IELTS Listening Exam Tips

1.  Make sure your headphones are working. Raise your hand if you have a problem.
2. If loudspeakers are used instead of headphones, make sure you can hear the recording. If you need the volume increasing, raise your hand immediately and someone will come to ask what the problem is. Explain that you need the volume increasing (Not applicable for Kolkata Centre)
3. Use the time given to prepare the questions. Always read through all questions before the recording starts and note keywords. The keywords will help you keep track of the information and listen for answers.
4. Answers to questions come in order (question 1 and then question 2 etc)
5. Underline keywords in the questions. You should practice speed reading questions and spotting keywords at home as part of your preparation. For the computer test, you can highlight words in the screen.
6. Focus on listening for answers rather than trying to understand everything. You win a point for each question you answer correctly.
7. Write your answers on your question paper while you listen. For the computer test, you put the answers directly into the computer.
8. Pay attention to how many words and/or a number or numbers you can have for each answer. Many people forget to check this. For example, “15 workmen” is one word and one number, “driving test” is two words.
9. You will be given 10 mins after the recording has ended to transfer your answers to the answer sheet for the paper-based Listening test. For the computer test, you’ll only get 2 minutes to check your answers. Always check your spelling – any spelling errors and the answer will be marked wrong.
10. It is recommended to use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS FOR YOUR ANSWERS for the paper-based test to avoid problems with handwriting. This is not an issue with the computer test.