The skill of making predictions is ignored by many students.
This can boost your Listening and Reading scores to a 7 or higher.
Today we provide real IELTS Listening test practice.
We want you to practice the skill of prediction.
We’ll explain:
- Why you should do it
- How you should do it
- Where to do it on IELTS
We’ll also give you a chance to practice this skill!
If you want to know what you’d get on the Listening exam today, take our 2-minute quiz!
Prediction on IELTS
This is done in the time before you listen to the audio.
You’ll hear the narrator say:
Now you have some time to look at questions 1 to 6.
You’ll then have approximately 30 seconds.
In this time, you need to:
- Look at the questions
- Underline key words
- Make predictions
Many students skip this last step!
Don’t do this!
It is extremely helpful, because it gets your brain ready for the answers.
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How does prediction work?
First, you look at what’s missing.
Read the key words around the blank in Sentence Completion problems.
Then, predict what is missing.
Think about the word form that is missing
Do you need a noun or an adjective?
Next, predict possible answers.
Do you need a time frame?
As you get faster, you will be able to predict parallel expressions you might here.
Sentence completion prediction practice
Jessica and Aubrey go through each question, one by one, and make predictions.
1. We were gone for ___________, and I wish we could have stayed longer.
A time frame is needed, so we know to listen for that.
We know we’ll likely hear paraphrases for “I wish” and “stayed longer.”
2. We set up camp _______________, but ended up moving to a flatter spot near a stream.
We will need to listen for a place or location.
Paraphrases might be for “flatter spot” or “near a stream.”
- brooke
- creek
- river
3. We ate tons of food from cans- chili, corn beef hash and _____________.
Another noun will be required, and it will be related to other items in the list.
4. We drove ATVs to the _________________ to see the stars but we couldn’t see the horizon.
You’ll listen for a location, and “the stars” or “horizon” might be paraphrased.
5. Sleeping was a bit tough, but we’ll get ______________ for next time.
You’re listening for a noun, and it will be something that can make sleeping outdoors easier.
It might be sleeping bags, air mattresses, mats or pads.
6. We always ________________ an air mattress!
A verb is missing here, and it could be related to “bring” or “blow up.”
Listening Section 1 format
You then hear audio for a Listening Section 1 practice.
This is usually a dialog between 2 speakers, sometimes 3.
Section 1 and 2 are always daily topics, so they’re usually a bit easier.
How to complete the Listening practice
Do not skip the prediction step!
After you have read the questions and made predictions, you are ready to listen to the audio.
Complete the blanks as you listen.
Write no more than 4 words and/or a number.
1. We were gone for ___________, and I wish we could have stayed longer.
2. We set up camp _______________, but ended up moving to a flatter spot near a stream.
3. We ate tons of food from cans- chili, corn beef hash and _____________.
4. We drove ATVs to the _________________ to see the stars but we couldn’t see the horizon.
5. Sleeping was a bit tough, but we’ll get ______________ for next time.
6. We always ________________ an air mattress!
Afterward, check the answers in the comments.
Takeaway
Notice how much easier this exercise was when you made predictions first!
This is a vital step that is often overlooked or skipped.
Don’t make that mistake!
For our full prediction strategy and how to use it on the IELTS exam, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS!
And if you want to know your estimated band score, take our free quiz.
You’ll receive free resources at your level that will ensure you’re not wasting any precious study time!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
