There are 6 basic IELTS listening tips that you’ll learn in every overpriced course around the world.
You can save some money by reading this post – I’ll tell you what they are right now!
You can read more here about labelling maps and here about multiple choice questions.
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Dave
Tip #1: Predict the type of answer.
Look at the question below:
Some possible predictions:
1. Noun or adjective + noun
2. Animal/Transport
3. Noun/Place
4. Noun or adjective + noun
Don’t write your predictions down! Just read the question and make a quick prediction.
Tip #2: Predict the answer itself.
Here’s the same question with some predictions:
Some possible predictions:
1. Flowers, houses, scenery, mountains, rivers
2. Tractor, pony, horse
3. Barn, garden, petting zoo, fields
4. Lunch, a tour, a petting zoo, refreshments, ____ class
Don’t write your predictions down! Only some answers are possible to predict and it’s unlikely you will make the right prediction – but you can get close…
Tip #3: Underline the keywords.
This tip is mainly just to jog your memory if you hear the keywords mentioned.
Tip #4: Watch out for paraphrases!
Be careful! Most keywords and questions will be paraphrased. This means there will be synonyms, different grammar and different ways of saying the same thing.
These become more common and more difficult in sections 2, 3, and 4.
Here are some possible paraphrases for the keywords:
Take photos: take pictures, get a picture of, use their cameras, snap some shots
Surround: around, next to, you can see from the lake, beside,
Children: kids
Help feed: give food to, help the farmers to feed, take part in feeding
Ride: trek, tour the farm, go around the farm on a
Walk: stroll, get some air
Lake: (no synonyms for this one!)
Available: if you’d like, can, there is the option to
Extra cost: isn’t included in the original price, costs extra, for a bit extra, you’ll have to pay extra for
Tip # 5: Watch out for distractors!
The listening exam will try to trick you into choosing or writing the wrong answer.
For example you will hear:
“After you’re done riding the elephant you might want to take a little walk. The barn is a good place to walk around. Closer to the lake you’ll find the gardens. But the barn is way better.”
I enjoy reading your blog. U r lovely :p
Thank you! Feel free to check out more!
Dear Sir,
You have provided very good tips for the IELT’s exams. I have found so many tips for IELT’s listening, however your tips are the unique and practical one’s. Thanks for helping us…..
Wow thanks so much for that feedback – I’m happy to help and really appreciate your comment!
It’s a great blog with many valuable tips. After going through your blog, my fear has disappeared and i’m feeling confident that i can achieve my desired score . Thank you for sharing your knowledge .
Wow thanks a lot! It means a lot to me to hear that – glad that I could help you overcome some fears!
.1. at 12
2. Singer / actor/
3. Play
4. Musician/ actress/ singer
5. River
Really good and possible predictions!
“Ignore her the same way you ignore your parents advice” I was focused on listening tips and I read that! hahahah It made me laugh a lot!
Good tips!
Thank you
Haha, you’re welcome!
Tremendous tips
Thanks a lot, Rana!
Thanks for the tips Dave!
No problem, Nadeem!