Predict before you hear
In the short time before each section, read ahead. Guess whether you need a number, a name, a place, or an opinion. Prediction makes the answer easier to catch when it appears.
Watch for distractors: speakers often mention a wrong option first, then correct themselves. Write what you hear last when the speaker confirms a change.
Spelling and plurals cost bands
Listening is scored on exact answers. Plurals, hyphenation, and common name spellings matter. If the instructions say “one word only”, do not write two.
Use the transfer/check time at the end of computer-delivered practice to fix spelling — do not leave blanks if you heard something plausible.
- Check singular vs plural
- Re-read the word limit on each question
- Confirm numbers (fifteen vs fifty)
Practise under exam rules
Run a full Listening section on IELTSatoz with the same audio rules as the exam. Instant scoring shows which question types you miss most — forms, maps, or multiple choice — so the next drill is obvious.
Put this into practice on IELTSatoz