IELTS Review - IELTS Review - LISTENINGLISTENING

AIMS OF THIS REVIEW SESSIONAIMS OF THIS REVIEW SESSION

1.1. Provide an overview of the testProvide an overview of the test

2.2. Discuss test detailsDiscuss test details

3.3. Discuss test task typesDiscuss test task types

4.4. Give examples of test itemsGive examples of test items

5.5. Discuss effective test taking strategies / tipsDiscuss effective test taking strategies / tips

6.6. Answer practice testsAnswer practice tests

IELTS – LISTENING IELTS – LISTENING (FAQs)(FAQs)

Sections 1 and 2Sections 1 and 2 Sections 1 and 2Sections 1 and 2: Types of listening skills needed for survival in an : Types of listening skills needed for survival in an

English-speaking countryEnglish-speaking country Situations:Situations:

AccommodationAccommodation TransportTransport EntertainmentEntertainment HealthHealth ShoppingShopping OthersOthers

Main focusMain focus in Sections 1 & 2: UNDERSTANDING KEY POINTS OF in Sections 1 & 2: UNDERSTANDING KEY POINTS OF FACTUAL INFORMATIONFACTUAL INFORMATION

Sections 3 and 4Sections 3 and 4

Sections 3 and 4Sections 3 and 4: Types of academic situations likely to be encountered by : Types of academic situations likely to be encountered by students following a training or study course in an English speaking students following a training or study course in an English speaking countrycountry SituationsSituations

LecturesLectures TutorialsTutorials SeminarsSeminars Discussions with other students on academic mattersDiscussions with other students on academic matters

FocusFocus in Sections 3 & 4: IDENTIFYING KEY INFORMATION & in Sections 3 & 4: IDENTIFYING KEY INFORMATION & DETAILS; FOLLOWING ACADEMIC ARGUMENTDETAILS; FOLLOWING ACADEMIC ARGUMENT

Information Given Before Each Information Given Before Each SectionSection

You shall hear a short description of the situation. This may You shall hear a short description of the situation. This may give information about:give information about: who the speakers arewho the speakers are where they arewhere they are what the general topic iswhat the general topic is

This description is not written on the questionnaire, so it is This description is not written on the questionnaire, so it is important for you to listen carefullyimportant for you to listen carefully

There is time for you to look at the questions before each There is time for you to look at the questions before each section. You are told which questions to look at. section. You are told which questions to look at.

RecordingRecording The recordings include a range of accents including:The recordings include a range of accents including:

AmericanAmerican AustralianAustralian BritishBritish New ZealandNew Zealand

The recording relating to the The recording relating to the exampleexample is played twice is played twice Each recording is heard ONLY ONCE Each recording is heard ONLY ONCE Questions follow the order in which the information occurs Questions follow the order in which the information occurs

in the recordingin the recording After each section’s recordingAfter each section’s recording, you have half a minute (30 , you have half a minute (30

seconds) to check your answersseconds) to check your answers

Level of DifficultyLevel of Difficulty The level of difficulty increases; Section 1 is the The level of difficulty increases; Section 1 is the

easiest, while Section 4 is the most difficulteasiest, while Section 4 is the most difficult

Where to AnswerWhere to Answer While listeningWhile listening, write your answers on the , write your answers on the

questionnairequestionnaire After listeningAfter listening, you have 10 minutes to transfer , you have 10 minutes to transfer

your answers to the answer sheetyour answers to the answer sheet

Answer in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDSAnswer in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS Answers which exceed the word limit will be Answers which exceed the word limit will be

marked incorrect marked incorrect

Spelling and GrammarSpelling and Grammar Incorrect spelling and grammar are penalized Incorrect spelling and grammar are penalized Both UK and US varieties of spelling are accepted Both UK and US varieties of spelling are accepted Proper names may be spelled out in the recordingProper names may be spelled out in the recording

ScoringScoring

One mark is awarded for each of the 40 One mark is awarded for each of the 40 questionsquestions

Scores are translated into the 9-band scaleScores are translated into the 9-band scale Scores are either whole band or half bandScores are either whole band or half band

IELTS – LISTENING IELTS – LISTENING (Sections 1-4)(Sections 1-4)

Section 1Section 1

TOPIC AREA: Social NeedsTOPIC AREA: Social Needs INPUT: Conversation with a transactional INPUT: Conversation with a transactional

purpose purpose e.g. finding out about travel servicese.g. finding out about travel services

MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Listening for and MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Listening for and noting specific factual informationnoting specific factual information

NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10

Section 2Section 2

TOPIC AREA: Social NeedsTOPIC AREA: Social Needs INPUT: Monologue or prompted monologue INPUT: Monologue or prompted monologue

with a transactional purpose with a transactional purpose e.g. giving information about a public event e.g. giving information about a public event e.g. museum opening timese.g. museum opening times

MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Listening for and MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Listening for and noting specific factual informationnoting specific factual information

NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10

Section 3Section 3

TOPIC AREA: Education and TrainingTOPIC AREA: Education and Training INPUT: Discussion between 2 – 4 people in an academic INPUT: Discussion between 2 – 4 people in an academic

contextcontext e.g. tutorial or seminar e.g. tutorial or seminar e.g. conversation between a tutor and a student about an e.g. conversation between a tutor and a student about an

assignmentassignment MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Following a conversation which MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Following a conversation which

involves negotiation of meaning. Listening for specific involves negotiation of meaning. Listening for specific information, attitudes, and speakers' opinions information, attitudes, and speakers' opinions

NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10

Section 4Section 4

TOPIC AREA: Education and TrainingTOPIC AREA: Education and Training INPUT: Monologue in an academic context INPUT: Monologue in an academic context

e.g. lecture (of general academic interest)e.g. lecture (of general academic interest) MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Following an MAIN SKILL FOCUS: Following an

academic argument. Listening for main ideas, academic argument. Listening for main ideas, specific information, attitude and speaker's specific information, attitude and speaker's opinionopinion

NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10NUMBER OF QUESTIONS: 10

IELTS – LISTENING IELTS – LISTENING (Task Types)(Task Types)

Task TypesTask Types A variety of task types is usedA variety of task types is used The The principal task typesprincipal task types are: are:

Type 1: Forms/Notes/Table/Flowchart/Summary Type 1: Forms/Notes/Table/Flowchart/Summary Completion Completion

Type 2: Multiple ChoiceType 2: Multiple Choice Type 3: Short-Answer QuestionsType 3: Short-Answer Questions Type 4: Sentence CompletionType 4: Sentence Completion Type 5: Labeling a Diagram/Plan/MapType 5: Labeling a Diagram/Plan/Map Type 6: ClassificationType 6: Classification Type 7: MatchingType 7: Matching

Task Type 1Task Type 1Forms/Notes/Table/Flowchart/Summary Forms/Notes/Table/Flowchart/Summary

Completion Task Completion Task “Fill in the gaps” “Fill in the gaps” Read instructions very carefully because the number of Read instructions very carefully because the number of

words or numbers you should use to fill the gaps will vary words or numbers you should use to fill the gaps will vary If the task requires you to identify missing words, you should If the task requires you to identify missing words, you should

not change the words from the recording in any way, and you not change the words from the recording in any way, and you should keep to the word limit stated in the instructionsshould keep to the word limit stated in the instructions

If the task requires you to fill in If the task requires you to fill in forms, notes, tables, or forms, notes, tables, or flowchartsflowcharts, some words may be omitted when they are not , some words may be omitted when they are not necessary for the meaningnecessary for the meaning

If the task requires you to complete a summary, you must be If the task requires you to complete a summary, you must be grammatically correctgrammatically correct

Task Type 1 Example: Summary Task Type 1 Example: Summary CompletionCompletion

Complete the summary below using words from the box. Complete the summary below using words from the box.

The island consists of a coastal plain with The island consists of a coastal plain with 11 ................................ in the ................................ in the North. There are many North. There are many 22 ................................ on the coastal plain, where ................................ on the coastal plain, where 33 ................................ is grown. However, this region also suffers from ................................ is grown. However, this region also suffers from occasional occasional 44 ................................ The capital city was originally in the ................................ The capital city was originally in the North, but it was completely destroyed by North, but it was completely destroyed by 55 ................................. in the ................................. in the nineteenth century.nineteenth century.

earthquakes farms floodsfruit jungle mountainsrice towns villages

Task Type 1 Example: Table Task Type 1 Example: Table CompletionCompletion

Complete the table below. Write Complete the table below. Write NO MORE THAN NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBERTHREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each for each answer.answer.

ActivityActivity People involvedPeople involved Time spent per Time spent per weekweek

ProblemsProblems

CookingCooking 11.............................................. 15 hours15 hours lack of lack of 22..............................................

CleaningCleaning Sue and SteveSue and Steve 33.............................................. no electricityno electricity

44 ....................... ....................... AlanisAlanis 6 hours6 hours 55 ....................... .......................

Task Type 2: Multiple ChoiceTask Type 2: Multiple Choice Choose the correct answer: A, B, or CChoose the correct answer: A, B, or C Questions may involve sentence completion (stem Questions may involve sentence completion (stem

sentences) or it could be worded as a complete question sentences) or it could be worded as a complete question (and you have to choose the best option which answers it)(and you have to choose the best option which answers it)

Sometimes you are given a longer list of possible answers Sometimes you are given a longer list of possible answers and you have to choose more than one answer, so you and you have to choose more than one answer, so you should read the question carefully to check how many should read the question carefully to check how many answers are requiredanswers are required

Skills that are being testedSkills that are being tested: : Detailed understanding of specific pointsDetailed understanding of specific points Overall understanding of the main pointsOverall understanding of the main points

Task Type 2: ExamplesTask Type 2: ExamplesChoose the correct letterChoose the correct letter, , AA,, B B or or CC..11  Paul and Jill decide to travel by  Paul and Jill decide to travel by

A A taxitaxiBB busbusCC traintrain

Choose Choose TWOTWO letters letters A-EA-E..11  Which  Which TWOTWO hotel facilities are inspected? hotel facilities are inspected?

AA bathroomsbathroomsBB bedrooms bedrooms CC dining roomdining roomDD kitchen kitchen EE receptionreception

Task Type 3: Short-Answer Task Type 3: Short-Answer QuestionsQuestions

Write a short answer using information from the listening Write a short answer using information from the listening texttext

There is a given word limit, usually no more than three There is a given word limit, usually no more than three words and/or a numberwords and/or a number

Sometimes you are given a question which asks you to Sometimes you are given a question which asks you to list two or three pointslist two or three points

Do not write more than the stated number of words; you Do not write more than the stated number of words; you will lose the mark even if your answer includes the will lose the mark even if your answer includes the correct word/scorrect word/s

Hyphenated words count as single wordsHyphenated words count as single words Check instructions carefully!!!Check instructions carefully!!!

Task Type 3: ExamplesTask Type 3: ExamplesWrite Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBERNO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each for each

answer.answer.

11 In which newspaper did Ahmed see the In which newspaper did Ahmed see the advertisement? .....................................advertisement? .....................................22 At what time did he arrive at the theatre? At what time did he arrive at the theatre? ..........................................................................

List List THREETHREE things which Carla wants to buy in the department things which Carla wants to buy in the department store. Write store. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDSNO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. for each answer.11..........................................................................

22..........................................................................

33..........................................................................

Task Type 4: Sentence CompletionTask Type 4: Sentence Completion You will read a set of sentences summarizing key You will read a set of sentences summarizing key

information from all or part of the listening textinformation from all or part of the listening text Complete a gap in each sentence using information from the Complete a gap in each sentence using information from the

listening textlistening text Usually, you are to write no more than three words and/or a Usually, you are to write no more than three words and/or a

numbernumber Words should be taken directly from the listening text and Words should be taken directly from the listening text and

written on the questionnaire (to be transferred later)written on the questionnaire (to be transferred later) Do not write more than the number of words asked forDo not write more than the number of words asked for Hyphenated words count as single wordsHyphenated words count as single words

Task Type 4: ExampleTask Type 4: ExampleWrite Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDSNO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for for

each answer.each answer.

11 Hume was one of the first philosophers to Hume was one of the first philosophers to question the question the ......................................................................................................................................

22 Hume’s philosophical works were Hume’s philosophical works were particularly influential in particularly influential in ................................................................... in ................................................................... in the late 19th century.the late 19th century.

Task Type 5: Labeling a Diagram / Task Type 5: Labeling a Diagram / Plan / MapPlan / Map

You have to complete labels on a visualYou have to complete labels on a visual The answers are usually selected from a list The answers are usually selected from a list

on the questionnaireon the questionnaire The visual may be a:The visual may be a:

diagram (e.g. a piece of equipment) diagram (e.g. a piece of equipment) set of pictures set of pictures plan (e.g. of a building) plan (e.g. of a building) map (e.g. of part of a town) map (e.g. of part of a town)

Task Type 5: ExampleTask Type 5: Example

Choose Choose FOURFOUR answers from the box and write the answers from the box and write the correct lettercorrect letter A-G A-G next to questions 11-14. next to questions 11-14.

AA  bank  bankBB  block of flats  block of flatsCC  dentist  dentistDD  flower shop  flower shopEE  garage  garageFF  Post Office  Post OfficeGG  school  school

Task Type 6: ClassificationTask Type 6: Classification

You have to match a numbered list of items You have to match a numbered list of items from the listening text to a set of criteria from the listening text to a set of criteria

Skills that are being testedSkills that are being tested: : Ability to recognize relationships and Ability to recognize relationships and

connections between facts in the listening connections between facts in the listening texttext

Ability to listen for detailAbility to listen for detail

Task Type 6: ExampleTask Type 6: Example

When did the following take place?When did the following take place?AA in the early 17th century in the early 17th century BB in the late 17th century in the late 17th century CC in the early 18th centuryin the early 18th century

Write the correct letter, Write the correct letter, A, B,A, B, or or CC next to questions 1-4. next to questions 1-4.11 increases in unemployment increases in unemployment ........................2 2 mass migrations mass migrations ........................33 educational reformseducational reforms ........................44 frequent changes of governmentfrequent changes of government ........................

Task Type 7: Matching: ExampleTask Type 7: Matching: ExampleWhat does the lecturer say about each book?What does the lecturer say about each book?Choose your answers from the box and write the correct letter Choose your answers from the box and write the correct letter A-HA-H next to questions next to questions

1-4.1-4.

11 Basics in Economics (Basics in Economics (Bryson & SparkBryson & Spark)) ..............................22 An Introduction to Economic Analysis (An Introduction to Economic Analysis (KettleKettle)) ..............................33 Economics in Action (Economics in Action (FodorFodor) ) ..............................44 Economics Today (Economics Today (Smith & WylerSmith & Wyler) ) ..............................

A  confusingB  detailedC  expensiveD  good exam preparationE  needs updatingF  oversimplifiedG  useful problemsH  well illustrated

IELTS – LISTENING IELTS – LISTENING (Dos and DON’Ts)(Dos and DON’Ts)

DOsDOs Listen carefully to the introduction to each section. Listen carefully to the introduction to each section.

This will give you useful information about the This will give you useful information about the situation and the speakers.situation and the speakers.

Use the time (at the beginning of each section and in Use the time (at the beginning of each section and in the middle of Sections 1 – 3) to look through the the middle of Sections 1 – 3) to look through the questions and think about the topicquestions and think about the topic

Read the instructions for each task carefullyRead the instructions for each task carefully Check the maximum number of words allowedCheck the maximum number of words allowed Write all your answers as you listen because you won’t Write all your answers as you listen because you won’t

hear the recording a second timehear the recording a second time

Dos (cont’d)Dos (cont’d) Check that what you write makes sense in the contextCheck that what you write makes sense in the context Answer all the questions even if you don’t feel sure Answer all the questions even if you don’t feel sure

about an answerabout an answer Wait until the end of the test to transfer your Wait until the end of the test to transfer your

answers. You have plenty of time (10 minutes) to answers. You have plenty of time (10 minutes) to transfer answers.transfer answers.

Write clearly when you transfer your answers. If an Write clearly when you transfer your answers. If an answer isn’t clear on your answer sheet, you will lose answer isn’t clear on your answer sheet, you will lose the mark.the mark.

Check your spelling (and grammar where necessary) Check your spelling (and grammar where necessary)

DON’TsDON’Ts Don't worry if you have to cross out or change an answerDon't worry if you have to cross out or change an answer Don't panic if you miss one question. Look ahead and Don't panic if you miss one question. Look ahead and

concentrate on the next one.concentrate on the next one. Don't try to rephrase what you hear. Write down the Don't try to rephrase what you hear. Write down the

words you hear which fit the question.words you hear which fit the question. Don’t write more than the maximum number of words or Don’t write more than the maximum number of words or

letters allowed for each answerletters allowed for each answer Don’t copy any words that were printed on the Don’t copy any words that were printed on the

questionnaire when you transfer your answers to the questionnaire when you transfer your answers to the Answer SheetAnswer Sheet

THE ENDTHE END