In IELTS listening test candidates listen to a number of tapescripts once only. The test increases in difficulty as it progresses. They include a mixture of conversations and dialogues with a variety of English accents. Candidates are given a limited time to read the questions before listening. After the listening test candidates are given a limited time to read the questions before listening. After the listening test candidates are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet.
Guidelines on Listening Module
I. DURATION AND FORMAT
Listening test is the first module in the IELTS Test and there will be approximately 40 questions. There are 4 main sections of which each main section is divided into two and, sometimes, into three sub-sections, As you move from sections 1 to 4 you may find that the listening exercises are more and more difficult.
The tape is played only once but you will be given time to read the questions before each sub sections begins. Then as you hear the answer, you have to write your answers in the question booklet. After you have answered each section, you have half a minute to check your answers.
After you have finished the full listening test, you will be given ten minutes to transfer your answers to the answers sheet. Therefore, the listening Test will take a total of 40 minutes. Always remember that only once you will hear the tape.
The first 2 sections deal with social situations. Generally, in section 1 you will hear a dialogue between two persons, e.g. between the manager and his customer in a shop or between the booking clerk and the passenger etc. In Section 2, there is a monologue, e.g. a television news reading or a talk about a tour to a museum.
Section 3, generally, is a conversation in an educational context or training context, e.g. about a particular topic in a tuition class. Up to four participants are allowed in this section. Section 4 is also a monologue in which there may be a lecture or a talk on a subject of general academic interest.
Transfer of answers to answer sheet: After finishing the tape, you will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
II. BASIC RULES FOR IELTS LISTENING
There is a difference between listening to something and listening for something. In IELTS listening you have to listen for something to score well. When we listen to something, it enhances our comprehension and facts will be retained in our memory.
It is easy to score well in Listening Test, provided you listen keenly to selected programmes on TV or other Listening aids. Look at the spelling of names, places and words on signs, in shops and in English publications. If you spell something wrong, it will be marked as wrong. People think that the listening should test whether you understand what you hear and not how you spell something: but these are the rules. So, be careful about your spelling!
III. FACTORS IN THE ASSESSMENT
The listening test is to assess your ability to/in:
Retaining ability of facts. Identify the general meaning of conversation
Follow the instructions clearly Understanding the emotions of the speakers
Recognising numbers, figures and other data.
IV. TIPS TO GET MORE MARKS
Go through all the instructions: Read instructions very carefully so that you will have a clear idea of what is required for the answer to each of the questions. You will be given clear instructions and, in some cases, examples also. It is generally seen that candidates often ignore the instructions, for they are under a delusion that the instructions are the same in the test as they are in the text with which they are practising.
Listen for answers: Another point that you have to keep in mind is that the test is designed only for testing your listening comprehension skills. The answers to all the questions are on the tape and you need not be aware of the topic to be able to answer the questions. Write the answers as you listen.
Manage the time properly: Use the time at the beginning of each section and in the middle of section 1-3 to read ahead the questions and think about the topic. Identifying Keywords: Read the question quickly and carefully identify the key words which will give you an idea about what you are going to hear and what you need to listen for.
Do not hesitate on missing an answer: Suppose you miss a question, never mind, you
move on You will be able to maximise the number of correct answers for the remaining
questions.
Recognizing the roles of speakers: Decide whether a speaker is expressing a strong opinion, fact or disagreeing politely. Identify the general meaning of the conversation or monologue.
Change of information: It is likely that the speaker gives a piece of information and then changes his or her attitude. So, beware of this.
Do not Predict: Suppose you are conversing with others in your own language. You may be able to predict what the person you are talking to is going to say. It is because you are participating in the conversation. But when you are listening, it is a little difficult because you are not actively involved in the development in the context.
Give equal importance to all sections: Some candidates have a bad notion that the first section is easy and do not listen carefully They are likely to miss some answers which decide their score. If you aim at a high score, eg. 7 Or 7.5, you should answer all the questions in the first two sections without mistakes, for they are the easiest.
N.B. marks are reduced for incorrect spelling. Occasionally marks are awarded for particular variants of spelling.
Time: 40 minutes
For practice tests, go to https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/listening
