How to prepare for university studies IELTS listening

What did she just say? Oh no, I totally missed that!Does this sound like you? Do you need to improve your score on the IELTS listening test? If you said yes, then this blog is for you. Below are eight ways to improve your listening skills.

1. No Surprises: Know the Test

As you might already know, allIELTS listening testsare the same. They are the same format. They are thirty minutes long. The academic and general tests are exactly the same. In terms of each part of the test, check the table below:

2. YOLO![YouOnlyListenOnce]

Its like real life.You only have one chance to listen. Many of us would love the chance to listen again, but IELTS wont give you that. Here are a few tips to doing well with just one listening:

• When you dopractice tests, only listen once. Get used to it.
• Try and identify your listening weaknesses and work on improving those areas.
• On the question sheet, underline key words. Prepare to listen for those exact words and their synonyms.
• Practice different types of listening situations [lectures, conversations, chatting, etc].

3. Follow Your Heart

When practicing, choose interesting topics. Interesting for YOU. If you love professional tennis, listen to podcasts aboutprofessional tennis. If you love Roman history, listen to stories aboutRoman history. It is well known that we listen better to things we want to or enjoy hearing. If you really want to motivate yourself and get the best out of each and every listening practice, try this approach. You might even have fun doing it!

4. Audio Scripts

When choosing or searching forpractice tests, try and find ones with scripts. Scripts are the word-for-word written texts of the audio you listen to. There are many activities you can do with scripts. Here are a few:

• Accuracy check:First take notes without scripts. After that, compare your notes to the script. Check for accuracy, spelling, and misunderstanding.
• Read aloud:After you read aloud, listen to the audio. How accurate were you? Did you sound the same as the speaker[s]?
• Listen and read along:Follow the text while you listen. This will make strong connections for you in respect to pronunciation and understanding key words. Notice how the keywords are pronounced clearer and louder.

5.Synonyms

Have you tried anIELTS preparation class? If yes, you probably know thatsynonymsare important in all parts of the exam. In the speaking and writing exam, you have to show you know how to use synonyms. In the reading and listening exam, many of the questions use synonyms in the questions. For example:

Listening text: Duchess, who is the onlyKings daughter...

Listening test question:

1. 
   Who is theprincess?

1. Duchess
2. Duke
3. Not given

6.Get Real Real Life Listening

English isnt just a test. It is a language. IELTS tests you on your knowledge and skill of this language. One of the best ways to learn a language well and to do well on the test is to use English in real life. Every day you dont have a conversation is a missed opportunity. So next chance you have chat, text, call, email, discuss, and laugh in English!

7. Check It Twice, Be Precise!

Little mistakes can count big. A few silly mistakes can be the difference betweenscoring a 5.5 and a 6.The following are just a few examples of how small errors can cost you:

8.Think In English

Many language experts agree about one key rule.Thinking in a specific language helps you learn that language. Many students of English often try and translate everything in their heads.

Dont do it.

Translating has two main problems. First, it is slower. Second, you rememberyourlanguage and forget the English.

On the listening exam you wont have time to translate. Also, youll have to remember key English words. So, when youre practicing English think in English!

By Tony Rusinak

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