The Listening module of the IELTS exam is the first section that tests the listening skill of an individual like how the person is able to understand the main and appropriate perspective of the conversation, and whether he is able to understand the accent in which the speaker is speaking.
The task is consist of 40 questions and is divided into 4 sections, each section contains 10 questions. Each right answer gets 1 point and there is no negative marking scheme in the test. The test gets more difficult as we progress.
The task is completed in 30 minutes and then 10 minutes are given extra to write the answers in the answer sheet. You may hear a variety of English accents like British, American, and Australian.
There are a few things that need to be kept in mind while giving a listening test of the IELTS exam:
- Read the question carefully and understand properly what type of answer the question is demanding.
- Ensure whether things are related to the questions.
- Remember or note down the important lines or words of the conversation to help you understand and navigate your way around.
- Try to understand each part of the conversation.
- Predict what type of words you can use while giving the answer.
- Listen to the beginning of the talk carefully because this will help you understand the context and help you follow the talk more easily.
- Try to imagine the things which the speaker is trying to talk about.
- Make short notes of the question paper and then transfer your answers at the end using correct spelling
- Utilise the time given to look at the question, and observe the type of information the question is trying to demand whether it is related to a particular place, area, or thing.
- The students have to attempt each question since there is no negative marking.
- Always keep the time limit in your mind and try to complete the task before 5 minutes so that you can revise your answer sheet again.
- Try to ignore the distractors i.e. words that are of no use.
Types of questions asked in the listening test of the IELTS exam
- One-word type
In this, you have to answer the question in just one word.
- Two words type
This question asks to give an answer in just two words.
- Choose the correct option
In this type, you have to choose one correct option from all the options
- Complete the notes
In this, you will have to write only one word which completes the sentence.
Common Problems in the listening section of the IELTS exam
Students face some problems in the listening module of the IELTS exam. Some of the problems are listed below:
- Not being aware of the vocabulary and functional language that are used to describe various things
- Too much information: This question requires you to not only listen but to also follow a description or directions, understand the map or diagram, and write short notes, all at the same time. Also, some talks are of no use which distracts the person and makes them confused.
- Spelling: you might copy the wrong answers or might not write the words properly which creates the problem and no marks are given for wrong spelling.
- Visualization: This refers to your ability to form mental visual images. The speaker will talk about the things which have never known before unless you can imagine what it looks like it is very difficult to answer these questions.
- Misinterpretation of the conversation: the conversation might contain words or phrases which have different meanings and perspectives. You should be careful about that and try to understand the relevant meaning.
- The recording will play for one time and you have to detect the answers in one time only.
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