For my IELTS exam, I have a good understanding of most aspects. However, it would be great if I could get some last minute tips for IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing Modules because my test is tomorrow. I don’t want any surprises or uncertainties, so having last-minute tips for IELTS Listening, Writing, and Reading would be immensely helpful.
So, if you need last-minute tips for the IELTS test, you’re at the right platform. Here, you will find unique tips that, if followed, will surely guarantee a good band score.
Remember that merely reading them won’t be enough; you must implement these tips in your exam. Let’s go through them without further delay because tomorrow is our exam day. Let’s start!!
Last Minute Tips for IELTS Listening Test
- Relax
The key is to remain composed. Becoming anxious won’t solve anything; it might complicate things. Stress won’t make the exam simpler or enhance your ability to find answers quickly. Maintaining composure is crucial. If you stay calm, you’ll perform better and navigate the exam more effectively. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
2. The duration of the test is different for PBT and CBT students
You should be aware that there are different time durations for CBT (Computer-Based Test) and PBT (Paper-Based Test) students in the IELTS Listening module.
Apart from the 30-minute test, CBT students get only 2 minutes extra to review their answers, while PBT students get an additional 10 minutes to transfer their answers to the answer sheet. Therefore, plan accordingly whether you are taking the PBT or CBT.
If you are taking the PBT, write your answers on the question paper while listening, and then transfer the correct answers with correct spelling and grammar to your answer sheet.
If you are taking the CBT, you need to feed your answers into the computer when the audio is playing. Keep in mind that you cannot leave any answers for later because you cannot write answer to 40 questions in just 2 minutes. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
Must Read:
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- 7 Perfect Tips-How To Manage Time in IELTS Reading
3. The beginning is the base
If you don’t get the starting part right and your concentration is off, it affects the entire exam. That’s why it’s crucial to listen carefully to the first part.
In the first section, you can make yourself comfortable because the recording speed is not too fast, and the questions are also easy. So, if you make yourself comfortable in the first section, you will adapt to it, and the following sections will also go very well. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
4. No negative marking
The best thing about the IELTS exam is that there is no negative marking here. So, even if you get a wrong answer, you won’t face any negative markings. You can approach this by attempting every question, ensuring that you don’t leave any question unattended.
If, by mistake, you miss your answer while the audio is playing, try to predict your answer based on what you heard in the audio and write it down. If your answer turns out to be correct, your overall score will improve. However, if you don’t attempt it at all, there won’t be any chance.
5. Multitasking
Because in the listening section, you have to do several tasks simultaneously, such as listening to the audio, reading the questions, and writing the answers. So please work with a lot of concentration and don’t miss anything. Your mind should not wander for even a second; otherwise, you might send the wrong answer. So, please stay concentrated. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
6. Are headphones working properly?
In the IELTS listening module, you’ll be listening to audio, and there are two ways to listen to it:
- either through headphones or
- Through open audio.
If its open audio, which is playing throughout the examination hall, make sure you can hear properly. If you are listening through headphones, please check them to ensure they are working properly. If any problems arise, raise your hand and report the matter.
7. Read the instructions carefully- This is most important
It is crucial in the listening test to carefully read the instructions. If you make a mistake in understanding the instructions, your answer will likely be incorrect. For instance, in multiple-choice questions, there are various options given, and you need to select the correct ones based on the instructions. The instructions will specify whether you should choose one option, two options, three, or four.
In fill-in-the-blank type questions, it is essential to check the word count given in the instructions. Whether you need to answer in one word, two words, or three, follow the word count specified in the instructions. If you ignore the given word count, even if your answer is correct, it will be marked wrong because you did not follow the instructions. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
8. Mark the Word Count
To solve the word count problem, you can do a few things. You may highlight the specified word count in the instructions, encircle it, put it in brackets, or create a box around it. This way, you’ll always be aware of the word count for that question type.
Since the word count changes with each question type, marking it clearly will help you remember. Each question type has a different word count, so it’s essential to think about it.
Don’t assume that if you have to answer with, let’s say, three words once, you’ll need three words throughout the entire paper. That’s never going to happen. So, mark your word count and your problem will be solved.
You can highlight the following way:
9. Predict your answer
After reading the question, try to predict your answer. Determine whether a number will be involved, and if so, speculate on the type of number. Will it be a year, a date of birth, a street number, a telephone number, or something else? If a noun is expected, try to predict the category, such as an animal’s name, a place name, a person’s name, or a city name.
The advantage of this approach is that when the relevant information is about to be presented in the audio, your ears will perk up, and you’ll be ready to immediately identify the answer. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
10. Read the words before and after the blank
Read the words before and after your blank carefully because as soon as those words are mentioned in the audio, you’ll likely find your answer. Your ears will perk up, and you can quickly jot down your answer.
11. Spelling and Grammar
While writing answers, pay extra attention to spelling and grammar. Double-check them because if your spelling is incorrect, your answer will be marked wrong. Similarly, if there are grammar mistakes, your answer will be marked incorrectly. So, before submitting your answer sheet, thoroughly check your grammar and spelling. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
12. Utilize breathing space efficiently
In the interval between the two sections, you will have a bridging space of 30 seconds. The first 30 seconds will be available after the completion of the previous section, and the next 30 seconds will be given before the start of the next section.
So, you need to utilize this time effectively. Every millisecond counts, and it’s crucial to read the questions thoroughly during this time. Understand and highlight keywords so that when you listen to the audio, your mind is already prepared to answer your questions. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
13. Highlight the keywords
This point relates to the previous point where, as you read your questions, highlight your keywords. When you highlight the keywords for your answers, as soon as you hear them in the audio, you will instantly shift into attention mode.
You’ll know that your answer is coming, and your answer will come to you immediately. Therefore, it’s crucial to highlight your keyword while working through your questions. You don’t need to do anything fancy markings—just highlight it simply for your understanding. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
14. Avoid distracters
In the audio, there will be a lot of unnecessary information that you don’t need to bother remembering. Focus only on the information essential for answering your questions. You don’t have to understand everything; avoid distractions and concentrate on the information you need for your answers. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
15. If your answer is A, B, C, D….write as it is
A significant mistake to avoid is writing your answer in the correct format on the answer sheet. If the question provides options like A, B, C, or D you shouldn’t write the entire text of the options on your answer sheet.
For example, you’ll be given options for a question, and you need to write your answer, not tick a box. In the answer sheet, you have to write whether the correct answer is A, B, C, or D. So, do not make the mistake of writing the entire text of A, B, C, and D options on your answer sheet. Pay careful attention to this. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
16. Answers will be in order
One great thing about the listening test is that the answers are given in order. This means you will get the answer for question number one first, then two, and so on.
You’ll never encounter a situation where the answer to question number 5 comes before the answer to question number one.
So, always double-check the order of your questions and listen accordingly to write down your answers as you follow the audio. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
17. Lost the track? No worries
It’s quite common in the listening exam to feel lost in the track. If you’ve lost track of where you were in the audio and are unsure about its current position, there’s no need to panic.
You’ve already lost it. Now, if you keep getting anxious, you have already missed the answer to the question, which has gone. Along with that, you might miss the answers to the next four questions as well because you know well that there are no audio replays or refinements here.
So, just keep yourself calm, re-align yourself, go back to the last known position, and start again from there. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
18. Transfer the answer correctly
It’s a common mistake when we accidentally write the answer for Question Number 4 in the space for the answer to Question Number 5, and then many of our subsequent answers end up being wrong.
So, please, when you are transferring your answers, pay very close attention, and do not make this silly mistake because this small error can cost you dearly. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
19. Short forms are not allowed
Remember, not to write short forms as we do in WhatsApp. Such as for “Kalpana Chawla”, “KC” is the wrong way to write. Until and unless mentioned in the audio.
20. Do not write contracted words
Writing style such as “its” is not allowed, you have to write “it is.”
21. Handwriting if PBT
When taking a paper-based test, pay attention to your handwriting. If your writing is untidy and difficult to decipher, your correct answers might be misinterpreted. Therefore, make sure your handwriting is clear and legible to avoid any misunderstandings during the evaluation of your answers.
22. Stay focused
Focus on your exam instead of observing others. Pay close attention to the instructions provided in your test, and don’t worry about what your classmates are doing. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
23. Use breathing space to refresh yourself
After finishing the previous module and moving on to the next paper, make the most of the minutes in between. Refrain from discussing your performance or inquiring about others’. Take this time to recharge and get ready for the upcoming section by isolating yourself from conversations with fellow students.
Evaluation Criteria
When getting ready for the listening section, it’s important to determine the number of accurate answers needed to reach our desired band score. Having this awareness enables us to customize our preparation effectively.
For instance, if my goal is to attain a Band 8, I need to know the specific number of correct answers required. To achieve this, it’s essential to consult the listening band conversion table. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
FAQs
What is the trick for listening in IELTS?
1. Before the audio starts, read the questions and get a basic understanding of what types of questions are supposed to be answered.
2. Make yourself comfortable with foreign accents and speed of delivery.
Does spelling matter in IELTS listening?
It is most important. Even if your answer is correct, but the spelling is wrong, it will be marked as wrong.
Do they repeat IELTS listening?
No. Recordings are only played once and they will play at their own pace. You will have no control over them.
Is it OK to write in all caps in IELTS listening?
Yes. You can freely write in capitals, there are no issues.
Which variety of spelling is accepted in IELTS?
Both forms whether American or British are accepted.
Does listening come first in IELTS?
The order is LRW (Listening, Reading, and Writing)
Is IELTS listening very fast?
In the listening module, there are four sections. In the first section, the speed is slower, and in the second section, it’s a bit faster. In the third section, it’s a bit more, and in the fourth, it’s the fastest. This means that as the sections progress, the speed increases.
Can we write IELTS listening answers in small letters?
Yes. It’s your choice. However, you must remember the basic rules of grammar, such as starting sentences with a capital letter and writing the first letter as capital letters for proper nouns.
Will I have the question paper in front of me while listening?
Yes. If you are taking a paper test, your question paper will be in your hands while the audio is playing. If you are taking a computer test, your question paper will be on the computer screen while the audio is playing. In both cases, your questions will be in front of you during the audio. (last minute tips for ielts listening)
What happens if a student forgets to write a code number?
You can be disqualified. The set and code number play a crucial role for the examiners in correlating your answer sheet with the respective question paper.
Please share your feedback for the current post, and don’t forget to explore our other articles for additional information. Your insights are highly valued! (Do’s and Don’ts in IELTS Speaking)
Prepare Well!!
All the Best!!
(last minute tips for ielts listening)
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