IELTS Listening Test and Tips 2023

Now that you know the basic information about the IELTS listening section, you must consider how to increase the IELTS listening score. So, here are some tips, strategies, and tricks to help you achieve your IELTS listening band score.

We recommend you prepare well before the test as it is crucial and requires a lot of focus and attention. Since listening to the recording only once, listening to the speaker might sometimes get challenging. That's why you won't have any issues if you have prepared well.

If you understand the situation, you will get a good idea of what you have to answer each question. Before your IELTS listening test, you will get introductory audio, so listen to it carefully to get an idea of what will be there in the test for you.

Since section 3 (listening) of IELTS is mostly about education, improving your vocabulary, especially on the words related to teaching, learning, etc., will help you score better in IELTS listening.

Since the time limit is less, only 30 plus 10 minutes transfer time to complete the test. We strongly advise you to focus on indicator words such as then, however, perhaps, and thus forecast what the speaker will say before they even say it.

Students' biggest mistake to answering quickly, so taking your time to understand the conversation is always a good idea. Sometimes, the speaker might say something incorrectly and repeat it later on. This way, there are high chances that you will write a wrong answer. Thus listening carefully and not jumping to conclusions quickly is greatly encouraged and advisable.

You need to write every task in IELTS listening with a particular strategy. The first conversation is about an everyday situation. The second one compiles a general speech, and the last two link to an academic problem. Thus we strongly recommend you practice as many questions as possible for each conversation. Furthermore, versed conversations between multiple people can be a difficult task. Improve your listening skills by practising with several recordings and make your strategy on handling each recording during the exam.

The listening section of the IELTS exam is a mix of various question types such as multiple-choice, plan or map diagram labelling, form, note, flowchart, summary completion, and sentence completion. You need to read every question carefully after listening to the recording and then draft your answer first before writing it as per the requirements of the questions.

After completing the section, checking and proofreading your answers is always wise. Carefully correct all spelling and grammar errors as they matter most when you want to achieve the nine-band score.

The good thing about the IELTS is that there is no negative marking. So writing all answers is a must, even attempting the questions you don't know the answer to. Because there are chances that you will probably get it correct by guessing if you missed the answer in the recording, statistics show that many applicants avoid answering questions that they don't know the answer to. Still, you can find the correct answer by eliminating or guessing.Practising a mock test each day can help you improve your IELTS listening score drastically. You need to set a 40 min timer to solve the paper. You can listen to the recordings more than once during the commencement time. However, over time you must be able to answer all the questions by listening to the recordings only once and evaluate your performance. Regular mock tests can enhance your listening skills and prepare you to crack this section with a higher score (probably 9).

You should also work on making your strategy for the IELTS listening section. A personalised study plan can help you cover this section effectively and pass the test with higher band marks. 

Students will have to answer 40 questions related to the audio clips played to them in the listening test, wherein the answer will either be right or wrong. The test-takers will be awarded one mark for each correct answer, with the total marks deciding your IELTS listening band score.

Do you also want to achieve an IELTS 9 band score? Then, get in touch with AECC and sign up for our IELTS classes.