In order to successfully pass the IELTS Listening test, you must familiarise yourself with all aspects of the test, how it is structured, how much time do you have and so on, but you must also define a strategy for taking the test. To help you start preparing, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the listening test, as well as some advice on what to do while taking it.
The format of the IELTS listening test
How much time do I have?
The listening test is 30 minutes long. After the test you will be given additional 10 minutes to enter your answers in the answer sheet.
After each section of the test, you have a 30 second break during which you can prepare yourself for the next section
How many parts does the test have?
The test is divided into four sections.
Each section has question which are more difficult than the previous section. Section 1 has the easiest questions, while section 4 the hardest.
What will each part look like?
Section 1 of the test is a recording of a conversation between two people on everyday activities, calling for information, discussing what film to see, and so on.
Section 2 is a recording of a monologue, usually of a person talking about a preparation for some event.
Section 3 is a conversation of at least two people on a more complex topic, usually something to do with education or training.
And finally, Section 4 is a monologue, on a complex subject matter, usually an academic discipline.
Each section uses one of the IELTS question types to test a specific part of your listening. If you are interested in finding out more about the question types and their purpose, you can visit:
http://ift.tt/1ZirIFM
Taking the Test (tips)
The IELTS listening test can be quite challenging for first-time test takers. The strict schedule and question format combined with your own stress and insecurity can result in lower scores if you are not prepared properly. Luckily, with the right strategy, you can easily achieve your desired band-score. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking the listening test.
What can I do before the test?
It is quite simple really – practice, practice, and practice. Spend as much time as you can listening to audio extracts and exercises so you can improve your listening skills. The internet is full of WebPages offering listening exercises, a number of which even specialise in IELTS practice.
What can I do during the test?
Well, first of all, make sure you are adequately positioned. If you are seated in a place that is uncomfortable or if you can’t quite hear the recording from your seat, inform the testing staff.
Focus. This part of the test is designed to test your focus on specific information, so before you start clear your mind and concentrate on the task at hand.
Before each recording starts, quickly read through the questions to learn what answers are you looking for and focus on finding those answers.
Listen to the introduction. Each section will begin with a introduction like “you will hear a conversation on_____”, which can give you the idea of what the topic of the recording will be. Knowing the topic can help you guess vocabulary and predict answers.
Multitask. Read and answer your question while you are listening to the recording. Never leave your answers for later. You won’t have time and you’ll probably forget.
Write what you hear. All the answers in the IELTS test must be in the original form you heard from the recording. Don’t change the words or use synonyms or you will lose points.
Don’t rely on your answers being repeated. You will only hear the recording once and each answer will not be repeated by the speaker, so pay attention.
Check your answers quickly after each recording. Don’t take too much time to do so because you will have to move on to the next section.
Mind your spelling. If you spell something wrong you will lose points.
Don’t’ leave anything empty. You will not lose points for wrong answers. If you are not sure, try to predict an answer.
Move along with each section. Once one section ends move to the next. You will lose yourself if you fall behind on each recording.
Pay attention to Section 4. The last section has multiple choice questions and the recording is on a more complex topic. Be careful when you do it.
And finally, transfer your answers with caution. Panicking will lead to mistakes. You have 10 minutes, take your time and double-check.
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