IELTS Listening Section is the part which forcing us to be common with listening. The duration is 40 minutes, consists in 4 sections. Every section has 10 questions. There will be 30 minutes to answer the questions and 10 minutes to write down the answer into answer sheet. The recording will play once only, so we have to focus and ready to answer. The common mistake is being late to realize the correct answer or losing the right answer. The type of questions in this section always same: multiple choices, short answer, complete the sentence, and match the answer. 40 questions must be answered in this section; each of questions has 1 point. The total of correct answers will be divided 40 and then it is multiplied 9, the result is the band score that we get.

The strategies:

There are some strategies to answer IELTS Listening section, but it depends on the test takers themself. Here is some suggestions when facing Listening section.

1. It will be better if we can predict the script. In the introductory we have 2.5 minutes to listen to the guidance. We can use that time to read the questions and predict what will we listen.
2. We do not need to notice the instructions until we listen “Now we shall begin”.
3. We can use 1 minute which is allocated for checking the answer to predict the next questions.
4. Sometimes, we can predict the answer by reading the next questions.
5. Be careful to put the answer in the right place. Sometimes, we make mistake to put the answers in appropriate column.
6. If we lost one or some questions, usually we think hard to remember it. This will waste our time and probably we will lose our concentration. So, better we keep focus on the next questions.
7. Though grammar is important, there is no specific part of grammar in the Listening section.
8. Remember that sometimes we can not find the same sentence or same word between questions and answers.
9. Do not abbreviate the answer.
10. Usually the questions will be related to numbers and alphabet, we have to be accostumed with spelling the numbers and alphabet.
11. It is better to write down the answers in capital letters to avoid misunderstanding when the examiner checks our answer.
12. The last, practicing everyday is really important to improve our skill in listening. There are many ways to boost our ability in listening, for example by listening English songs, by watching English movies without subtitle, or by watching news channel such as BBC. Prepare yourself and do not be nervous in the IELTS Exam.