Understanding Academic IELTS Listening To Achieve Band 9-Tips & Hacks

Achieving a band 9 in the IELTS Listening Test is considered one of the easiest tasks compared to other modules. To excel, it is essential to practice regularly by taking multiple listening tests, which will help you familiarise yourself with the Listening Test format. In this article, we will provide you with effective tips and strategies to master the IELTS listening test.

What is IELTS Academic Listening?

The IELTS Academic Listening test assesses your ability to understand spoken English in academic and everyday contexts. It comprises of 4 Sections with 40 questions and lasts for about 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes for transferring answers. You’ll listen to recorded conversations and monologues in various accents: British, Australian, Canadian and others.

Understanding IELTS Listening Test Format

It is vital to understand the test format before you begin your test practice. 

Section 1: Everyday Social Conversation

Section 2: Monologue on a Social Topic

Section 3: Conversation in an Academic Setting

Section 4: Academic Lecture

IELTS Listening Types of Questions with Tips and Hacks

There are various types of questions in IELTS Listening Test, which requires different techniques to answer them. 

Multiple Choice

1. Read all options carefully before listening.

2. Look for keywords and synonyms, as the exact words may not appear in the recording.

3. Eliminate wrong answers as you listen.

4. Beware of distractors because speaker might mention all options, but only one is correct.

Pro Tip: Watch for changes in tone or emphasis because they often indicate the correct answer.

Matching

1. Understand the categories before the recording starts.

2. Listen for synonyms or paraphrased phrases, not exact matches.

3. Keep track of speaker opinions, feelings, or preferences when matching.

4. Some options may be used more than once, or not at all, read instructions carefully.

Strategy: Create a quick shorthand for the options (e.g., A = "friendly", B = "strict") to save time.

Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling

1. Familiarise yourself with directional language: "turn left," "next to," "opposite," "behind,"forward.”

2. Quickly scan the map/plan before listening to understand the layout.

3. Focus on spatial relationships and visual cues.

4. The answers usually follow a logical order, so try to follow along visually as the speaker describes the space.

Useful Hack: Think like someone physically walking through the space.

Form/Note/Table/Summary Completion

1. Predict the type of word you need: noun, verb and number.

2. Check if the instruction says: "NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER".

3. Listen for signal words (e.g., “first,” “then,” “finally”), they help you follow the sequence.

4. Pay attention to grammatical accuracy, ensure your answer fits the sentence structure.

Common Pitfall: Writing down what you hear verbatim without checking grammar or context.

Sentence Completion

1. Focus on the sentence structure before listening.

2. Predict possible endings using context clues.

3. Listen for specific detail, especially adjectives or adverbs.

4. Be mindful of tense agreement and subject-verb consistency.

Grammar Alert: If the sentence reads “He ____ at 7 AM,” and the speaker says “He arrived at seven,” your answer should be "arrived", not “He arrived.”

Short-Answer Questions

1. Read the question to know what information is needed (e.g., date, name, location).

2. Answers are usually factual and directly stated in the recording.

3. Use the question stem to anticipate synonyms or rephrased ideas.

4. Don't exceed the word/number limit stated in the instructions.

Keep it Concise: If the instruction is “no more than TWO words and/or a number,” avoid adding extra words like “the” or “a.”

IELTS Listening General Tips

1. Improve IELTS Vocabulary-make a habit of learning topic-specific vocabulary for Education, Technology, Society, Business and others.

2. Read and Predict the Questions before Listening-you get 30 seconds before each section, use it wisely by skimming the questions, underlining the keywords and try to predict answer types (names, numbers and nouns).

3. Listen for Synonyms and Paraphrasing-the audio may not use the exact words in the questions. Practice identifying synonymous phrases and paraphrased ideas.

4. Avoid Spelling and Grammar Errors-Sometimes even if your answer is correct conceptually, spelling or grammar errors will cost marks. Practice listening and writing at the same time.

5. Listen to Various Accents-Use platforms like BBC, ABC Australia, and Canadian news sites to get comfortable with different English accents.

6. Practice with Time-Simulate test conditions with a strict timer and no pauses. You must build your concentration for 30 minutes straight to focus on the speaker to answer accurately. 

   
   

Acing the IELTS Academic Listening test requires consistency, smart practice, and mastering exam techniques. Use these proven IELTS Listening Tips and Hacks to boost your score quickly. 

To Practice IELTS Listening Test, Check the Link Below:

https://ielts.org/take-a-test#prepare-for-your-test

To Book IELTS Exam:

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/book

Check out our other blogs on IELTS Writing and Reading: https://www.cnl-uk.com/blog