The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading. Each section is important for achieving a good score. The Listening section tests how well you understand spoken English. The best way to improve is by regularly listening to English conversations, and videos and taking the general IELTS listening practice test. This will help you get used to different accents and speaking styles.
The IELTS Listening test is divided into four sections, each with 10 questions. The IELTS listening test lasts about 30 minutes, and the difficulty increases with each section. You will also get an extra 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. To perform well in the Listening section, practice listening to English daily and take IELTS listening practice tests to familiarize you with the format. This guide will provide helpful listening tips for IELTS to improve your IELTS Listening score.
Best Tips & Tricks for IELTS Listening Test
All IELTS Listening tests follow the same format. They are 30 minutes long, and there is no difference between the Academic and General versions. Let’s discuss about some of the top tips for IELTS listening test below:
Build a Strong Vocabulary
The recordings in the general IELTS listening practice test may feature speakers with different levels of vocabulary. Some may use simple words, while others may use complex ones.
To understand them all easily, work on improving your vocabulary. This way, you won’t get stuck on unfamiliar words and waste time trying to figure out their meaning.
Get Comfortable with Different Accents
Speakers in the recordings may have accents from different English-speaking countries, such as the US, the UK, Australia, or Canada. To prepare for the IELTS general listening practice test, practice listening to different accents.
Watch international news channels like BBC, see podcasts, or listen to radio stations from different countries. This will help you recognize and understand various ways English is spoken.
Practice Listening While Writing Answers
The listening IELTS practice test lasts 30 minutes and includes four recordings. You only get one chance to listen, so it’s important to improve your ability to listen and write answers at the same time.
Take practice tests at home to get used to answering questions while listening. This will help you stay focused and save time during the actual test.
Train Yourself to Listen Only Once
Many students use listening strategies like listening to the same recording multiple times, but in the actual exam, you get only one chance.
It is best to practice under real exam conditions—listen to recordings only once and try to answer the questions as you hear the information. This will help you develop better concentration and quick-thinking skills.
Focus on Key Information
Not everything you hear in the recordings is important for answering questions. Some details are essential, while others are just extra information.
Train yourself to identify the important parts by practicing with different recordings. This will help you avoid wasting time on unnecessary details and make sure you complete the listening test IELTS on time.
Use English in Everyday Life
IELTS is not just about passing a test, rather it is about understanding and using English in real life. One of the best tips for IELTS listening improvement is to engage with English daily.
Speak with friends, send messages, make calls, write emails, and even think in English. The more you use the language, the easier it will be to understand spoken English in the exam.
Choose Topics That Interest You
Listening to topics you enjoy can make learning more fun and effective. If you love sports, listen to podcasts about your favorite sport. If you like history, watch documentaries or listen to stories about it.
When you are interested in a topic, you naturally pay more attention and absorb more information. This will help you stay motivated and improve in IELTS listening answer sheet faster.
Conclusion
These tips for IELTS listening will help you get ready for the exam. One of the most important skills for the IELTS listening test is reading and understanding the questions properly. If you clearly understand what is being asked, you will be able to find the right answers quickly and finish the test on time. Whether you have only a few minutes each day or a full hour to study, you can easily find useful listening materials online. Use your time wisely and do IELTS listening practice as much as possible to improve your skills.
FAQs
How to improve listening skills in English in IELTS?
Practice listening carefully, learn the test format, and listen to different English audios like lectures, podcasts, and conversations.
Is IELTS listening practice easy?
IELTS listening can be difficult because of fast speech and different accents, but with practice and the right methods, you can improve easily.
How can I take IELTS general listening practice test?
Before you start, download the question paper and answer sheet. Use a pencil to write answers on the question paper while listening.
