Imagine this: you've got your favourite show on and you’re completely engrossed in the storyline. You get distracted by a new text message for a moment and it happens: you miss a crucial piece of dialogue! No problem, you press rewind and catch what you’ve missed.
The conditions during the IELTS Listening test is different. There are no repeats of recordings. The audio track plays only once so your ability to capture key information on the first pass is crucial for achieving your desired score.
This can feel like a hurdle, especially if you're not familiar with the nuances of different English accents or the pace of natural conversation. But don't worry, we're here to equip you with the skills and strategies you need to conquer this challenge! Read on for our guide on how to improve your listening skills in IELTS, with expert tips and valuable resources to help you train your ears to score high and achieve IELTS success.
After all, strong listening comprehension isn't just for acing IELTS Listening; it's a fundamental skill that will empower you to excel in your future academic pursuits and career goals.
What are key things to keep in mind for the IELTS Listening test?
When it comes to test-taking, knowing what to expect is half the battle won. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you prepare for the IELTS Listening test:
Variety of accents: Which accent is typically used in IELTS Listening? As it’s an international English proficiency test you'll likely hear a mix of native English accents in the recordings such as British, American, Australian and Canadian. If you're not familiar with these variations, it can cause you to miss certain key words or phrases.
Example: Some words like “schedule” (SKE-jul vs SHE-jul), “privacy” (PRY-vuhsee vs PRIV-uhsee) and “garage” (guh-RAJ vs GAR-raj) have more distinct differences in how they are pronounced in American English versus British English. Learn more in our guide to understanding native English speakers.
Fast-paced speech: The speakers in the recordings talk at a natural pace, which can feel pretty fast when you're trying to understand the information and answer questions at the same time.
Tricky phrasing: Be prepared for unexpected turns and corrections in the conversation audio, such as "The lecture is on Tuesday…no, wait, sorry, it's on Wednesday!", “I’d like to rent the room for July…no sorry, for June.”, or “Oh, we’re no longer located at [ABC], we've moved to [XYZ].” Those subtle shifts can throw you off if you're not paying close attention.
Example: If the question asks for the location of a meeting, and the speaker initially says "Conference Room A" but then corrects themselves to say "Conference Room B," you need to be alert to catch the change.
Distractions: Some recordings might have background noise or multiple speakers, making it even harder to focus on what's important. But don't worry, if you're taking IELTS on Computer with IDP, you'll be provided with noise-cancelling headphones to help you block out distractions and focus on the audio.
One-time listening: Here's the real kicker: you only get to hear each recording once. No replays, no rewinds, no do-overs. This can be particularly challenging in scenarios where the speaker is providing a list of instructions or directions, as you need to remember the sequence and details correctly. You need to be focused and efficient in catching the key information and logging down your answers accurately.
Essential strategies for IELTS Listening success
Now that you know what you're up against, let's equip you with some strategies to conquer the IELTS Listening test:
Practise active listening: Focus on the speaker's words, their tone of voice, and even their intonation. Try to anticipate what they might say next so you’ll be prepared for any distractors that can misdirect you.
Example: If the speaker mentions a problem, try to anticipate what the solution might be. This will help you stay focused and process the information more effectively. For more tips on active listening, check out our blog post on useful active listening and note-taking skills for IELTS.
Anticipate and predict answers: Before each recording starts, you'll have some time to read the questions so use this time wisely. Try to predict possible answers based on keywords and the context of the question. This will prime your brain to listen for specific information and make it easier to catch the answers.
Example: If the question asks for a type of accommodation, you might anticipate answers like "hotel," "apartment," or "hostel."
Be precise when identifying key information: Train your ears to pick out those crucial bits of information, like dates, names, places, and the main ideas being discussed. These are often the focus of the questions. The speakers might spell out the names of places or list numerical details too, so listen carefully.
Read and understand the question fully: Don't rush to write your answer. Make sure you are responding correctly as the question instructs and have considered all crucial information by the speaker.
Example: If the speaker says, "Almost everyone surveyed liked the event," and the answer options are (A) Everyone liked the event or (B) Most people liked the event, the correct answer would be (B). This is because the word ‘almost everyone’ indicates that some people did not like the event.
Ensure you’re answering the question in the right way: Pay close attention to instructions about the format of your answer. If a question asks for "no more than two words and/or a number," make sure you follow that rule to avoid losing marks. Even if your answer is technically correct, failing to adhere to these instructions can cause you to lose marks and potentially miss out on your target band score.
Practice with different question types: The IELTS Listening test has a variety of question types such as multiple choice, matching, sentence completion, and form completion. Familiarise yourself with each type with IDP’s IELTS Listening free practice questions and with more practice you’ll get a sense of the specific skills needed to answer each question type effectively.
Example: In multiple-choice questions, you might need to identify the main idea or the speaker's opinion, while in sentence completion questions, you need to fill in the blanks with specific words or phrases from the audio. The former requires an extra level of listening comprehension while the latter requires you to be extra attentive to detail.
Maximising your test practice with different IELTS Listening materials
Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to test-taking. Here's how to prepare for the IELTS Listening test and build up your English listening comprehension skills:
Utilise a variety of resources: Don't just rely on IELTS practice tests. Mix it up by listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and even English-language news or TV shows to expose yourself to different accents and speaking styles. You could even listen to English-dubbed versions of your favourite shows for a more familiar starting point.
Focus on your weaknesses: Are you struggling with a particular accent or question type? Zero in on those areas and practise them specifically to build up your skills and your confidence. While you should still practise for the test as a whole, strengthening your weak spots is a more efficient way to close your knowledge gaps faster. For instance, if you find Australian accents challenging, try listening to Australian podcasts or watching YouTube interviews with Australian celebrities.
Simulate test conditions: Create a realistic test environment by trying out IELTS Listening samples under timed conditions, at a desk in a quiet room with headphones or earbuds on. This will help you get used to the pace and pressure of the real test so you can manage your test day anxiety .
Analyse your mistakes: Don't just brush off your mistakes – take them as opportunities for learning instead. Review your practice tests carefully and figure out why you got certain answers wrong. This will help you identify patterns and areas where you need to improve. If you find yourself consistently missing answers in multiple-choice questions, for example, it might be a sign to focus on improving your ability to identify the main idea or the speaker's opinion.
Embrace step-by-step improvement: If you’re not feeling confident yet, throwing yourself into the deep end with complicated audio texts will only leave you feeling discouraged. Start with easier listening materials and gradually increase the difficulty as your skills grow stronger.
How IDP's resources help you achieve excellence in IELTS Listening
Strong listening skills are essential for success in the IELTS test and beyond. By implementing the strategies above and utilising a wide range of free and paid resources, you can train your ears, boost your confidence, and achieve your desired IELTS Listening score.
IDP is your trusted partner in achieving your IELTS goals. We offer a range of resources and support services to help you train your ears and ace the Listening test, including:
IELTS preparation courses: Be guided through proven strategies, and familiarise yourself with different question types through repetitive practice.
Online resources: Access our extensive online resources, including free IELTS practice tests, and expert tips to refine your listening skills.
Personalised guidance: Experienced IDP education counsellors can offer personalised advice and support to help you overcome challenges towards reaching your dream university or course of study.
Book your IELTS test with IDP and embark on your journey to academic and professional success!