IELTS Listening learning path suitable for all band scores

Before planning an IELTS listening practice schedule, the first thing learners need to do is to understand the structure of the IELTS test and assess their own abilities to design a specific roadmap.

1.1 Understand the structure of the IELTS Listening test

The Listening section of both the computer-based and paper-based tests consists of 40 questions divided equally into four parts. The content of each part differs:

• Part 1: Conversation on everyday topics

• Part 2: Monologue on everyday life

• Part 3: Conversation on educational or training topics

• Part 4: Monologue on academic topics

In terms of time, the Listening test lasts between 32 - 40 minutes depending on the test format chosen by the candidate:

• For paper-based IELTS: You have 30 minutes to listen and write your answers on paper

• For computer-based IELTS: You have 30 minutes to listen + answer directly on the computer and 2 minutes to review your answers

>>> Read more: Should you take the IELTS on a computer or on paper?

There are two formats for the IELTS test: paper-based and computer-based

One important point to note is that the IELTS Listening test is only played once, so candidates need to be mentally prepared and have the skills to quickly and accurately capture information.

1.2 Determine your current level and build a specific IELTS Listening study plan

To have an accurate and effective study plan, you need to assess which band score level you are currently at. The most accurate way to check is to register for an IELTS Listening mock test at IDP or test your English skills at reputable centers.

IDP IELTS Center has over 25 years of experience in organizing IELTS exams in Vietnam. Besides organizing exams, IDP also provides free IELTS study materials and mock tests for candidates to measure their study performance and personal level.

Currently, IDP IELTS organizes mock tests for 2-3 English skills, including IELTS Listening in both computer-based and paper-based formats. The test schedule is arranged weekly, making it convenient for candidates to register for mock tests, get familiar with the environment, and reduce the unfamiliarity when taking the actual test.

After assessing your abilities, you will set the desired IELTS listening test score and start designing an IELTS listening practice plan according to appropriate stages.

Register for a mock test to assess your level

What is an effective IELTS Listening study plan? Since the listening test has four parts with varying levels of difficulty and you only get to listen once, you need to plan your practice for each type of question until you master them, then practice each part, and finally take a complete IELTS listening test.

2.1. Review by question type (first 1-2 months)

In this stage, you will review each type of question in the IELTS listening test. This means you will practice listening thoroughly to part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4.

Suggested review materials:

• Cambridge complete IELTS: This book series is for candidates at different levels, from band 4 - 5.5, band 5 - 6.5, band 6.5 - 7.5. You will choose the appropriate book based on your level determined by a mock test and practice accordingly. The book provides review content including necessary vocabulary and grammar for all four test sections.

• Hacker IELTS Listening: This book series is suitable for candidates at levels corresponding to band 3.5 - 4.5. The content revolves around guiding candidates on how to solve the 7 main types of questions in IELTS such as Multiple Choice, Note/Form Completion, Table Completion, Matching, Short Answer, Map,... Additionally, the book helps learners practice vocabulary and dictation by annotating vocabulary by topic.

Basic knowledge review materials are indispensable companions on the IELTS Listening study plan

Study time: from 30 minutes - 1 hour and at least 3 sessions/week

Study method:

• Learn about the types of IELTS Listening questions and divide them into easy and difficult types, then prioritize learning the easy types before the difficult ones (you can also study in reverse order depending on your ability to absorb).

• Before listening, read the questions and predict the information needed. Next, grasp the keywords and take selective notes to keep up with the listening. Your dictation skills will improve over time with practice and focus during each listening session.

2.2. Practice each part (middle 2 months)

After basic review, you will move on to practicing tests. In this stage, you will practice tests according to the parts you have reviewed.

Suggested review materials:

• The official Cambridge guide to IELTS: This book series is written by Pauline Cullen of Cambridge, so you can be assured of its quality. It is for candidates with a level of 4.5 and above. The listening section in the book is very detailed, including listening to words, numbers, individual information, to listening to long information and inferred information from conversations, ideal for part-by-part practice.

• Cambridge 7-16 series: This book is for candidates with a band score of 3.5+. The content is updated annually, so the question types closely follow the actual exam. You should use this book in your IELTS Listening study plan to stay updated with the latest changes in the exam.

The Cambridge IELTS series supports effective review

Study time: at least 3 sessions/week and 1 - 1.5 hours/session.

Study method:

• Practice tests but do not complete the entire test at once, break it down into parts.

• Practice each part from part 1 - 4. Practice until the number of correct answers reaches a minimum of 7 before moving on to another part.

2.3. Practice completing a full test (1-2 months before the exam)

This is a crucial time in the IELTS listening practice plan. About 30-60 days before the exam is the right time to put yourself under exam pressure. Specifically, in this stage, you will take a complete listening test.

Suggested review materials:

• Cambridge 7-16 series: This book series remains an important resource for finding the latest updated tests annually.

• IELTS Trainer 2: This book is for those at level 4.5 aiming to achieve a band score of 6.0 - 6.5 through 6 of the latest Cambridge tests.

• IELTS Listening Actual Tests series: This complete series is very useful for your IELTS Listening study plan. It provides candidates at band 4.5 with 24 tests equivalent to the real exam. Through each test, you have a quality basis to familiarize and practice before the exam.

• BBC 6-minute English: The BBC Learning English YouTube channel is a quality English listening source, revolving around many life topics, especially those in the IELTS exam. With this review material, you can listen daily.

Learners can practice taking Listening tests to better prepare for IELTS

Study time: at least 3 sessions/week and 1.5 - 2 hours/session.

Study method:

• Set a target band score.

• When practicing tests, aim to achieve a score higher than your target band score.

• When reviewing and taking tests, focus and overcome common mistakes in IELTS listening through each test.

• Register for a mock test at IDP with updated sample tests annually.

To make IELTS Listening practice worthwhile, in addition to a smart roadmap, you also need to:
Persist in listening to English every day combined with taking notes. Listen + take notes of what you have heard, then take notes of the answers, compare and repeat.

• When you first listen, listen at 2x speed and then gradually reduce to 1x speed: This seems wrong but it helps you listen more clearly.

• Read and analyze the questions before listening to grasp the key.

• Practice listening and pronunciation reflexes through youtube channels and movies.

See more:

• Lộ trình học IELTS Reading giúp tăng band điểm hiệu quả

• Lộ trình học IELTS Speaking trong thời gian ngắn nhất dành cho mọi đối tượng

It can be seen that building an effective and suitable IELTS Listening learning path for yourself is not simple. It requires the learner to make an effort, along with a scientific review method as well as quality materials. To improve IELTS Listening skills, learn in the right order from reviewing each part, solving each part before practicing the overall test.