How can you improve your IELTS listening practice and understand 100% of what you hear? Today, I’m going to share proven techniques that helped me develop my listening skills when I was learning English. I believe these methods were effective because when I took the exam for the first time, my overall score was 7.5, but my Listening score was 9.0! Let’s get started.
Listen, Read, Listen
One powerful method is what I call “Listen, Read, Listen.” Find a short English audio clip, around three minutes long, along with its transcript.
- First, listen to the recording once or twice and try to understand as much as possible.
- Then, read the transcript while listening again. This helps you match the spoken words with their written form. If you struggle with a section, pause, replay, and check unknown words in the dictionary.
- Finally, listen again without the transcript. If you still don’t understand a part, refer back to the transcript, review, and replay until everything is clear.
This method is excellent for improving comprehension and recognizing common IELTS listening test patterns.
What Should You do for IELTS listening Practice?
Using authentic IELTS materials is crucial for effective IELTS listening practice.
- The Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests include transcripts and official exam-style recordings.
- BBC Learning English’s YouTube channel offers a fantastic playlist with short, three-minute news clips, complete with subtitles.
- Coreskills listening mock test.
These resources provide exposure to different English accents and real-life conversations, preparing you for a range of IELTS listening challenges.
Play with Speed
Another effective technique is adjusting playback speed to train your ears.
- Start by listening to an audio at normal speed.
- Slow it down to 0.75x or 0.5x—this makes words clearer and easier to grasp.
- Once you’re comfortable, increase the speed to 1.25x or even 1.5x. It might sound too fast at first, but over time, you’ll find it much easier to catch details in natural speech.
This technique prepares you for native speakers who talk quickly, which is common in the IELTS listening test.
Make IELTS Listening Practice Part of Your Routine
How much time you spend listening to English daily plays a big role in your success. The best part? You can practice without changing your routine!
- During commutes – Listen to English audiobooks or podcasts.
- While cooking or cleaning – Play IELTS sample recordings or BBC news.
- Before bedtime – Wind down with an interesting English podcast or audiobook.
I personally use Audible to listen to books on the go. You can get one free audiobook when you sign up. If you cancel before the first payment, you still keep your free book. Try listening to a mix of entertaining novels and self-development books with British and American accents to boost your comprehension skills.
Final Thoughts on IELTS listening Practice
You might think, “This sounds like a lot of work,” but trust me, it’s worth it! The key to IELTS listening practice is consistency. Implement these techniques into your daily routine, and you’ll see steady improvement.
- Listen actively rather than passively.
- Use transcripts to support understanding.
- Expose yourself to various English accents.
- Incorporate listening into your daily routine.
With the right strategies, you can master IELTS listening and boost your score. Keep practicing, and soon, listening in English will feel completely natural. Happy learning and best of luck with your IELTS exam!
