February 13, 2017 alexis

Listening

THE IELTS LISTENING TEST

There are 4 sections and 40 questions which test different listening comprehension skills. In Section 1, you will hear a conversation on a social topic. In Section 2, you will hear a speaker giving a short talk on a general subject. In Section 3, you will hear a conversation concerned with an educational or training context. In Section 4, you will hear a lecture or talk which has an academic context.

The recorded texts are heard only once, but there are pauses that allow you to read the questions that follow. The tasks include:

  • Completion of notes, tables, flow-charts, sentences or summaries.
  • Multiple choice.
  • Labelling of diagrams, maps or plans.
  • Matching and Classifying information.
  • Short-answer questions.

The IELTS Listening Test lasts about 30 minutes, but you are given an extra 10 minutes at the end of the recording to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

You are given one mark for each correct answer. The final result is translated into a score based on the IELTS nine-band scale.

LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF ENGLISH THAT SURROUND YOU

LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. Listen to original material in English every day. Doing as many IELTS Listening practice tests as possible will help you to familiarise yourself with the test and improve your score. However, you can also improve your general listening skills before you take the exam. Listen to English-speaking radio stations, podcasts, lectures, songs, programmes on TV, films, documentaries, TED talks and your English-speaking friends.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE MAIN POINTS IN A LECTURE

Listening to monologues or lectures can be challenging. In Section 2 of the #IELTS Listening Test you will hear a monologue on a general subject such as a talk on tourist information or healthy eating. In Section 4, you will hear a lecture or talk of academic interest. You will be able to listen more effectively if you are aware of the following.

COHESIVE DEVICES AND DISCOURSE MARKERS.
In talks and lectures the speaker normally uses discourse markers to help the listener follow the main points. Words or phrases such as, “The most important aspect of…,” or “Of primary concern is…,” or “It is significant that…” are used.

Sub-points can be identified by phrases such as, “One aspect of this…,” followed by “Another aspect…” or “Within this category we can see evidence of…”

It is a good idea to use transcripts to become aware of cohesive devices and discourse markers. Highlight the key words, then listen to recordings of other lectures and identify the main points.

THE INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION.
The main points are often mentioned in the introduction and restated in the conclusion or summary of a lecture. Listen carefully to the opening and closing sections.

STRESS AND VOLUME.
Stress within sentences and variation in volume like raising the voice, are common techniques speakers use to emphasise a main point or to express some important information. Listen to podcasts of lectures or watch TED Talks and try to become accustomed to the way the speaker uses stress or volume to express an important point.

JG.