefully
While transferring your answers to the answer sheet, make sure you write down your answers carefully and double-check for any mistakes.
20. Stay Calm and Focused
Finally, stay calm and focused throughout the test. Don’t panic if you miss a question, and don’t let any distractions affect your concentration.
Conclusion: IELTS listening tips
The IELTS listening test can be challenging, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can achieve a good band score. Make sure you are familiar with the format of the test, practice listening to different accents, improve your vocabulary, and learn different listening strategies. During the exam, make sure you read the instructions carefully, listen carefully, use your time wisely, and follow the audio script. Use your note-taking skills, be prepared for different types of questions, and pay attention to grammar and creative vocabulary. Finally, don’t leave any questions blank, keep track of time, transfer your answers carefully, and stay calm and focused. By following these 20 IELTS listening tips, you can fulfill your IELTS band requirement and achieve your goals.
