Preparation for IELTS listening

The table shows various components of IELTS test

IELTS TEST COMPONENTDURATIONBRIEF DESCRIPTION
Listening30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time)4 sections, 40 items
Writing60 minutes2 tasks
Reading60 minutes3 sections, 40 items
Speaking11-14 minutes3 parts (one-on-one conversation)

You are required to prepare for all the 4 modules i.e. Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking. Each module carries equal importance and lack of bands in any of the modules will lead to an undesired outcome. So, stay focused and prepare for all the four modules effectively.

Listening test mainly assesses the ability of students to understand English. The listening test consists of four sections including 40 items. As per IELTS preparation, it is recommended that candidates train themselves to stay alert and listen carefully.

*NOTE*: In the actual test, all the recordings will be played once only.

Following are some tips which will assist you in preparing for the IELTS listening Test:

  1. One-on-one interaction- This section includes interaction between two people. The interaction can either be telephonic or in person. Under this, you will be required to answer questions based on the conversation. The best way to practice for this test is to listen to as many conversations as possible in a variety of accents especially American, British, and Australian accents.
  1. Monologue/ Speech- Under this, you will be made to listen to a speech which will be either in social or academic context. While listening, you must answer a series of questions. The test assesses your ability to grasp the core idea and highlights of the speech.
  1. Group discussion- Group discussions involve interaction between a maximum of four people. You have to make yourself comfortable for catching up with more than one flow of speech. The best way to practice this is by listening to as many group discussions/conversations in various accents as possible.

Some more tips for preparing:

During the actual test:

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Listening

The IELTS Listening test consists of four recordings (four parts) from native English speakers with ten (10) questions in each recording (part).

Recording 1: an everyday social conversation between two people

Recording 2: a monologue set in an everyday social context

Recording 3: an educational conversation with upto four people

Recording 4: a monologue on an academic subject

Listening test scores will be based on your ability to understand the main ideas,
factual information, opinions, attitude and purpose of the speaker and your ability
to follow the development of ideas.

No. of questions: 40 Marks:

each question is worth one (1) mark

Total time: 30 minutes (+ 2 minutes review time )

Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your pronunciation, grammar, accuracy, fluency and lexical resources while speaking English. There are three (3) parts to this test, with each part fulfilling a specific function in terms of task input, interaction pattern and the test taker’s output.

Part 1: Introduction & Interview This part includes general questions about the test taker like residence, work,family, interests, etc.

Part 2: Long Run Cue cards are shared on a particular topic and one (1) minute will be given to prepare to speak for upto two (2) minutes on the topic.

Part 3: Discussion This part gives you the opportunity to discuss the topic from the cue card in further detail, in a more general and abstract way

Total time: 11-14 minutes

Reading

The IELTS Reading test is designed to test a wide range of reading skills including reading for skimming, details, gist, understanding arguments and writer’s opinions,attitude and purpose

IELTS Academic Reading – It includes three (3) reading passages (with a variety of questions) ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. These passages are of general interest dealing with interesting and recognizably appropriate issues, with at least one passage containing a detailed logical argument

Note: The reading texts may contain non-verbal materials as well like graphs, diagrams or illustrations.

IELTS General Reading – It includes three (3) daily passages (with 2-3 short texts in the first passage, 2 texts in the second passage and 1 long text in the third passage), based on an English-speaking environment, from notices, newspapers, magazines or advertisements.

Reading passage 1: texts based on social survival, like advertisements, notices and timetables

Reading passage 2: texts based on workplace survival, like contracts, job descriptions, staff development & training material

Reading passage 3: texts based on general reading, involving more extended prose and a complex structure.

No. of questions: 40

Marks: each question is worth one (1) mark

Total time: 60 minutes (no additional transfer time)

Note: Please note that the question types in the Listening & Reading sections can include multiple choice answers, true or false answers, matching information/headings or sentence, table & flow-chart completion.

Listening

The IELTS Listening test consists of four recordings (four parts) from native English speakers with ten (10) questions in each recording (part).

Recording 1: an everyday social conversation between two people

Recording 2: a monologue set in an everyday social context

Recording 3: an educational conversation with upto four people

Recording 4: a monologue on an academic subject

Listening test scores will be based on your ability to understand the main ideas,
factual information, opinions, attitude and purpose of the speaker and your ability
to follow the development of ideas.

No. of questions: 40 Marks:

each question is worth one (1) mark

Total time: 30 minutes (+10 minutes transfer time)