Improve Your Ability to Listen | Ace the IELTS Listening Test

Ninan Lawrence Published:
September 14, 2023

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which was founded in 1989, is regarded as one of the most well-known English language tests worldwide. It is also the most widely taken language test in the world. The standardized test is designed for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language and is the ideal setting for individuals who want to migrate to Canada.

In terms of Canadian immigration, IELTS is the most widely taken test and is accepted by all provincial immigration authorities (PNPs) as well as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). To get a Canadian visa, a person must provide proof of their English language ability. The test has 4 sections Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This article discusses some techniques that you could use to improve your listening skills and obtain better scores.

3 keys to improve your listening skills

Each of the four parts of the IELTS Listening module comprises ten questions on subjects of “general interest.” The test taker must therefore answer 40 questions, each of which carries one mark. The Listening module must be completed in 40 minutes, with the audios taking up to 30 minutes. A 10-minute “transfer time” allotted for transferring the answers from the question paper to the answer sheet.

Key 1 | Pay attention to brief audios: use only part of the practice test! Instead, listen to the briefest segment of it (under two minutes). Or look for a Ted Ed or BBC One Minute World News video clip on YouTube. It should last not more than one to two minutes.

Key 2 | Repeatedly listen: the benefit of listening to something brief is that you can play it again repeatedly. Why? As time goes by, your ability to identify the same sounds will improve. As time goes on, you’ll start to recognize new words and sounds that you hear.

Key 3 | While you listen, write something: the IELTS listening test evaluates three skills: reading, writing, and listening. Read the questions carefully. Listen to the responses. And then write them. This implies that writing is something you should do while working on your listening skills. It will help you listen and write more effectively while concentrating your listening on a single task.

6 simple activities to improve your listening skills…!!

The following simple & easy-to-do activities can help you become a better listener:

List the keywords you hear,

After you have finished listening, note down a one-sentence summary. Then, after giving it another listen, expand on your synopsis,

As you listen, plan to write down any unfamiliar phrases you hear. Correct your spelling after looking them up in a dictionary,

Draw a picture of what they are discussing while you listen,

Write down the phrases “Where,” “When,” “Why,” “Who,” “How,” and “What,” and then try to respond as you listen,

Develop a mind map of the subject while you listen.

Contact us if you need help from our language experts. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.