IELTS Listening: Exasperating or Easy-Peasy?

Introduction

Everything is difficult before it is easy. The same applies to IELTS Listening. Listening for both General Training test takers and Academic Training test takers possesses the same format and question types and is considered to be the most scoring skill in IELTS exam. Students, willing to study abroad, have also achieved 9 out of 9 in IELTS Listening but that comes with a lot of practice, effort and study plan devised by IELTS-certified faculty of the best ielts coaching in Ahmedabad. This blog will familiarize you with the format of this exam skill and share the simplest yet essential tips that help you score your desired bands in the actual examination and make your journey of scoring 8 bands or above hassle-free.

What is the format?

IELTS Listening consists of 40 questions in all, divided into 4 parts/sections. It requires multitasking ability. The audio is approximately 30 minutes long, and you will hear it only once. You will not be able to pause the recording anywhere in the middle. A minor difference is noticed in the time given for transferring/reviewing answers between the candidates who opt for a paper-based exam and those who choose to go for a computer-based exam.

• Paper-Based Test: Students opting for a paper-based exam get an extra 10 minutes of time to transfer the answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet after the completion of the audio. You are allowed to write the answers in the question paper while the audio is being played.
• Computer-Based Test: Here, you need to input the answers directly into the computer while the recording is being played. After the audio stops, you will have 2 minutes to check your answers.

Each correct answer will give you one point. There is no negative marking, so ensure that you answer all the questions even if you are not sure. You will be given time to read the questions before the recording starts, but be quick to do so, as the time given will be nearly half a minute. The audios that you may hear can be a monologue on general terms, a set of conversations on an everyday social context, a lecture or speech on an academic topic, or a group discussion in educational or training settings.

What are the question types?

Each question type has its own uniqueness and thus should be handled wisely. The various types of questions are:

• Fill in the blanks: In this question type, you are required to fill the blank with an answer as per the instructions mentioned. If the instruction says, ‘Write No More Than Two Words and/or a Number’, then you should not exceed the word limit beyond 2 words else you may end up losing your points.
• Multiple Choice Questions (Single Answer): Here, only one option will be correct and points will be given based on each answer per question.
• Multiple Choice Questions (Multiple Answer): This question type wants you to select 2 or more options for a single question. Remember that points will be given only if all the options are chosen correctly and not otherwise.
• Plan/ Map/ Diagram Labelling: You must plot/label the map/diagram shown in the question paper according to the places mentioned in the recording. Ensure you acquaint yourself with words that relate to directions, such as straight, on the left-hand side, at the center, besides and so on.
• Matching information: You will be provided with the information that will reflect the characteristics of the options given to you in the box. You have to match the information with the correct option.
• Flow-Chart Completion: A flow-chart of a process will be given and you are supposed to fill in the information as per the steps mentioned in the recording.
• Sentence completion: Statement(s) with blanks at the end or in between will be given and you are needed to fill them accordingly. Good prediction of words can help you score more.
• Table completion: A table with blanks will be shared, where you must complete the table information by following the type of information to be filled.

How to escalate from scoring 5 bands to 8 bands?

Scoring 8 or more bands in IELTS Listening is actually as easy as walking in the park. Follow the below mentioned fundamental steps and eliminate the stress of scoring a mediocre band. The things you need to work on are:

• Listen to different accents with all ears: IELTS Listening comprises of various English accents such as Australian, American, British, Canadian and so on. Listening to myriad podcasts, TED talks, audiobooks, Web series, or movies can ease your tension.
• Content prediction: While reading the questions, guess the answers that can be written, such as the name of a place, person, thing, or a number.
• Attention is the master key: Concentrate completely and avoid focusing on distractors. Understand the demand of the question and then answer. Losing focus can end up with errors and frustration. A 10-minute meditation daily will improve your sharpness.
• Note-Taking skill: Enhance your note-taking skills to increase the speed while writing the answers. Underline key words that you find different or important.
• Read regularly: Reading 20 minutes every day will scale up your vocabulary. Try reading academic journals or case studies to relate to the audios.
• Cancellation strategy:Eliminate the answers that do not relate to the question or are not discussed. This will help you identify your answer swiftly.
• Singularity/Plurality matters:Getting confused whether the word was in a singular form or plural form is very natural due to the speed and slang used by the speaker. Read the words before and after the blanks to get more clarity.
• Practice regularly: A dedicated and straightforward practice with a strategic study plan can boost your score from 5 to 8 bands easily.

Common mistakes to avoid

Students tend to make mistakes due to nervousness or hurry at the time of examination or while practicing. Avoid the following mistakes to land on the 8 or above bands.

1. Focusing on unimportant details: Details other than the main ones are often distracting and may be stressful at the same time.
2. Losing focus: Looking here and there at the time when audio is being played or just daydreaming can hinder the band score. Focus on what is being said.
3. Avoiding paraphrases: The audios generally use the paraphrased statements of the question. Failing to understand the same can lead to lower bands.
4. Ignoring instructionsInstructions play a pivotal role. Avoiding and writing the number or words that exceed the limit drags your score down.
5. Practicing on repeat mode: You hear the audio just once so practicing on repeat mode may not serve the actual purpose of doing active listening.

What materials to use for preparation?

Students rely on various prep materials that are available online for free or at a minimal cost but the most authentic are the ones from Cambridge and IDP IELTS Essentials. Contact any study abroad consultancy nearby and take the help of expert faculty who can assist you tactically with proper study plans by highlighting your weaknesses in order to aid you score your desired bands. Many overseas consultancy in Ahmedabad have their own portals and materials for their students which also can lend a helping hand to you.

Conclusion

Listening is an art that needs focus over talent, spirit over ego and others over self. Therefore, learn to listen painstakingly. IELTS Listening is genuinely not at all rocket science and should be dealt with enjoyment and not as a burden. Familiarizing yourself with distinct accents and working on each question type systematically can lead you to a better and higher score. Avoiding typical errors and studying regularly are the two cornerstones of scoring 8 bands in Listening.