Is it Possible to Get Band 9 in IELTS Listening Test?

Getting a good score in IELTS is what every candidate aspires for. Out of all four sections of the test, IELTS Listening is always very challenging for the candidates. But, it is easy to get band 9 in it. Here we have explained how it can be possible for the candidates to get the score they want.

Preparation before the test

Improving listening skills shall be the top priority. The goal of the test is to assess how good a candidate is in listening and comprehending. Of course, for the purpose of improving listening skills, one can focus on practice tests but those practice tests will not be enough. It is important to look for various other general resources for the listening material. Listening to the radio, document programs, speeches, or TV shows can help improve English listening skills.  

Understanding the situation

Try to listen carefully and get complete idea of the situation. Before each part of the test, there will be a short introduction. For example, “Now, you will hear a dialogue between………” “Now, you will listen to a lecture on………….” If you listen closely to this introduction you will know what is going to come for you, what the situation will be.  

Never lose attention

Attention is a key factor for success in IELTS listening.

You will have to listen to the recordings with all rapt attention. Even small distraction of any kind can decrease the score. But, in case, you have missed listening to some important information then it makes sense to leave the answer blank and focus on what is to come next. Otherwise, you will miss answering the questions which follow.  

Improving topic vocabulary

It is time to polish your vocabulary if it is really not good. Section 3 of the test is always about education. For instance, a tutor and a student or a group of students may discuss assignments. It makes sense to learn all the vocabulary related to education. It will help you understand this section well.

Word types

Be smart enough to decide which types of words are needed to fill in the gaps. Whether it shall be a noun or an adjective. Whether it shall be a verb or a small phrase. Often, you will have to make use of different forms of the words for the answers.  

Learn more about variations of the words

For instance, the word “Beauty” may have different forms such as beautify, beautiful, beautifully

The word “Benefit” may have different forms such as beneficial, beneficially.

The word “Create” can have different variations like creation, creative, creatively.

The word “Distraction” may have different variations like distracted, distract, distractedly, distracting.  

Focus on word indicators

Watch out for word indicators. For example, finally, but then, however, therefore, perhaps, thus etc. These words will help you anticipate what the speakers may say.

Don’t have to answer quickly

Do not fall into this trap. Yes, sometimes, incomplete information is provided. The speakers may say something and later repeat or correct it. So, do not jump to conclusions. Listen very carefully. A speaker may say “He / she waited for an hour” but in order to correct it the speaker may say “He / she waited for an hour and 10 minutes, to be more precise.” So, in this case, the correct answer would be 70 Minutes not 60 Minutes.