An Insider’s IELTS Preparation Tips: Listening and Reading

 

This week we’re going to look at preparation tips for the IELTS Listening and Reading components.

 

The Listening Test

The first, but most obvious point to remember is to listen carefully to the recording. Listen for overall meaning, but especially for those words that can give you a clear idea of what is being talked about. You will be listening for the answers to the questions on the paper, so try to follow the recording closely and write at the same time. You’ll have 10 minutes after the recording has ended to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

 

TIP: Good practice is to listen to English radio stations online or your favourite English language podcasts with a friend and then discuss what is being talked about.

 

• Try and anticipate what the speaker will say; this will require concentration
• Don’t worry if there is a word you don’t understand; you may not need to use it
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, attempt it but do not waste time; move quickly onto the next one

 

 

The Reading Test

There are a number of different types of reading, as we’ve talked about on this blog before, so preparing for the Reading component should include practising these different skills.

 

TIP: Practice reading online and newspaper articles on a range of subjects and give yourself different time limits to do it. Then hide the text and write down everything you can that you took from the passage. You’ll then become familiar with reading different types of text and be able to quickly absorb and relay the information.

 

Remember, in the Reading test you shouldn’t try to read every word in the passage. For some questions, scanning the text will give you what you need, so long as you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Read with purpose. If you’re asked for something in particular – be on the lookout for it.

• Make sure that you understand the questions and follow instructions carefully
• Pay attention to timing; do not spend too long on one passage or question
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, attempt it but do not waste time; move quickly onto the next one
• Don’t panic if you do not know anything about the subject of the text; all the answers can be found in the text