IELTS JOSHUA

          LISTENING TEST OVERVIEW

 

There are four parts to the IELTS listening test. The listening test is the same for the Academic test as for the General test.

 

Each part lasts 10 minutes and is worth 20 points. 

You only get to listen to the recording ONCE. As in the other parts of the IELTS test, the listening tests become more difficult as they progress. After each test you are given time to transfer your answers on to the answer sheet. 

Let's take a look at part one of the listening test ...

 

In Part One of the IELTS listening test you will have to listen to a conversation between two or three people in an everyday setting. For example, it could be between a student and a teacher, or an interview between an employer and potential employee.

 

You will have 30 seconds to look at the questions before the audio recording begins. Try to use this 30 seconds effectively by looking through the answer sheets. As you do, can you guess the missing word? - try to anticipate what you are listening for. 

For instance, if you are given that Spring starts in mid-March in Northern Spain and mid-April in Scotland, then you should be able to guess it starts in late March or early April in central France. Use the same technique in reading.

What is the main ideal overall? What is the theme of the listening material? In question 6 are you listening for a name? Is it a number? Is it a noun, or an adjective? By anticipating, your listening skills will be more focused and you will achieve better results.

However, don't presume you will hear the words you have anticipated... think of synonyms – words and phrases which have a similar meaning.

Also, try to answer two questions at a time.. if you are on question 2, try to look ahead to question 3, then try to  listen for the answers to questions 2 and 3.. then when you going on to question 4 try and  look ahead to question 5 also.. by trying to answer two questions at a time your listening skills will be highly focussed. One question is often linked to the next question, if you try and answer two questions at a time you will be more effective, and there will be less chance of getting lost. This is a skill which you will need to practice, but if you can learn it, you will be more confident in the exam and surely get better results.

 

At the end of part one you will be given 30 seconds to check your answers. Do you need this time? Probably not ... this 30 seconds will be better spent getting ready for, and anticipating the answers for the next part.. remember, by telling you that you have 30 seconds to check your answers - this doesn`t mean that you have to use this time checking.. you don`t! ... you can use it to look ahead.

 

Section 2 of the IELTS listening test is typically a monologue set in an every day situation – for example a speech at some local facilities, or someone making arrangements.. it could be someone speaking before an audience at a conference.

 

Section 3 of the IELTS listening test will be a conversation between a few people, most likely discussing and giving opinions about an educational topic. 

 

Section 4 of the IELTS listening test is in the form of a university or a higher education lecture given as a monologue. Your knowledge of vocabulary and synonyms will serve you well in understanding this more complicated part.

 

The types of questions you are likely to meet throughout the 4 listening parts are– multiple choice/gap fills/short answers/labelling of diagrams/ table – diagram completion.

 

Points to remember; 

• Anticipate the main theme and missing words and phrases.

• Be smart with time breaks - use them to look ahead.

• Practice focusing on answering two questions at a time.

• Practice mock exams and these listening skills before the exam day.

 

 

 

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