Do you trust the answers you read on IELTS forums?
If you haven’t taken IELTS before, you might not know what questions to ask!
Reading IELTS forums can help you see what questions other students are asking.
But can you trust the answers posted there?
Today we’ll answer 3 questions we saw recently on IELTS forums.
This way, you’ll know you can trust the answers.
Should you skip ahead?
#1: Can we move forward to the next questions if we want to see them in IELTS listening? Even if they belong to a different audio recording
- Paper exam: You can look ahead at the entire book
- Computer exam: you can click on question numbers at the bottom of the screen to move between questions within the same section
Regarding the audio controls, you cannot skip ahead in the audio or pause it.
Should you move forward to the next questions?
Don’t skip ahead before you’re supposed to.
Do not to jump ahead to future sections before the recording prompts you.
There is not enough time after the audio ends to read ahead.
Take those few seconds to make sure you answered each question, check your spelling and capitalization, and make sure the grammar is correct.
When the audio prompts you, move to the next section.
You should also not read future questions if you finish reading the questions for one section and still have time.
For example, don’t read the questions for section 4 while waiting for section 3 to begin.
This can confuse you and cause you to lose your place, which can hurt your performance.
What should you do in that time?
Use the 30 seconds of time before the audio starts strategically.
Underline key words, think about what type of answers might fit, and make predictions about what words or information the speaker might say next.
This helps “train” your brain to listen for the right information once the recording starts.
How will the audio be played?
#2: If anyone could tell me how the listening module is conducted for British Council, I will be extremely grateful. Will we have headphones or will it be played on a speaker?
- Computer-Delivered Test: Headphones are always provided.
- Paper-Based Test: While headphones are common, some centers still use speakers. It is recommended to check with your specific test center to confirm their setup.
Regarding testing equipment, before the test starts, you will have 5–10 minutes to test the headphones.
At that time, you can make necessary volume adjustments.
Test takers are usually not permitted to bring their own headphones.
If, however, you have hearing difficulties or require a specific type of hearing aid or amplification, you should inform the test center at least six weeks prior to the test.
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Speed of audio
#3: I can’t understand the IELTS Listening clearly. They always read too fast!
We have 3 tips to help you understand the IELTS audio.
1. Focus on keywords, not every word
You’re not expected to understand every single word.
Listen for the following:
- nouns
- numbers
- names
- places
- verbs
These give meaning and hold key information.
Example: If the question asks “What time does the class start?”, you predicted that you need a number for time so that is the keyword to listen for.
Your goal should be to get used to catching key words under pressure, not understanding every single word.
2. Train with faster audio.
When you first start studying for IELTS, you may be slowing down audio as you build listening comprehension.
Closer to your test date, practice listening at faster speeds (e.g., 1.25x or 1.5x)
3. Listen to different accents
IELTS Listening can be in any English accent.
You must familiarize yourself with different accents in English so you understand them.
- American
- UK
- Australian
You should read the questions and make predictions so you can listen for key information.
Takeaway
IELTS forums are a great place to see the types of questions you should be asking.
However, you can’t always trust the answers you find there!
To get everything you need to know about IELTS, sign up for our online course!
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