Observe over the years, and you’ll find that most of the IELTS aspirants or exam takers are lagging the most in the listening section. Having the largest possible English-speaking population in the world, what could be the reason behind students facing this issue?
Aren’t we supposed to have the upper hand? While that seems to be true, it turns out that mistakes happen because of pressure. After all, who wouldn’t feel jubilant with a few extra minutes?
Alas, that’s not a possibility. But don’t fret out! There are other ways to score highest in the listening section. And how’s that? Read on this post and find some of the best IELTS listening tips that will help you ace this specific section like a pro.
1. Look For Grammar Hints:
Undoubtedly, incorrect grammar will cost you points. Thus, you’d have to be cautious while listening to the audio. Look out for hints in both the audio as well as the question paper. Be wary of singular and plural nouns.
Clues like an indefinite article in front of a fill-up may indicate the answer being singular. Similarly, be careful regarding subject/verb agreement as well as tenses.
2. Read Through The Questions Thoroughly:
When you’re aware of the fact that the recording will be played only once, you cannot afford to take any chances. In this situation, glancing or skimming through the questions will not be enough. You need to read through them again and again until each one of them resonates in your head.
Thereafter, when the recording plays, you’ll be much familiarised with it. So, make sure you understand the questions and get acquainted with them before the recording plays.
3. Write As You Listen:
While listening to the audio, it is possible that you may recognize the questions and find their answers. However, once the audio is over, for most of the people, confusion sets in and at the end, they’re unable to answer correctly.
The only way out of this is scribbling down the answers in your test booklet while listening to the audio simultaneously. Once done, you can write the same answers to the answer sheet.
4. Moving On Is The Key:
If you’re stuck on a question or have missed a couple of them, it’s recommended that you don’t dwell on them but move on to the next ones. This is because regretting the missed questions may cause trouble to the remaining ones, increasing the chances of scoring low.
So, while answering, keep in mind that moving on is the key.
6. Follow the Word Count:
When giving answers, make sure you’re complying with the word count. For instance, if the question states that you answer in one word, and you write The Bus, your answer will be marked incorrect.
Thus, for one word, ensure that you’re not giving any answer that is going beyond one word. Follow suit, for other word counts as well.
Wrapping Up:
While preparing for IELTS, keep in mind that you go beyond the basic preparation. Do a thorough study and analysis. Only then you’ll be able to crack it at one go. As far as listening is concerned, follow the tips mentioned above and you’ll score better than before.
Amanda Byers is a graduate of Columbia, where she played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, she enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
