How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Contents

Page

Details of the listening test The Question Types 1. Multiple choice 2. Short answer questions 3. Sentence completion questions 4. Notes/ table/ form/ summary/ flow chart/diagram completion questions 5. Labelling a diagram which has numbered parts 6. Classification questions General Tips for the listening test

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Make sure you have a copy of the How to prepare for IELTS FAQs booklet in addition to this booklet.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Details of the Listening Test
The listening module is the first test you do on the test day. The tape is only played once. You are given a question paper and an answer sheet. While you listen you write your answers on the question paper. When the tape stops you are given 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. The test takes about 30 minutes.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Test instructions
At the beginning of each section the speaker will give a brief introduction to the situation. For example,
You are now going to listen to a conversation in a language school. Paulo is registering for a course and talking to a lady at the student services counter.

Procedure of the test

You will then be given instructions:

Read questions 1 to 6. As you listen to the tape, write the correct answer in the spaces provided.

Structure of the test

The first two sections are concerned with social needs. Section 1 In this section you will hear an informal or semi-informal conversation between two people. For example, you might hear a discussion about whats on television; or you might hear someone making a complaint about their rented flat or a faulty product, or someone asking for information or making a booking. Section 2 In this section you will hear a monologue in a similar context to section 1. For example you could hear someone talking about the restaurants in a town or describing the rules or regulations in a hostel or the procedure you need to follow in order to make a complaint. The last two sections are concerned with situations related to educational or training contexts. Section 3 In this section you will hear a conversation with up to four speakers. It will be more formal than Section 1. The speakers could be students discussing a lecture or planning something for class or talking to someone in authority at a college or university. Section 4 In this section you will hear a monologue in the form of a lecture or talk. It will also be more formal. All the topics will be of general interest and not biased towards students of particular disciplines.

You are then told to look at the questions:

First you have some time to look at the questions 1 to 6.

The tape will be silent for about 30 seconds. Then the speaker will repeat which questions you have to answer:
Now listen and answer questions 1 to 6.

Question types*

The types of tasks are:

1.Multiple Choice 2.Short-answer questions 3.Sentence completion 4.Notes/table/summary flow-chart/diagram completion 5.Labelling a diagram which has numbered parts 6.Classification

There are 40 questions in total and about 10 questions in each section and at least two types of questions in each section. Both the texts and the tasks increase in difficulty as the test progresses.

Marking

You are given a mark for each of the 40 questions and your result is converted into a score which corresponds to one of the bands from 1-9 which you will see on your result sheet. You can be awarded a whole or a half band in the listening section. (See IELTS Handbook: p.20 or Focus on IELTS: p.7 for details.)

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

The Question Types
1. Multiple Choice
The questions There are three types of multiple choice questions in the IELTS listening exam. 1. Where there is one possible answer. (These are sometimes picture multiple choice.) 2. Where there are multiple answers for only one mark. 3. Where there are multiple answers and one mark for each. For these questions you may be given the start of a sentence which you have to complete with one out of four or more choices. Or you may be presented with a question and asked to find two, three or four items in a list of answers. Look at the examples below.
Type 1
Questions 1 and 2 Circle the correct letters A-C. 1 When did John finish the book? A on the way to Japan B in Japan C on his way back from Japan. 2 What did John think about the book? A He thought it was funny. B He couldnt understand it. C He didnt enjoy it.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Type 3
Questions 5-7 Circle THREE letters A-F. What types of books does John like to read? A Science fiction B Thrillers C Adventure D Romance E War F Biographies

Also note that you may be asked to circle ONE, TWO, THREE or FOUR letters.

How to do the multiple choice questions

Read the instructions carefully and check how many letters you need to circle. Skim the questions and the answer choices quickly before the recording starts and during the 30 seconds given. As you do this, underline the key words the words that give you the most information, such as the wh- words and nouns. try to work out what you are going to hear from the vocabulary of the questions and/or pictures. translate any pictures into words and look for details that are different in the options. decide what kind of information you need to listen out for. Listen to the introduction given carefully. Answer the questions as you listen. Circle the letters. The information will be given in the same order as the questions, although it might be expressed differently. Be prepared not to hear the first or even second answer choices mentioned. Remember to make notes beside the question if you are not sure of the answer, so you can go back later. Dont leave any questions unanswered.
Remember to listen for people correcting themselves when speaking. discuss one of the answer choices and then reject it. to eliminate unlikely answers. They may

Type 2
Questions 3 and 4 Choose TWO letters A-E. 3 John likes to read novels A on his way to work.. B during his lunch break.. C on his way home from work. D after dinner. E when he goes to bed. 4 John would like the library A to open on Sundays. B to have more magazines and journals. C to employ more staff. D to have exhibitions. E to do some renovations.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Practice
Books in the SAC Do as many of the following multiple choice questions as you can: Insight into IELTS: p.15, pp.17-18, p.21, p.27 Focus on IELTS: p.19, p.65, pp.115-116, p.163, p.170, p.171 IELTS Preparation & Practice (Listening & Speaking): pp.3-4, pp.15-21 Cambridge IELTS: 1: pp.12-13, p.16, pp.18-19, p.36, p.38, pp.75-76 Cambridge IELTS: 2: pp.9-10, pp.54-56, pp.60-61, p.79, p.81 Cambridge IELTS: 3: p.10, p.12, p.34, p.59, p.79 Focusing on IELTS: pp.5-7 Helpful Hints for IELTS: pp.86-88, pp.91-92, pp.107-108 Websites Holmesglen Institute of TAFE http://international.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/IELTS01.htm From homepage, go to listening & download the booklet. See p.6 for multiple choice.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Look at the examples below.
Type 1
Questions 1 and 2 Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS or A NUMBER for each answer. 1 On which day of the week is the museum closed? 2 How old is the museum? .

Type 2
Questions 3 - 5 List THREE things which the museum has recently bought. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. 3 . 4 .

2. Short answer questions

The questions These questions require general information or specific details which you will find by listening to the text. There are two types of short answer questions in the IELTS listening exam. Type 1. Questions Type 2. Lists These questions will always tell you to write your answers in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but no more. Also note that the answers should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoker) or a contraction (e.g. Theyve). If the answer requires a number, you can write it as a numeral (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination of a numeral and a word (e.g. 6 million).
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5 ..

How to do short answer questions

Read the instructions carefully. Skim the questions quickly before the recording starts and during the 30 seconds given. As you do this, underline the key words. try to work out what you are going to hear. decide what you need to listen out for. look out for question words like where and who which indicate you should listen for specific things like places and people. Listen to the introduction given carefully. Answer the questions as you listen. The answers will be given in the same order as the questions although they may be expressed differently. You may use your own words. Make notes beside the question if you are not sure of the answer.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Remember if you dont know the meaning of any of the words in the questions look at the other questions. They might have some associated vocabulary in them to help you guess the meaning. the answer could be one word, two words or three words but not four or more. if you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Also note that the answers should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoking) or a contraction (e.g. Theyve). If the answer requires a number, you can write it as a numeral (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination of a numeral and a word (e.g. 6 million). Look at the example below.

Practice

Books in the SAC Do as many of the following short answer questions as you can: Focus on IELTS: p.36, p.66, p.114, p.169 IELTS Preparation & Practice (L&S): p.17, p.46, p.50 Cambridge IELTS 2: p.8, p.11, p.32, p.78 Cambridge IELTS 3: p.9, p.81 * Helpful Hints for IELTS: p.90, p.111 Websites Holmesglen Institute of TAFE http://international.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/IELTS01.htm From homepage, go to listening & download booklet. See p.9 for short answer questions. * recommended 3. Sentence completion questions The Questions These questions require you to complete the end of a sentence or insert a word or phrase in the middle of a sentence or one sentence may require a word in the middle and a word at the end. The sentences may be in a table. They are similar to the short answer questions in that they will always tell you to write your answers in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but no more. As with short answer questions:
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Questions 1 - 3 Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. 1 Both Hong Kong and Japan have . 2 There are more . .. visiting Japan. 3 Tourists are interested in . and . .

How to do sentence completion questions

Read the instructions carefully. Read the sentences carefully before the recording starts and during the 30 seconds given. As you do this, underline the key words. try to work out what you are going to hear. decide what you need to listen out for. anticipate grammatical form as well as vocabulary. if the sentences are part of a table, check whether they are horizontal or vertical. Listen to the introduction given carefully. Answer the questions as you listen. The information will be given in the same order as the questions, although it may be expressed differently. You may use your own words. Make sure your sentences are grammatically correct. Make notes beside the question if you are not sure of the answer.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Remember the answer could be one word, two words or three words but not four or more. if you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

As with short answer questions also note that the answers should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoker ) or a contraction (e.g. Theyve). If the answer requires a number, you can write it as a numeral (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination (e.g. 6 million). Look at the examples below.
Type 1
Questions 1 -5 Complete the table below using the words from the box. Write the appropriate letters A-G against Questions 1-5. Breed Pug Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu Great Dane Greyhound A B C D E F G Facts (1) .. (2) .. (3) .. (4) .. (5) ..

Practice

Books in the SAC Do the following sentence completion questions: Focus on IELTS: p.66, p.98, p.171 Cambridge 2 p.36, p.76 * Hints p.110 Websites Holmesglen Institute of TAFE http://international.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/IELTS01.htm From homepage, go to listening & download booklet. See p.8 for sentence completion questions.
* recommended

4. Notes/table/form/summary/flow chart/diagram completion questions

The Questions These questions ask for specific information.

watchdog in Chinese imperial courts bred to chase foxes status symbol police dog bred to guard sheep appealed to Victorians came from the Middle East

There are two types of these completion questions in the IELTS exam. Type 1. With a selection of possible answers. Type 2. Without a choice of possible answers. These questions require you to: insert a word or phrase in the middle of a sentence. insert a word in the middle and another word at the end of a sentence. write words or phrases that are not in sentences. write a letter that represents a word or phrase. Type 2 questions are similar to the short answer questions in that they will tell you to write your answers in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but no more.
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Type 2
Questions 6 -8 Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS or A NUMBER for each answer.

SOUTH DOWNS DOG SHOW Date: (6) . Time: (7) to Place: (8)

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How to prepare for IELTS Listening

How to do these completion questions
Read the instructions carefully. Look at the table or form etc carefully before the recording starts and during the 30 seconds given. As you do this, examine any headings or subheadings. try to work out what you are going to hear. decide what you need to listen out for. anticipate grammatical form as well as vocabulary. if a box of answers is given, see if you can guess any of the matches & eliminate unlikely answers. Listen to the introduction given carefully. Answer the questions as you listen. Make notes beside the question if you are not sure of the answer.
Remember if there is a box of answers, there will be at least two you dont need. if there is no box, the answer could be one word, two words or three words but not four or more. if you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect. there may be alternative rubrics for these completion questions e.g. complete the notice or complete the explanation or complete the news report.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Insight into IELTS: table: p.11, p.27 form: p.12 notes: p.18, p.24, p.26 IELTS Preparation & Practice (L&S): summary: p.16, p.25, p.44, p.50 table: p17, p.46, p.48 table: p.22, p.42 form: p.37, p.41 notes: p.40, p.51 Helpful Hints for IELTS: *summary: p.89, p.110 table: p.90 Websites Holmesglen Institute of TAFE http://international.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/IELTS01.htm From homepage, go to listening & download booklet. See p.5 for summary completion & p.7 for form completion.
* recommended

Practice

Books in the SAC Do the following completion questions, examining the differences between them as you do them: Focus on IELTS: p.66, p.98 notes: p.20, p.50, p52, p.82, p97, p.98, p.130, p.169, p.172 table: p.36, p.38, p.133, p.146, p.161, p.163, p.172 form: p.65, p.114 flow chart: p.146, p.163 diagram: p.170 Cambridge IELTS 2: form: p.7, p. 31, notes: p.9, p.36, p.58, table: p.11, p.12, p.13, p.30, p.34, p.37, p.58
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5. Labelling a diagram which has numbered parts

The questions You will be given a diagram and asked to label it with labels given in the listening text. You will usually be given a box of words or phrases from which to select the labels. Look at the example on the next page.

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How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Questions 1 - 6 Label the booths at the exhibition. Choose your answers from the box and write them next to questions 1-6. Entrance Booth 1 Oriental Holidays Booth 2 Booth 3 Indonesian Tourist Board Booth 4 Booth 5 Booth 6 Postal Service Coffee/tea _____1 6_____ Booth 10 5_____ _____2 _____3 4_____ Booth 7 Asian Art Magazine Booth 9 Malaysian Tourist Board Booth 8 Exit Booth 12 Holidays Asia Booth 11

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Remember to listen carefully when words are spelt out. Write them down even if you dont know where they go. Use the information given on the diagram to help you if you get lost.

Practice

Books in the SAC Do the following labeling the diagram questions: Cambridge IELTS 1: p.59 Cambridge IELTS 3: p.31, p.56 Insight into IELTS: p.24 Focus on IELTS: p.36, p.66, p.81*, p.82, p.149

6. Classification questions

Oriental vases Korean cabinets Indian rugs Chinese furniture Thai silk Malaysian batik Tibetan prayer rugs Balinese woodwork Oriental art

The Questions These questions ask you to classify information given in the listening text. Classifications are often according to the speakers opinion or according to a period of time or place. You will either be asked to write a letter which represents one of the classifications beside each item in a list of statements. Or you could be asked to circle a letter in a table or tick a column in a table. Look at the examples on the next page.

How to do labelling the diagram questions

Read the instructions carefully. They will state how many words you should use if there is not a box of labels provided. You could be asked to write one word only. Study the diagram. You may be able to predict one or two answers or associated vocabulary that you may hear connected to a particular label. Check whether the labels are numbered in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. The information will be given in the same order as the numbers on the diagram. Write down or select the labels as you listen. Use the words you hear, not your own.
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How to prepare for IELTS Listening

Questions 1 -4 Write the appropriate letters A-C against questions 1-4. Where are the following facilities? A in Portsmede B in Smalltown C in Farmton Example hairdressers C.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

How to do these classification questions
Read the instructions carefully. Make sure you know how many classifications there are and what letters you have to use. Read the classifications carefully and make sure you know which letter represents each one. Read the statements/phrases or words beside the question numbers and make yourself as familiar with them as possible. You will hear them all mentioned but they may be expressed differently in the text. Underline the key words in both the classifications and the question statements. Listen out for the words you have underlined. Dont leave any statements without a letter.

1 2 3 4

ice rink cinema .. French restaurant . clinic

Practice
OR

Questions 1 -4 Choose the correct letters A-C . In Portsmede A Example A hairdressers 1 ice rink 2 cinema A A A A B B B B C C C C B C In Smalltown B In Farnton C

Books in the SAC Do the following classification questions. Focus on IELTS: p.149 Cambridge IELTS 2: p.35, p.57, p.59, p.82 Cambridge IELTS 3: p.13, p.79, p.82 IELTS Preparation & Practice (L&S): p.38 * Helpful Hints for IELTS: p.112

3 French restaurant 4 clinic

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How to prepare for IELTS Listening

General Tips for the listening test
Make sure you are familiar with the instructions for the different question types so you can quickly glance at the questions and know what to do. Think about the type of situations you might come across living or studying in an English speaking country, such as someone asking for directions or talks on topics of general interest. Listen to as wide a range of material as possible English language television and radio, listening sites on the Internet and films and music are all great sources. Do as many practice tests as you can to get used to the speed of delivery and the task types. Focus on the strategies and skills you need for listening (see Focusing on IELTS pp.8-37). For example: listening for specific information (p.8-12); guessing meaning of words, (p.23) recognising signposts (p.26) understanding lectures & talks (p.111-113. Practise these strategies and skills with as much listening material as you can.

How to prepare for IELTS Listening

While listening Listen carefully to the instructions. Listen out for key words and common signpost words like on the other hand, in contrast etc Remember the questions usually follow the same sequence as the conversation or talk but the information may be expressed differently from the questions. Write down something even if you havent got the answer before moving on to the next question. Make sure you continue to listen while you are writing as you only hear the tape once. Dont get stuck on a question you cant answer. Just move on. Remember there may be sections of irrelevant information. Just keep listening for the information you need. Write notes in the question booklet as you listen. This may help you go back to a difficult question later. After listening Make sure you transfer your answers correctly. Make sure you use the time given to check your answers. If you cant remember an answer, guess.

Before the exam

During the exam

Before listening Make sure you use the 30 seconds given at the beginning of each section to read the questions before listening. Make sure you look at all the questions in each section. Make sure you read the instructions carefully. Make sure you know what form your answer should take e.g. a word, a letter, a tick, a phrase, a circle around the correct letter etc Make sure you use the time given to analyse the questions. Decide what you are listening for. Are you listening for specific information, for the main idea or for the speakers attitude? Use the outline given of the topic, who is talking and the situation to predict possible answers. When you look at the questions, think about synonyms. You may not hear the exact words that are in the answer choices.
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