Topic overview
The key to IELTS Listening is not word-by-word translation, but first predicting the form of the answer, then tracking the speaker's corrections, paraphrases and signposting signals. The written questions on this site train method only; real listening discrimination must use official audio.
Key concepts
When looking at the questions, predict part of speech, number units and possible synonyms; when you hear change-of-mind words (but, actually, instead), update your answer; finally check spelling and the word limit specified by the question.
Key points
- ◆The answer often comes after a change of wording
- ◆Spelling and singular/plural forms affect the score
- ◆Move on immediately when you didn't hear it
Worked examples
Try each example yourself before checking the explanation.
The meeting was Tuesday, but it has moved to Thursday. Which day should be recorded?
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