Since the IELTS exam uses British pronunciation, it’s advisable to focus on listening materials featuring British accents.
Below are free resources available online for practice:
BBC television programs or news broadcasts
Podcasts hosted by speakers with British accents
While exposure to any accent can enhance listening abilities, many learners report greater difficulty comprehending British accents. Based on learner feedback, prioritizing British-accented materials during exam preparation is recommended.
Ultimately, skill development matters more than content specifics—practicing prediction strategies, focused listening, and identifying details like dates, names, numbers, and measurements is crucial. If time permits, utilize mock IELTS tests with British/American accent recordings at http://ieltsonlinetests.com to refine these skills.