Listening tips ✨
It is the easiest section in the entire test, and it’s easier to improve than you think!
For those who are just starting:
Stop watching content in your language.
Switch.
I said what I said, and that would be enough for you to upgrade to the next level.
Everything you listen to - news, entertainment, reels, TikToks, vlogs, podcasts - must be in English.
When I just started learning English/going to IELTS classes, I created a strict rule for myself: anything I listen to must be in English. That meant no more Russian content.
And it would be nice for you to do the same.
It will be terribly uncomfortable, but that’s where the growth will happen!
So…
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• Subtitles are important!
Many students think it is better to listen to something without subtitles (as though they are for the “weak”), but that’s completely the opposite! I always had my subtitles on, no matter what. They help you target multiple areas at once (spelling -you see how to write words correctly, and you learn new vocabulary in context, which makes it more memorable). Doesn’t it sound exciting?
Here’s a nice method you can try:
Choose a short video (even if it feels a bit difficult) around 4–5 minutes long.
•Watch it several times with subtitles, and pay attention to the words, expressions, and sentence structure
•On your final watch, turn the subtitles off and see how much you understand
That’s how you train your brain to process speech naturally.
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• For those taking the test soon:
Concentration is your EVERYTHING. (Prioritize it)
I could’ve gotten a 7.0 in my test if I wasn’t focused. The smartest person out there can miss the important part and not get a high score.
If you miss one, don’t overthink -just go to the next question, or else you’ll miss everything else while you’re silently scolding yourself!
• Always PREDICT
It’s easy to guess the answer, actually. Develop a habit of always imagining what the speech will sound like, and make your own version of it.
(Obviously, you won’t do that on test day, but as you practice, you’ll get used to predicting without thinking much.)
And you’ll be surprised how many times you’ll guess it right.
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Spelling is often overlooked
That’s why I said: don’t turn off subtitles. You listen, you read, you see.
It becomes second nature for you to spell words correctly!
I’ve never had problems with spelling myself (except barbecue and barbeque 😂), so I know what I’m talking about.
