6 Ways to boost your IELTS Listening Band Score from 6 to 8 Band

Strategies to Ace the IELTS Listening Test

The IELTS Listening test can be challenging, but with the right strategies, achieving a high band score is possible. Let’s explore practical tips to enhance your performance and aim for a perfect Band 9 score.

Success in IELTS Listening lies in mastering time management, attentiveness, and overcoming distractions

Time Management: A Crucial Skill

One of the biggest challenges students face during the IELTS Listening test is managing time effectively. With limited time to review questions or write answers, making the most of every second is essential. Pay close attention to instructions like, “Now have some time to look at questions 20 to 24” or “Now you have half a minute to check your answers.” Efficient time management involves quickly understanding questions and knowing exactly what to listen for.

Staying Attentive Throughout

The difficulty of the IELTS Listening test tends to increase as you progress, but the examiner often provides clues to help you. Listen for keywords like “however,” “but,” or “finally,” which signal shifts in the conversation. Before each section, take note of the introduction, such as “Now, you’ll hear a chat between…” or “Now, you’ll hear a lecture on…” This preview gives context to the audio, making it easier to follow.

Avoiding Distractors

The test is designed to challenge your focus with distractors. For instance, one speaker might make a statement that another speaker corrects. It’s crucial to identify the accurate information and ignore misleading cues. Additionally, similar keywords used incorrectly can lead to mistakes if you’re not paying close attention. Practice recognizing these traps to ensure you select the correct answers.

Patience is Key

The audio is played only once, so it’s vital to stay calm and composed. Listen carefully to details like singular or plural forms and ensure your spellings are correct. If you miss a question, don’t panic—focus on the remaining ones and aim to answer them accurately. Patience can make all the difference in maintaining your focus throughout the test.

Following Instructions

Ignoring instructions can lead to losing marks, even if your answers are correct. Always adhere to the guidelines provided, as they dictate the format in which answers must be submitted. For example, if asked to write no more than two words, ensure you stick to this limit.

Accuracy in Spellings

Spellings are just as important as understanding the audio. For example, confusing “principal” with “principle” can cost you marks, even if your interpretation was correct. Familiarize yourself with commonly used words in the IELTS Listening test to avoid such errors.

How Many Questions Do You Need to Answer Correctly?

Each question in the IELTS Listening test carries one mark. Below is the band calculation based on your score:

Types of Questions in IELTS Listening

The IELTS Listening test includes various question types. Familiarize yourself with these to improve your chances of scoring higher:

• Form completion
• Note completion
• Summary completion
• Sentence completion
• Table completion
• Flow-chart completion
• Matching
• Multiple choice questions (MCQs)
• Map labeling
• Diagram labeling