IELTS Listening – How to get a high score

Summary

In this lesson, Jade shares valuable tips for succeeding in the IELTS Listening exam. She emphasizes the importance of consistent practice with materials like the Cambridge IELTS series to improve test-taking skills. Key advice includes focusing on spelling, mastering pronunciation in British, American, and Australian accents, and using reading time effectively. Jade also highlights the significance of listening for synonyms, understanding IELTS-specific speaking styles, and tackling tricky question types such as form filling, diagram labeling, and flowchart completion. With the right approach and preparation, students can improve their performance and achieve better scores.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice makes perfect: Consistent practice with IELTS listening tests is crucial for improving performance. Use resources like the Cambridge IELTS series and take breaks between practice tests to refresh your memory.
• 😀 Spelling counts: Pay attention to your spelling during the test, especially when you’re asked to write down names or unfamiliar words. A simple mistake can cost you a mark.
• 😀 Master the pronunciation of letters: Familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of letters in British, American, and Australian English, as the test may feature different accents.
• 😀 Use reading time wisely: During the brief reading time between sections, focus on preparing for upcoming questions, not reviewing previous ones.
• 😀 Listen once, not twice: Practice listening to the audio only once, as this mimics the actual test conditions where you only hear the recording once.
• 😀 Understand the IELTS speaking style: The speaking style in IELTS listening is different from everyday speech, so get used to it in order to understand the content more easily.
• 😀 Focus on key words: Listen for nouns, verbs, and adjectives, as they are typically the answers to questions, even if you don’t know every word being used.
• 😀 Know your synonyms: Recognize that words in the test may not match the ones you hear. For example, ‘suitcase’ may appear as ‘luggage’ in the answer sheet.
• 😀 Be cautious of the ‘answer trick’: IELTS may provide an answer and then immediately retract or modify it. Stay alert for such changes during the test.
• 😀 Be strategic with question types: For form-filling, don’t include extra words. In map or diagram questions, use reading time to understand what you’re listening for. For flowchart completion, listen first and answer afterward.
• 😀 Don’t panic about unfamiliar words: In challenging sections with technical vocabulary, trust your listening skills and focus on the context rather than trying to understand every word.

Q & A

Why is practice crucial for the IELTS listening exam?

Practice is essential because the listening test is not just about understanding spoken English, but also about mastering specific exam techniques. Familiarity with the test format and question types can significantly improve your score, even if your general English proficiency is strong.

What resource does Jade recommend for practicing IELTS listening?

Jade recommends using the *Cambridge IELTS Series* for practice. This book contains IELTS practice tests, including listening materials, and allows you to practice under realistic test conditions.

How should you approach the reading time between parts of the listening exam?

During the brief reading time between listening sections, you should read the upcoming questions to prepare for what’s coming next. Avoid revisiting previous answers, as this won’t help you prepare for the next section.

What’s the best way to prepare for difficult IELTS listening questions, like flowcharts or classification?

For difficult questions like flowcharts or classification, Jade suggests listening to the entire passage first without reading the questions. Afterward, use your understanding of the information to answer the questions. This method helps prevent information overload, especially in the more challenging sections.

What should you do if you don’t understand a word during the listening test?

Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word during the listening test. Focus on identifying key words like nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and try to understand the context. Sometimes, unfamiliar words are not essential to finding the answer.

How important is spelling in the IELTS listening exam?

Spelling is very important in the IELTS listening exam. Incorrect spelling will result in lost points, even if the rest of your answer is correct. Be particularly cautious when transcribing answers that are spelled out for you.

What are some strategies to handle unfamiliar names or terms in the listening test?

When listening for unfamiliar names or terms, trust what you hear rather than assuming you know the spelling. If you doubt the spelling, listen for it again as the speaker may spell it out for you. It’s crucial not to rely on your preconceptions.

What is the benefit of practicing listening to only one version of the audio in practice tests?

Practicing by listening to the audio only once simulates the real test conditions, where you won’t have the option to replay the audio. This helps improve your ability to concentrate and respond accurately in the actual exam.

How should you prepare for the diagram and map labeling questions in IELTS listening?

Before the test, use the reading time to examine the map or diagram. Understand what you’re listening for (e.g., street names, buildings, locations) and study common directional phrases, such as 'on the right' or 'across from'.

What is the 'IELTS trick' Jade refers to, and how should you deal with it?

The 'IELTS trick' refers to a situation where the speaker gives an answer and then retracts or changes it, which can mislead you into writing the wrong answer. Be cautious and confident about the answer before writing it down to avoid falling for this trick.