7.1. IELTS Listening: Top Tips
The habits that keep marks, gathered in one place.
The short version
Every preview pause belongs to what is coming.
Never chase an answer the speaker has passed.
The paper mixes British, Australian and North American voices.
Fill every box before the part ends.
Nothing here is new
These are the habits that transfer from every question type you have just practised.
Six habits
- 1Get used to different accents
The paper mixes British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American speakers. You cannot predict which you will get. Listen to real speech, not only exam recordings.
- 2Listen actively
Use the preview pause to predict what kind of answer each gap needs: a name, a number, a place. Then listen for the speaker to confirm or correct it before you write. Do not write the first noun you recognise and relax.
- 3Read the instructions carefully
The word limit is part of the mark. ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER means Saturday the 12th scores zero, because the makes it two words and a number. Saturday 12th, Saturday or 12th all fit the limit. Write whichever the question needs.
- 4Know the different question types
A map, a form, and a three-option choice need different preview work. You have just practised each one.
- 5Practise listening only once
In the exam the recording does not return. Use a second play in these lessons only after you have tried.
- 6Do not panic if you miss an answer
Move to the next question and keep listening for that one. Chasing a gap you have missed is how you miss the two or three after it. Fill it with a guess at the end: there is no penalty for a wrong guess, and a blank is always zero.
Quiz time2 questions
If you miss one
Choose the habit that keeps the next marks.
You missed the phone number in Part 1. The fee is being said now. What should you do?
Inside the limit
Apply the word limit before you write.
The instruction says NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS. The gap is 'Meeting point: ______'. The speaker says 'We meet at the pontoon now. It's the wooden walkway past the car park.' Which written answer can score?
Recap
Predict in the pause, decide during the talk.
Leave a missed answer instantly.
Never leave a box blank at the end.
Next: the step up to the band you are aiming for.