Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will take a look at the 5 main listening skills you need to have to be successful in the IELTS Listening Test.
It’s a wonderful idea for you to not only practice with IELTS Listening Tests online but also to listen to talks, podcasts, audiobooks, documentaries, tv shows, the news and movies. Listening to something that you are interested in during your preparation will make you enjoy it more! This will not only help you to develop your listening skills but also to improve your use of general English. Non-native speakers often develop their language skills by watching TV shows or movies. For more academic content, listening to TED Talks or TED-Ed is a great way to listen to different accents and test your listening abilities.
Take a look at the skills needed in this post and practice using the exercises, see how much information you can focus on and how much of it you can understand. There are multiple-choice questions for most of the videos if you visit the TEd-Ed website. Links are underneath each section.
1. Prediction
During your IELTS Listening test preparation, you should aim to practice predicting the answers before you start listening to the recording. Read through the questions and think about the context, what is the main subject? A teacher talking to students? Are the students asking for essay feedback? Get an idea of what the main subject is before you start to listen so that you know what you are listening out for.
Predicting is an important skill to have, it helps you to foresee the content and this makes it easier to understand the speaker.
TIP >> Practice with IELTS test papers and also with talks from TED-Ed, where you can practice predicting answers with multiple-choice questions.
Listen to the talk below from TED-Ed, and answer these questions: Visit the website for multiple-choice questions.
How do kidney stones grow in the first place?
Why are they so painful to get out?
2. Take Short Notes
Taking short notes during your listening practice will help you to determine the right answers. In the test, you are allowed to make notes on the exam paper, so it makes sense to do this during your preparation too. It is particularly useful in the maps, plans and diagrams questions, where you may need to draw lines after listening to directions.
TIP: Listen to a talk/lecture and make short notes on the content.
Listen to the talk below from TED-Ed, and make short notes to answer this question: Visit the website for multiple-choice questions.
How can various compounds impact the way we physically feel, think, and even behave?
3. Synonyms and Paraphrasing
Being able to paraphrase and recognise paraphrasing is also very important. Many of the speakers will paraphrase – the questions may paraphrase using different words with the same meaning (synonyms). Always read the questions before you start listening to the recording.
TIP: Practice by listening to a talk/lecture and writing down any vocabulary you do not know. Then look up the words and keep a note of the meaning. Keeping a vocabulary notebook is a great idea, to help you to learn new words.
Listen to the talk below from TED-Ed, and make a note of any words you do not know, look for the meaning of the words and check for synonyms in a thesaurus. Visit the website for multiple-choice questions.
4. Recognising Sequencing
When you hear someone talking through a process or a lecture they are about to give, they will most likely use sequencing, for example, words like; first of all, secondly, next, after that and finally. When you hear these words you know where you are in the talk and what the speaker is going to say next. It will make it much easier for you to find your answers in the recording if you can recognise the sequence of events.
TIP: Listen out for the language of sequencing when you listen to a talk/lecture.
Listen to the talk below from TED-Ed, and make a note of the sequencing words used. Visit the website for multiple-choice questions.
How does the speaker talk you through the process?
Do they sign post certain steps with words you recognise?
5. Understanding Opinion and Attitude
You should be able to understand how the speaker feels or thinks about a subject. For example, in a talk about travelling, you may hear views on certain places and how they feel when going there. This can help you to understand how they explain their opinions and views through the language they use.
TIP: Listen to a talk/lecture and think about how the speaker is thinking and feeling. Make notes and consider the vocabulary they are using.
Listen to the talk below from TED Talks, and see if you can answer the questions below;
How does the speaker feel about allowing children to be creative in school?
How does he share his opinion on the subject?
What vocabulary does he use to give his opinion? I think…. / In my view etc
How does the speaker support his opinions? with examples?
What kind of examples does he share?
What is his overall attitude to the education system?
Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to follow a lecture or talkin the listening test.
The questions in the IELTS Listening Test will ask you to focus on the key points given by the speakers, so it is important for you to practice identifying the key points in a talk or lecture.
Exercise 1
Listen to the TED Talk below and answer the following questions >>
What are the key points?
Which of the following describes the main topic of the talk?
Explaining how the refugee crisis is growing
Describing how the refugee crisis is slowing down
How to rebuild places that have been destroyed by war
Answers are at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 2
You may be asked to complete a summary in the listening paper that summarises the content of the talk or lecture you have heard.
Listen to the lecture below (only once), then complete the summary >>
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer
Summary
Lead was used for years in many household items including 1. ………………………… It can cause many health issues including rashes, abdominal pains and 2. ………………………… The effects of this can be really serious in young children, as their brains are constantly growing at a fast rate. For them, it can cause 3. …………………………….. memory loss and behavioural issues. Lead can block chemical signals and weaken 4. …………………………………
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 3
Listen to the TED Talk below and answer the following questions >>
What is the purpose of the talk?
What illness did the speaker have?
How did she feel?
What was the name of her nurse?
What did the nurse believe?
What did they talk about?
How long did the speaker spend documenting nurses for her book?
What were the issues she looked at?
Who was the first nurse she met?
What did the Native American patient bring to the ICU?
Who was the second nurse?
Who was the third?
Where was he a nurse?
He is both a nurse and a _____?
Who is the fourth nurse she met?
What did she do to introduce therapy to her patients?
Answers at the bottom of the page.
REVIEW AND STRATEGY
TIP >> It is important that you read the questions and familiarise yourself with the content you are looking at before you start listening.
TIP >> Listen out for the speaker introducing themselves and the talk, this might help you to follow the information and focus.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Make short notes during the talk when listening for specific information.
Answers >>
Exercise 1
Key Points
The refugee crisis is growing.
The refugee children want to have an education.
Individual stories from refugees – are the examples given to support the seriousness of this crisis.
The public should invest in the future of refugees, with skills and education.
Main topic = Explaining how the refugee crisis is growing
Exercise 2
1. paint
2. anemia
3. headaches
4. neurones
Exercise 3
1. To give acknowledge and give credit to nurses
2. Breast cancer
3. Terrified and scared.
4. Joanne Staha
5. That her life will be back to normal again
6. They talked about her boyfriends, the plan to look for an apartment in New York and her reaction to chemotherapy
7. 5 years
8. Public health issues; ageing, wars, poverty and prisons
9. Bridget Kumbella
10. Bunch of feathers
11. Jason Short
12. Brian Mcmillion
13. Germany
14. Soldier
15. Sister Stephen
16. Baby animals like baby ducks and baby lambs.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at plansin the listening test.
Students will have to understand a description of a place and follow directions. You will probably be familiar with some of these plans, as you see them when you visit galleries, museums and other places like schools.
In section 2 you will probably hear a person talking about a topic that is not academic. It is usually someone talking about an event or showing them around a building.
The plans below are a bit more complex than those that you will see in the IELTS Listening Test. When you listen to the recording during the test, look out for the language of location. For example, next to, near, opposite, in front of etc.
TIP >> During the test make notes and/or mark the way on the question paper before transferring your answers at the end.
TIP >> Make sure you spell your answers correctly.
Question Example
Label the plan below.
Choose EIGHT answers from the box and write the correct letters A-I next to questions 11-15.
The Language of Location
To understand the description of a plan and to locate certain places you need to understand the language of location.
You should also be familiar with prepositions of place, such as in, at, on, by, next to, beside, near, between, among, behind, in front of, under, below, over, above, across, through, to, into, towards, onto and from.
For example, if we look at the plan above;
Gallery 1 is next to gallery 2.
Gallery 2 is beside gallery 3.
Gallery 6 is in front of gallery 7.
Labelling A Plan
In order to be able to label a plan, you must listen for a description or directions on the recording. You will most likely hear a person describing a plan or showing people around somewhere. You may be given a list of possible answers in a box or not.
The information you hear will be in the same order as the recording. You should study the plan carefully before listening so that you have an idea of where the options may be.
TIP >> You can cross out any options that you think are wrong and if you can’t decide between two answers, write both down and make a choice later.
Question Example
Label the plan.
Write the correct letter. A-E, next to questions 11-15.
Distractors
A distractor is when you are given information that is wrong. This can lead you to choose the incorrect answer. They are common in the IELTS Listening tests, as they test your ability to choose the right information for the answers, by ignoring the wrong information.
The distractors will try to trick you into selecting the wrong answer, so you must listen carefully for specific information.
The distractors for this type of task might be more rooms etc on the plan or extra options in the list of possible answers.
Paraphrasing
The questions will paraphrase the information from the recording, or a speaker in the recording may paraphrase, so you will have to use your knowledge of synonyms, noticing any keywords and terms. Recognising and using synonyms shows the examiner that you have good vocabulary knowledge. Paraphrasing is a skill that is needed in all parts of the test.
Review And Strategy
TIP >> The plans, maps and diagrams questions do not follow the order that you hear the information in the recording. Therefore it is important that you read the questions and familiarise yourself with the plan or map you are looking at before you start listening.
TIP >> Study the map and see where things are before listening to the recording. Marks can be lost if you do not do this and read the questions properly.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Make notes on the paper and draw lines to destinations etc. This may help you to locate information.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at short answer questions in the listening test.
Short answer questions in the listening test, will require you to write no more than a set number of words and/or numbers. You will probably be given a limit, for example, ‘No more than two words and/or a number’. If you write more words than the instructions tell you to, your answer will be marked as incorrect.
The short answers only need keywords, meaning you will not be able to write a sentence. These questions are there to see how well you can find specific information and be able to recognise when some information is not needed.
It is really important that you read the instructions of the questions carefully, often when people do not read them and follow them correctly they lose marks. When you are asked to complete questions, you will also be enlightened as to what information you can put into the gaps.
Being able to provide accurate short answers in the listening test is really important in order for you to gain a high score.
For example, you may be asked to:
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer
If your answer does not follow the instructions given, it will be marked as incorrect.
In the IELTS listening test, you must listen for specific information and be able to recognise when some information is not needed.
Exercise 1
Look at the text below and provide an answer that is NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Question – What did Segovia influence?
Spain will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the destination of my first international trip, and where I studied Spanish abroad and started to discover how much excitement the world had to offer.
My favourite part of that first trip was being able to explore smaller cities and towns in Spain that I wouldn’t have known about prior, and that is somewhat off the tourist path. I spent a month in Spain that summer, living in Salamanca and El Puerto de Santa Maria, and exploring the surrounding regions.
From Madrid, you can get to the city of Segovia in less than thirty minutes on the high-speed train, and I recommend getting out there. Famous for its Acazar and Roman aqueduct, Segovia is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One thing that I found interesting about Segovia is that it’s said that Walt Disney drew inspiration from the majestic Acazar for the iconic Cinderella’s castle.
Answer at the bottom of the page.
Distractors
A distractor is when you are given information that is wrong. This can lead you to choose the incorrect answer. They are common in the IELTS Listening tests, as they test your ability to choose the right information for the answers, by ignoring the wrong information. The distractors will try to trick you into selecting the wrong answer, so you must listen carefully for specific information.
Exercise 2
Listen to the following sound clip which contains a number of distractors. Before you listen, take a look at the questions and think about the context. What words or phrases would you expect to hear? Can you predict?
Question
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
1. What does he divide the meat into? ………………………..
2. What does he marinate the burgers with? ……………………………
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Practice Short Answer Questions
The IELTS listening test will allow you some time to read the questions before you listen to the recording. For the short answer questions, you should read the questions before you start and try to predict the answers, or what type of word would be appropriate for the answer.
Exercise 3
Read the following questions before listening to the sound clip.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER to answer.
1. According to the author, what does she say about writing another Harry Potter novel? …………………………….
2. The author doesn’t want to write which book? ……………………………………..
3. Was Harry Potter one of the bestselling book series in? …………………………………
4. What is the author worth financially? ……………………………………
5. How does the author help children around the world? ……………………………………….
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 4
Short answer questions can be presented in other ways, for example asking you to listen to a recording and choose options.
Read the following questions before listening to the sound clip.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER to answer.
1. What does the student need to improve?
A. ………………………….
B. ………………………….
2. What are the writer’s obligations to their readers?
A. ………………………….
B. ………………………….
Answers at the bottom of the page.
REVIEW AND STRATEGY
TIP >> Read the instructions and questions before you start listening to the recording. What are you being asked to do? Familiarise yourself with the questions and think about the context.
TIP >> Look at the questions/options you have been given and highlight any keywords.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Be aware of paraphrasing and synonyms.
TIP >> If you do miss an answer or were not sure, then it is ok to take a guess. This is better than leaving a blank space and you never know, you might answer correctly!
Answers >>
Exercise 1
Cinderella’s Castle
Exercise 2
1. 200g
2. Mustard
Exercise 3
1. Never say never
2. Harry Potter 8
3. History
4. 1 billion dollars
5. Through charity work
Exercise 4
1. A – clear development / B – first sentence
2. A – Readership / B – Thesis
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In the IELTS listening test, you may have to complete a flowchart, table, notes, a summary or a form. In this post, we will look at how you should answer these types of questions in more detail.
It is really important that you read the instructions of the questions carefully, often when people do not read them and follow them correctly they lose marks. When you are asked to complete questions, you will also be enlightened as to what information you can put into the gaps.
For example, you may be asked to:
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer
If your answer does not follow the instructions given, it will be marked as incorrect.
Lexical Resource
As the answers require you to follow strict instructions about how many words or numbers you can use in your answers, you may need to change the verbs to nouns, nouns to verbs or verb-adverb combinations to other words.
For example;
Once the ingredients had been added the mixture was pliable.
When you add the ingredients you will see the mixture start to change.
After adding the two main ingredients, the mixture was ready to be stirred.
Each example gives you the same idea, using different words. The listening test will test your ability to use language to show your understanding.
You must also be aware of synonyms and paraphrasing, as the words used in the listening test may say for example ‘travel’ and on the paper say ‘excursion’.
Completing A Flowchart
You may see a flowchart that requires you to listen to the recording and then fill in the missing words.
Look at the flowchart below, would you be able to guess the missing words before listening to the recording?
Example Flowchart Question
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Notes
Notes are often numbered or organised with bullet points. They may also be organised by heading and subheading followed by the organised information.
You would hear information that will allow you to complete the notes by filling in the missing information.
Example Notes Question
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
History of The Acropolis
The Beginning
A temple to the goddess 31. …………………………
A symbol of culture and 32. ……………………………………..
Aesthetics
Full of decoration, the Parthenon was home to a detailed 33. ……………………………. above the columns.
The Parthenon had been built for 34. ……………………… years.
Under Attack
The Parthenon was attacked during 35. …………………….
Later on, Lord Elgin wanted to remove the 36. ………………………………….. and take them to England.
Completing A Table
You may be asked to complete a table, with gaps for you to complete. The headings in the table will tell you the type of information you will hear and need to listen for. You may have a gap fill table or a task to complete a table with a list of words in a box to choose from.
To complete a table you will need to write words that you hear in the recording during the test. You will be given a number of words and/or numbers to write in the instructions.
Example Table Question
You would hear information during the test that will allow you to complete the table by filling in the missing words/numbers.
Complete Questions 5-8.
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER.
Trains To Berwick
Completing A Summary
Summaries are seen often, from recommending a book, movie or even a restaurant, we summarise the events. When you see a summary question in the listening test, it will look similar to other summary exercises you have seen, including gap-fill questions. The summary answers do require you to show that your answers are grammatically correct.
You will hear information that will allow you to complete the summary by filling in the missing information.
Before listening to the sound clip you should read through the paragraph and try to predict the word that would be suitable for each gap.
Example Summary Question
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
How To Write A Speech
This is the second most important thing you need to do when you are creating your speech. The first thing you should do is understand what your 37. …………………………….. will be. How do you plan on getting people’s attention? You need to think of something that will link to the 38. ……………. this is the idea that you are trying to sell or the point you are making to your audience. The next thing you need to include is the 39. ……………………….. this would be the main points you are getting across. Next, you would have a call to action, telling them what you want them to do. Finally, you will 40. …………………………. and link this back to the opening.
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Completing A Form
You have probably filled out many forms during your life, for courses, official documents or job applications. In the listening test, you may see a form with missing information, which includes names, dates and numbers.
You would hear information in the test that will allow you to complete the form by filling in the missing information.
Before listening to the sound clip during the test you should read through the form and try to predict the word that would be suitable for each gap.
REVIEW AND STRATEGY
TIP >> Read the instructions and questions before you start listening to the recording. What are you being asked to do? Familiarise yourself with the questions and think about the context.
TIP >> Look at the information/options you have been given and highlight any keywords.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Be aware of paraphrasing and synonyms.
TIP >> If you do miss an answer or were not sure, then it is ok to take a guess. This is better than leaving a blank space and you never know, you might answer correctly!
Answers >>
Flowchart Answers >>
B – cornstarch
C – smooth
D – slime
E – solid
F – liquid
Notes Answers >>
31. Athena
32. refinement
33. frieze
34. 2000
35. 1687
36. marble friezes
Summary Answers >>
37. opening
38. premise
39. body
40. close
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
