IELTS tests the proficiency of test takers in the English language. The paper pattern is divided into four sections. These sections test English speaking, writing, listening and reading. However, reading and listening sections are the most tricky in IELTS papers. So, it makes it more important to practice IELTS reading and listening to score well. This is because the IELTS score band is calculated from the average performance of test takers in all sections. However, test takers use many resources to practice these sections.
Read this article to learn how IELTS reading practice and listening practice help test takers score well on the IELTS exam.
Know About IELTS Reading Section
The IELTS reading section is designed to evaluate test takers’ efficiency in English reading. Test takers have to read some given paragraphs in this test. However, the IELTS reading is divided into three parts. Read further to learn about how to practice IELTS reading in detail.
Understand the pattern
There are three paragraphs in the IELTS reading sections. Test takers have to read and understand the paragraph. These paragraphs are taken from books, magazines, and newspapers. These paragraphs are selected for test takers from non English nations. But these are appropriate for students who want to study abroad. However, 40 questions made from these paragraphs. The test takers have to understand the paragraph well to answer these questions.
Time limit for IELTS reading test
The time limit for IELTS reading sections is 1 hour, which is just 60 minutes. So, test takers have to manage time accordingly. Many test takers divide time into 20 minutes for each section. However, this helps them complete all 40 questions in just 1 hour.
Types of questions asked
Test takers must know the possible types of questions to prepare for every section in the IELTS exam. However, this is the list of types of questions asked in the IELTS reading section.
- Matching Heading- It contains a list of headlines (i, ii, iii) and a passage (A, B, C, ). The test takers have to match the headline with the correct paragraph. However, there will be more headlines than paragraphs, which will make the task difficult.
- Matching Information- Test takers have to match the question with the information given in the paragraph.
However, many such tasks, like MCQs or true/false, may be given in the IELTS reading section. A test taker with good concentration and reading ability can easily score in it.
Know About Listening Section in IELTS
The IELTS listening section tests the listening ability of test takers. Test takers have to listen to the given audio in the test. Once the audio starts, test takers can not pause it or restart it. So, it is important for test takers to listen to the audio carefully.
Paper pattern
The IELTS listening section contains 4 audio. Speech of native speakers are used to prepare these audio recordings. However, many audio recordings are in the British accent. So, IELTS listening is easy for a good listener as a test taker.
Time duration
Test takers have 30 minutes to complete the listening section. They must listen to the 4 audio recordings and attempt 40 questions in this time, which makes the section tricky. However, many test takers get nervous or panic because of the time constraint while attempting this section.
Types of questions asked
IELTS listening contains several types of questions made from audio recordings. But, it does not answer the questions. Let’s see what makes the listening test difficult.
- Multiple Choice Questions- Test takers have to mark the correct option for the given question. The options contain all the possible answers. However, it makes this section tricky.
- Form/note/table/flow chart/summary completion- In this type of question, test takers have to fill the gaps in an outline from all audio recordings. However, the outline focuses on the main idea in the text.
There are many possible questions like sentence completion or short answer questions. However, test takers should be confident while attempting the IELTS listening test. It will help to score a good score.
Tips to Practice IELTS Reading and Listening Section.
Test takers follow these tips to practice IELTS reading and listening sections. This helps them attempt the test with confidence and results in good scores.
Tips to score well in IELTS reading section
Many test takers use these tips for IELTS reading practice. Let’s dive into these tips to ace the reading section.
- Find the keyword- Test takers try to find the keyword in the passage. It helps them to understand the concept of the given passage. Hence, they are able to attempt a maximum number of questions in the IELTS reading section.
- Skimming- It plays the most important role in scoring a good band. It is because skimming means reading the passage. Every test taker should carefully read the passage. It will help you to understand the intent or passage better.
- Grammar and Vocabulary- Test takers should have a command of English grammar with a good vocabulary. However, it helps them to write the short answers in the reading section.
Tips to score well in IELTS listening section
Test takers should follow these tips to practice IELTS listening section.
- Read and understand the questions – Before starting the listening test, test takers should read and understand the questions.
- Make notes while listening – Test takers should make notes from important points. However, it will help to answer the maximum questions.
- Understand the Accent – It is important for test takers to understand the language accent of the audio recording. It will help the test takers to grab the words easily.
Summary
Lastly, the IELTS listening and reading sections can be a game changer for your results. It is important to practice these sections well. However, test takers follow certain tips to obtain a good score. Other than that, test takers also watch English movies for their listening IELTS practice. Additionally, test takers also read the maximum number of books to prepare for the IELTS reading section.
