Preparing for IELTS: Listening

Listening – this is listening. You will need to listen to 4 texts and answer 40 questions. Read about the structure of this unit, the secrets of preparing for it, and what is important not to forget during the exam itself.

Part 1: Dialogue on an everyday topic. For example, about booking a hotel or ordering a tour from a travel agency.

Part 2: a monologue on a domestic or academic topic. For example, reviewing places of interest in the city or talking about the campus.

Part 2: A monologue on a domestic or academic topic.

Part 3: A conversation between several people. For example, a conversation between a teacher and students.

Part 3: a conversation between several people.

Part 4: a monologue on an academic topic.

How to prepare

.

• Take practice tests online to get used to the timing and format of the assignments.

• Listen to podcasts. Keep in mind that you might encounter different accents in a test: British, American, Australian, and even New Zealand.

• Watch foreign YouTube.

• Work with a teacher, especially if you need a score above 6.5.

In the exam

• Remember, the recording only comes on once. Concentration – it's your everything.

• Before you start listening, underline the key words. But be prepared to hear not the words on your forms, but synonyms, antonyms, and periphrases.

• Use the pauses between sections to read the questions for the next passage.

• If you don't hear the answer, skip it and move on! At the end, try to guess what you missed.

• Please pay attention to the number of words you have to say. One task may require you to «no more than two words and/or a number» and another – «one word and/or a number».

• 30 minutes of listening time itself, and you have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet. If you make spelling mistakes, your answer will not count. Check your spelling (Spelling!)

Wish you the best of luck and strength! You'll do great!