IELTS Listening Section 1
is widely regarded as the most straightforward part of the listening test. This is due to its focus on basic tasks like form completion or short-note questions. Achieving a full score of 10 in this section can significantly enhance your overall listening band score.
In Section 1, you typically encounter a dialogue between two individuals. Common scenarios include a job applicant speaking with a hiring manager or a student inquiring about housing options from a university accommodation officer. Below are effective strategies to excel in this section:
Anticipate the Answers
Begin by skimming all 10 questions to identify the type of information required for each blank. Use grammatical clues to predict answers—determine if a singular/plural word, number, or combination is needed.
Example:
– First Name ……………… (Answer: a word)
– Wage Rate………………. (Answer: a number)
Master Pronunciation of Letters and Numbers
Familiarize yourself with how letters and numbers are pronounced in various English accents. This skill is crucial, as answers often involve spellings or numerical details dictated by speakers. These questions are high-scoring opportunities that should not be overlooked.
Example:
– Postcode …………..WXY702 (Letters and numbers pronounced clearly)
– Phone………………..1654078 (Numbers spoken sequentially)
Listen for Corrections
In Section 1, speakers may initially provide an answer only to revise it later. Focus intently on the entire conversation to avoid missing such changes. Many test-takers err by noting the first response without checking for updates.
Example (Audio):
Mike: When are you available for a call?
Sara: Mondays at 2 PM—oh, actually, this week I’ll be out of town. Let’s schedule for Tuesday.
Question:
Availability: …………………….(Answer: TUESDAY)
Avoid Minor Errors
Despite its simplicity, this section often sees careless mistakes. A common error is incorrectly including or omitting units (e.g., currency, time) specified in the question. Always verify whether units are pre-written or need to be added.
Example:
– Pay rate: $……….(Answer: 20)
– Pay rate: …………(Answer: $20)
– Time: ………..hours (Answer: 2 or TWO)
– Time: ………………..(Answer: 2 hours or TWO HOURS)
By applying these strategies, test-takers can maximize their accuracy in Section 1, laying a strong foundation for a higher overall listening score.
