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The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a pivotal examination for non-native English speakers aiming to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. The Listening section, often considered challenging, requires a mix of concentration, understanding, and strategy that can be developed through our IELTS training course in Dubai. The IELTS Listening section is your opportunity to shine by showing off your ability to understand English as it’s spoken in real-world situations. But don’t worry, it’s not about having perfect English from the get-go; it’s about practising smart strategies to enhance your listening skills. Let’s explore some effective listening tricks to help you boost your IELTS Listening score.
The IELTS Listening section is composed of four parts, with a total of 40 questions. You’ll encounter a variety of accents, from British and American to Australian and Canadian, reflecting the global use of English. Each part increases in difficulty, but with the right approach, you can tackle them head-on.
Knowing what to expect is half the battle won. Familiarise yourself with the test’s format. Let’s break down the format of this section and the types of questions you’ll meet along the way. The IELTS Listening section is designed to test your ability to understand English as it’s spoken around the world. This part of the test lasts for about 30 minutes, plus an extra 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
The test is divided into four recordings, each sprinkled with its own flavour of English accents, from British and Australian to Canadian and American. The recordings get progressively more challenging, ensuring that you need to keep your wits about you as you proceed.
1. Recording 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context, like planning a trip or deciding on a gift.
2. Recording 2: A monologue (one person speaking) about a general topic. Think of a local council’s speech on park improvements.
3. Recording 3: A conversation among up to four people set in an educational or training context, like a university tutor and students discussing an assignment.
4. Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject, for example, a university lecture.
Types of Questions
As you navigate through these recordings, you’ll encounter a variety of question types, each testing a different skill. Let’s take a look at the menu:
1. Multiple Choice: The classic choice. Pick the correct answer from a list.
2. Matching: Link items from a list to a set of options.
3. Plan, Map, Diagram Labelling: You’ll be given a visual representation and asked to label parts of it based on what you hear.
4. Form, Note, Table, Flow-chart, Summary Completion: Fill in the blanks in a given structure.
5. Sentence Completion: Write out a sentence that fits what you’ve heard.
6. Short Answer Questions: Provide brief answers to questions about the recording.
Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than passively hearing the speaker’s message. Watch English movies, listen to podcasts, and engage with English radio stations. Try to listen to a variety of accents. This will improve your comprehension skills and get you accustomed to different pronunciations and speaking speeds.
While you listen, jot down key points. This doesn’t mean you should write down everything. Develop a system of shorthand or symbols to quickly record essential details. This skill is invaluable because it helps you capture information to answer questions later.
You will have 10 minutes after the listening section to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Use this time wisely to double-check your answers, ensuring they are correctly spelt and accurately reflect what you’ve intended to answer.
Finally, consider joining an IELTS preparation course at an expert English language institute in Dubai, either online or in person. Improving your score in the IELTS Listening section is possible with the right strategy, patience and practice. By incorporating these tricks into your study routine, you’re not just preparing for a test; you’re enhancing your overall English listening skills.
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15th, 34th, 36th Floors BB1 Mazaya Business Avenue, JLT, Dubai, UAE
5th floor, UOWD Building, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai, UAE
Al Fattan Tower - 103 Business Hub JBR 1 - Dubai, UAE
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