Test Format & Prep Tips-Listening

Introduction to IELTS

Awards for Outstanding Performance in IELTS

Long-Term Study Plan

Short-Term Study Plan

Test Format & Prep Tips
– Listening
– Speaking
– Reading
– Writing

HKBU IELTS Prep Courses

HKBU IELTS Resources

IELTS Format – LISTENING MODULE

Test Format

  • 4 sections, 40 Questions (30 minutes)
  • Section 1 & 2 – Social needs
  • Sections 3 & 4 – Academic context
  • 2 x monologues, 2 x dialogues/group discussions (Various accents)

For further information on the contents of the Listening module, go to the CityU ELC IELTS site:

For other IELTS information, go to our HKBU SALL Resources on the Web IELTS page.

Examination Hints

In the examination:

  • Remember that in the exam, you only get a chance to hear the texts once only, so you really need to concentrate and follow the instructions closely.
  • There is a variety of listening materials given, e.g. different accents, monologues / group discussions, different kinds of settings. You need to be prepared for this and adjust to each different type of listening task as it is given.
  • Answer ALL questions. If you have missed an answer, don’t worry about it. Just continue listening and answering the rest of the questions. Then when you’ve finished listening, go back to any questions you have missed and guess the answers – there’s still a chance you might get it right!

Preparation Tips:

  • Make sure you use practice materials that have tapescripts, so you can check any answers you got wrong, or any new vocabulary you would like to learn.
  • Try to choose listening texts that have IELTS exam-style questions to answer while you are listening. Listen once only, check your answers, then if necessary, listen again and/or read the tapescript to find out where you went wrong.
  • Practise with a range of listening materials – don’t just stick to the same type of listening tasks. For example:

     – Different accents
     – Different situations, e.g. interviews, monologues, group discussions, etc.
     – Different media – CD’s, songs, TV, radio, etc.

 
 

HKBU IELTS Listening Resources

Computer programs in ‘Language Learning Oasis’(OEM707)
 Introductory information and exercises:
  • Study Skills Success (Listening module)
  • NetLanguages Online IELTS Course (Listening module)
  • Road to IELTS (select any topic and go to Listening)
 Introductory information and exercises:
  • Study Skills Success (Listening module)
  • Road to IELTS (select any topic and go to Listening)
 For extra practice:
  • Self-Access.com (follow the instructions to access the program and find the IELTS listening exercises)
 For extra practice:
  • Excel in Academic English (Go to Skills then Listening)

How long before you plan to sit IELTS?