Listening is a skill that is only developed through patience and the maturity to understand people. In the IELTS Listening module, you will hear a set of four recordings. Each recording will be on a separate topic and remaining attentive while listening to each one of them becomes very important.
It can get tricky because the speaker will discuss certain facts and then change those facts to something else altogether. You should watch out for such traps and only pay attention to details that are relevant.
Let us address 5 common blunders that students are most likely to commit while attempting the IELTS Listening test below.
GETTING DISTRACTED EASILY
Some people get distracted easily. This most often happens when people have a short attention span and are unable to focus on something for longer periods.
You must remember that while listening, you will get to hear the audio clip only once.
Do not leave any question unanswered as there is no negative marking. You can avoid this problem by getting into the practice of listening to recordings or podcasts and then writing them down later. That way, you will know just how accurately you have picked up information.
WRITING WHILE LISTENING TO THE AUDIO
Do not attempt to write while you’re listening to the audio. This will only serve as a deterrent and prevent you from accurately remembering the information. You get 10 extra minutes to transfer your answers into the response sheet and so, use that time well.
If you try to do both together, you will end up messing both. Write down your answers once the recording is over.
NOT CHECKING FOR GRAMMATICAL ERRORS
Sometimes, you’re in a rush to just complete your paper and submit it well before time. Revising is crucial during an exam. It gives you scope to rectify any errors that you might have made. Spelling or grammatical mistakes need to be checked thoroughly before the final submission of your paper.
Remember to review the sheet once so that you do not lose out on points on account of a silly mistake.
PREDICTING ANSWERS ON YOUR OWN
This is one common mistake that people make while they’re listening to the audio. Before they get a chance to listen to the recording, they are already ready with their own answers inside their head. This is because most of us tend to be assumptive. Listen to the audio well and always hear every part of it so that you can avoid predicting answers.
Having an open and unbiased mind helps.
PRACTICE LISTENING BY HEARING JUST ONCE
Since you will get to listen to the audio just once, make a habit of practicing in this manner. Listen to a couple of podcasts and then answer a set of questions that you feel are relevant.
This will help build undivided attention and also warm you up before the main test.
Ace the listening test by keeping these simple pointers in mind!
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