1/14/2010

IELTS Listening Strategy - 15 Tips

Read the description below regarding some strategies I extracted and adapted from various sources for doing the listening test.

When you read, regroup the 15 tip items into three categories: before the test, during the test, and after the test. List them chronologically.

  1. There are a total of 40 questions presented in four sections, 10 in each section.
  2. Understand different types of questions presented in the test. Be prepared for what the question might ask you to do, such as complete a sentence in three words, tick a box, or choose a letter.
  3. Concentrate. The key skill to master here is ATTENTIVENESS. You cannot allow your concentration to falter for even a second. Do not let your mind wander.
  4. While listening silently, take notes in your question booklet. You can circle possible answers and change your mind later when you transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
  5. Use the time before each listening section to underline key words in the question such as who, where, what, etc…
  6. Mark your answers carefully. Write according to the instruction.
  7. Listen more attentively to the second statement of the speakers who correct themselves. This is usually the asked answer for the question.
  8. Be careful not to make simple spelling mistakes. These will be penalized.
  9. Incomplete or shortened answers (i.e. times and dates) will be marked as incorrect.
  10. A variety of accents are used including British, Australian, and American, Practice listening to different English speakers.
  11. Remember that answers that exceed word limits (even use of a or the) will be marked as incorrect.
  12. Questions are read out in order of answers, so be calm and you do not need to search up and down.
  13. Be highly alert. Watch out for questions that involve intentional deviations from the most obvious answer. Remember an inattentive mind may attract you to the obvious but incorrect answer.
  14. Don't get stuck on a single question. If you didn't hear the answer, go on.
  15. You will be given time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

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Pronoun Task 6

Am, is, are