In this week’s tutorial, we take a look at some advice for the IELTS Listening test.

In this tutorial we will:

Look at the marking criteria for the test

Look at some listening strategies you can apply

Talk about how to prepare and practice for the exam

IELTS listening: what’s the score?

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that many well prepared IELTS candidates whose scores in Reading, Speaking and even Writing average at least 7.0 and above, are disappointed with their result in Listening. “I got 6.0. A 6.0 in Listening! After so many years studying English. And I needed to get a 7.0 in all four areas.”

Yes, it happens. Not to everyone. . But it does and let’s be honest, it really shouldn’t. Now then, I know that there are lots of IELTS practice materials and of course it is very important to practice as much as possible, to do tests and check your score regularly. But, apart from practice, what else can we do to make sure we get the score we deserve? Let’s start from the beginning: the test itself.

1. Know the test

You know this but it’s a good idea to go over it again.

* The test lasts 30 minutes

* You answer 40 questions

* There are 4 sections

* The 4 sections are different

* There is a variety of question types

What does this information tell me?

Well, apart from anything else, that there’s no time to waste in this test. No time to work out what to do. In other words, you need to have your plan in mind before the test begins. Luckily, in (d) and (e), we know what to expect. The 4 sections always follow the same pattern. The types of questions are varied but we can also see repeated patterns. Let’s look at these two aspects in a little more detail.

2. Know the sections

Two important things to keep in mind: what general purpose does each section have and how many people speak in each. When I say “purpose”, I mean not just the aim of the spoken communication but what listening skill or skills the exam is testing. It is a good idea to keep this in mind so if, for example, you find it hard to understand everything when 2 or more people are speaking or you find it difficult to follow an academic type talk, then concentrate on improving in those particular areas. Know your strengths. But recognise and work on your weaknesses.

So, in brief each section aims to:

Section 1 (questions 1-10): Tests your ability to understand English in everyday situations such as making inquiries. Always 2 speakers.

Section 2 (questions 11-20): Work or study related talk providing information. You listen for specific details. Just 1 speaker.

Section 3 (questions 21-30): A small group discussion about studies. At least 2, possibly more speakers.

Section 4 (questions 31-40): A talk in the style of an academic lecture. Always 1 speaker.

3. Apply listening strategies from the start

We are already applying strategies. Knowing what to expect is a strategy. Also, the knowledge that the listening exercises are easier at first but become progressively more difficult. Generally speaking, listening to 3 people talking is more difficult than listening to 1. A university style talk is more difficult than making a hotel reservation. In other words, if Section 1 is the easiest part, then we must get off to a good start. Now, before we look at the types of questions asked and how they relate to each section, take a look at these other general IELTS Listening tips.

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