Unlike many other English language tests, IELTS Listening speakers have a wide range of accents, including those from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

IELTS Listening solely concentrates on the “neutral” or “standard” accents of native English speakers, despite the fact that these nations are well renowned for their great range of accents.

Don’t worry; you won’t need to master the UK’s Scottish, Welsh, Irish, or Cockney accents. Additionally, you won’t need to understand Newfie in North America.

Texan or Boston accents. There won’t be any speech from Tasmania or rural New Zealand; the only “down under” accents you’ll hear are those of metropolitan Australians and New Zealanders.

A neutral accent is what, then?

Every country has a different system. However, a neutral accent is typically only connected to one or two cities or regions.

The UK English you encounter on the IELTS will be either extremely close to the London standard or the same.

IELTS candidates from Australia will all have a general Australian accent. In cities like Sydney, you’ll hear Australians speaking like this. Most well-known Australian performers also have this accent; consider Margot Robbie or Hugh Jackman.

The US accent is reflected in the North American IELTS rather than the Canadian accent. The majority of North Americans speak with an accent that suggests they are from either the Midwest or California, the two states in which English is widely spoken in the USA. It’s likely a Vancouver or Toronto accent if you encounter a Canadian accent on the IELTS. These accents sound pretty American.

This brings up a unique IELTS situation involving the New Zealand accent. New Zealand English has several distinctive characteristics as a result of New Zealand’s small size and geographic isolation. The IELTS decides not to display the distinctiveness of New Zealand English in its entirety. Instead, IELTS speakers from New Zealand have exceptionally neutral accents by “Kiwi” norms. IELTS New Zealand accents are more like to typical Australian English than authentic New Zealand English.

British English Predominance on the IELTS

Although there are many different IELTS listening accents, British English is the most prevalent. Every IELTS listening track includes British accent audio. British speakers always deliver IELTS listening solo speeches. There will always be at least one British speaker in an IELTS listening discourse, and occasionally there will be more.

British accent audio will also be present in IELTS talks with non-British speakers. You may overhear a British college student speaking with an American professor or a discussion taking place in three different countries at once, including the USA, Australia, and the UK.

IELTS Listening Accents: What You Should Know

Be prepared to hear a lot of regular British English when you study for the IELTS Listening test. Be ready to transition quickly between several accents as well. You’ll need to listen to two or three clearly distinguishable accents at once to perform well on the IELTS Listening test and avoid getting shocked or distracted.

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1. Improve vocabulary

You must have heard that improving vocabulary is very important in all sections of the IELTS test, especially listening. Yes, vocabulary is one of the most important things you must improve. The higher your vocabulary level, the better your understanding of the IELTS listening test and the easier you can answer the questions.

For this, it is better to use different sources. The best source for improving vocabulary is using various texts that teach you vocabulary. This is the best way to learn vocabulary and is faster than other methods. Having a word list may take a lot of time and not be productive.

2. Transcribe

You may have a good vocabulary but still not understand much while watching the movie and not being able to understand the audio files. Here you have to do other exercises to pass this stage. The second exercise is to transcribe at different speeds. In this transcript, you don’t have to watch a movie, play it back and forth, and write down everything you hear sentence by sentence and word by word. Rather, you are supposed to do this in 3 stages and at different speeds.

Choose a short file for this. For example, select one minute of a video. You can get help from YouTube videos. But disable the subtitle part of the video. Then listen to the video at a lower than normal speed for one round, stop sentence by sentence, and write down everything you hear. Listen to this video a second time at normal speed and do this. The third time, listen to the file faster than normal. This may be difficult for you because of the high speed. But because you have heard this file twice before, you can understand its content.

3. Improve your pronunciation

This final solution can help improve your listening a lot. As you know, a native speaker speaks very naturally in movies and series. In this natural way of speaking, apart from pronouncing the words correctly and with the correct stress, the tone of their speech also has a series of components you may not understand. They stick the words to each other, which is called connected speech. Sometimes two words are combined to cause a letter to be removed or added, and you don’t understand what was said. Therefore, if you work on these principles and rules and gain awareness, it can help you a lot in improving your listening.

Conclusion

These three steps are very effective in improving your listening quickly. You learn a series of rules and regulations by practicing, and you can easily recognize them by listening to audio files. All three of these steps are necessary to improve the skill. At first, you should have a good vocabulary, and then you can easily progress through the other two exercises.

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Use of idioms

Using different idioms in writing can increase your score and effectively attract the examiner’s opinion. But you need to know what terms to use. For example, using informal idioms in writing is inappropriate, especially in task 2. Try to use idioms that are suitable for your writing and are formal so that you can attract the examiner’s opinion and show your knowledge.

But you should know that the examiner doesn’t grade the complicated words you use and grades your knowledge. So you don’t need to use hard terms. You can get ideas from them and write your opinion about that term.

Use of proverbs

After you have read about idioms, we will now explain to you about proverbs. In this section, unlike the idioms section, we must tell you not to use proverbs if you don’t have to because you may use a proverb to convey your meaning. But this proverb may not be appropriate, and the examiner will interpret your meaning differently. 

This makes your writing disjointed and semantically inconsistent. So you may not get a good result from this section. So try to avoid using proverbs in writing, especially in task 2. Instead, you can turn that proverb into a sentence and write its meaning clearly.

Using idioms and proverbs in speaking

Above, you read about the use of proverbs and idioms in the writing section. Let’s explore these together in the Speaking section as well. I must tell you that there is nothing wrong with using proverbs, idioms, and quotations in the speaking section. It can even be quite effective. Because by doing this, you show the examiner that you have a high level of language knowledge and can use different sentences and words.

But you should know not to lose the fluency and coherence of your speech in the meantime. Try not to use these proverbs if you feel like you might forget your main conversation. Another point you should observe is that you should not use proverbs and quotations too much and only use them in the appropriate place.

Conclusion

In this article, you read about the use of proverbs and quotations. Now you know where it is better to use them and where you should not use them. By practicing and reading past years’ writings and speakings, you can see where these quotes are best used so that you don’t have to worry about this on the day of the main exam.

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Brief explanation about multiple choice questions

As you know, IELTS listening has 4 parts. You can see more listening multiple choice questions in the second and third parts. Also, the number of options for these questions is usually between 3 and 5. Among these options, there is a correct option that you should find according to the text and mark in the answer letter. There are usually 2 types of multiple choice questions. In the first type, you will be given a short question and given 4 options, and you must mark the correct answer. In the second type, a sentence is given that you have to complete with one of the given options.

Important strategies in answering multiple choice questions

1. Find keywords

Keywords will help you answer any type of question in all sections of the IELTS test. So practice it and become a professional in it. Well, let’s see how keywords help us solve multiple choice questions. At first, because the text of the questions and answers are long and you don’t have enough time to read and answer, you don’t need to start reading them all. Look at the question in general and underline the keywords. Then listen carefully to the speaker’s words and if you hear those words, focus on them so that you can find the answer to the question.

2. Don’t be deceived

One of the examiner’s techniques to measure you is to give similar answers to the question. You may hear a text from the speaker that is entirely similar to the question and explains it clearly. You will be happy, and you will think that you have found the correct answer, and you will quickly mark it. This is wrong because you are deceived. The examiners never give you the correct answer easily. So don’t try to answer quickly. When you hear an answer that seems right, note it down and listen to the rest of the conversation. Be sure you will find the correct answer.

3. Don’t waste your time

Your time in listening is short, and there are many questions. So try to manage time. When you read a question, don’t spend too much time on it. Try to look at the questions in general and remember their topic first. Then listen to the text. When a part of the text is familiar to you, find it among the questions and put a faint mark. Then listen carefully to the text and read a complete round of answers. According to the text and the option you marked earlier, enter the correct answer in the answer letter.

last point

In this article, we have provided complete information about multiple choice questions. Now, with a little practice, you can master these types of questions and no longer worry about answering them. Don’t forget that no strategy like practicing and studying a lot will make you successful. In the first step, you should study and then get a good result from the test according to these tips and techniques.

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What are matching heading questions?

These are among the most frequently asked questions in the listening test, and it is difficult for some candidates to answer them. In such questions, you will be given a list of different topics. According to the text, you should choose one of these headings for each paragraph. But where is the challenge of the question? First of all, you should know that finding titles is not easy. Because the question designer never gives you an easy and specific option, you must have enough skill to find the correct title. In addition, the number of headings is more than the number of paragraphs. No problem so far. But it becomes difficult when you realize that some titles are completely unrelated to the topic.

You should also know that your comprehension skills are evaluated by matching heading questions. Because as you know, each paragraph has a specific and different topic. You should be able to understand this issue and try to find appropriate titles for the text and write them in the answer letter. Understanding different subjects are possible only with a lot of practice.

Strategies for answering matching heading questions

There are countless strategies that each person may have for themselves to answer any question. This article will explain one of the most important and best of them.

Step 1

First, start reading the given titles quickly. Read them once, try to find their key and important words, and underline them. In this way, you will understand the general concept of the title.

Step 2

Start reading one of the paragraphs quickly so you can understand the paragraph’s main topic. Try to read the first sentence more carefully and focus more on it. Because as you know, the paragraph’s main topic is mostly given in the first sentences, and the following sentences only expand them.

Step 3 

At this stage, you have definitely been able to understand the paragraph’s topic. Then it’s time to quickly read the given titles and find the title that fits the paragraph according to the keywords. Then start writing the correct answer on the answer sheet.

Step 4 

After you have done these steps for the first paragraph, go to the next paragraphs and repeat the same steps for them.

last word

Finally, pay attention to these points that after choosing each title, cross it so that you don’t use it for the next paragraphs. Because each title can only be used for one paragraph. Also, don’t forget that the most important thing is to manage your time. You should do all these steps quickly and don’t waste your time.

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1. Summarize

Summarizing helps you greatly in all skills, and you should not neglect it. They are also very important in podcasts. For this, choose the podcast that suits your language level. Try not to make it too long so that you don’t forget the content and don’t get bored.

After you have listened to the podcast once, open a notebook and write the podcast summary you remember. Finally, write down what content from the podcast helped you and what you learned. Write down the necessary keywords that you remember. This will help a lot in improving your understanding. By doing this, you will gradually learn how to listen to a file and not forget it, as well as understand its content. Summarizing podcasts will help you in the listening test.

2. Read the podcast text

Before listening to the podcast, try to find its full text and put it in front of you. Then start the podcast and read the text aloud at the same time as they speak. Sometimes pause the podcast and even brainstorm and talk about the previous sentences. You can even have an imaginary conversation with the podcast speaker and give his answer.

Play the podcast again and repeat until the end. This will strengthen your conversation, and during the speaking test, you will be able to make sentences without stress and pronounce the words correctly. Also, your memory is strengthened in this way. It may seem a little strange at first, but you can be sure it is very useful.

last word

Again, we say that, do not neglect the miracle of podcasts in the language. You can strengthen all your skills by listening to podcasts and doing different things. You can listen to different podcasts and practice while driving, before bed, or resting. Don’t forget that the podcasts you choose are very important and should match your language level.

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Everyone should choose the appropriate method according to their mood and life. But below, we have explained some of the ways that are popular among language learners. Read these ways to improve skills and try, maybe this time you will be interested in reading, and your English skills will improve.

1. Create an English-speaking environment for yourself

Surely you have heard, or maybe you have experienced, that people can learn it better and more easily in an environment where everyone speaks the same language. For those who want to take the IELTS exam and immigrate to English-speaking countries, this is a very difficult task. But there is a way to create an English-speaking environment around you. 

How can this be done? You can always play the sound of different conversations in your room, try to understand their words, and even answer them. Imagine that you are standing next to them and you have no choice but to speak in English. Another way is to do all your work in English when you wake up in the morning. As if you have no choice but to speak English. You can even read daily news in English and analyze them.

2. Create motivation and goals for yourself

Having a goal always gives direction to people’s lives. It makes you motivated to reach them. Try to have both short-term and long-term goals. Write a long-term goal and set small goals to achieve it. Then, after attaining each of the small goals and conquering the summit of success, create motivation for yourself. This motivation can be buying your favorite device. Or you can invite yourself to visit a friend. This is how you try to reach your goals sooner. After a while, you will get used to this, and you will start to read the language regardless of the gift.

Conclusion

As we said, there are infinite ways to learn a language; you can choose whichever one is right for you. We will tell you more methods in the following articles. But most importantly, you must have continuity and repetition. Don’t stop reading and keep trying. This is how you can achieve success.

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Important rules for taking notes

1. Don’t write sentences in taking notes

While the audio file is playing, you should try to take notes of important points. Because it is not possible to remember all the important information and details, but don’t write a sentence for this. While the file is playing, try to write important points or keywords that you think are important to your paper. In this way, you will not be left out of the file, and you can use them when answering the questions.

2. You don’t need to take notes in English

When the audio file is playing, you need to take notes quickly. You can write these keywords in your native language if you are comfortable. You don’t need to think and look for special sentences. Remember that taking notes is only for use when answering the question.

3. Coding can help you

Many things may seem important to you. You write them all down, and in the end, you realize that there are too many. In this way, you will get lost, and you will not be able to use any of them easily. To avoid this issue, when you are writing keywords, distinguish the ones you think are more important with an asterisk or a tick mark.

4. Write regularly

Being disciplined in taking notes does not mean spending a lot of time on it. But write down the contents in such a way that after finishing the file, when you want to answer the questions, you will understand what you have written. If you write too much and sloppy, you will be confused, and you may not be able to use them. For this, you can use numbers.

Conclusion

Be sure to practice taking notes because it will help you a lot. Don’t forget that this section’s speed of action is very important. Because when you listen to the audio file, you have to think and write notes at the same time. Have a lot of practice for this. Because you don’t know what is the speaker’s accent and the speed of the audio file.

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1. Improve and enlarge your vocabulary

Knowledge of Vocabulary is one of the basic principles of language learning, and the more you expand your vocabulary, the more successful you will be in answering listening questions. But why do we say listening to a podcast expands the vocabulary? Words are tough to memorize, and forgetting them engages many people’s minds. But one of the best ways to remember these words is to listen to the podcast. Because different podcasts tell different stories, you can learn how to use words in other sentences and memorize them easily.

The number of new words you learn in each podcast is vast, and by memorizing each of them, you are one step closer to passing the IELTS listening test. Because you are no stranger to the new words that you see in the texts of the listening test, this makes it easy to understand the question and answer it correctly.

2. Increases your listening understanding

One great way to practice and improve your listening skills is listening to podcasts with their original subtitles. In this way, you can simulate the test conditions for yourself. When listening to a podcast, try to read the original text simultaneously. Do not worry if you lag behind the text and your speed is slow. With practice and repetition, you can synchronize your rate with the podcast and, in addition, understand the concepts.

By doing this, your listening comprehension will increase, and in the IELTS test, you will be able to easily listen to the text of the question, understand it and answer the questions correctly.

3. You will get acquainted with the pronunciation of words and accents

As you know, in the IELTS speaking test, the tape that is played may have different accents. So if you are not familiar with it, you will not understand the text. You may also know many words, but you have learned them by reading from books and other reading resources and do not know their correct pronunciation. In this case, you will not notice those words on the test day because you have not heard them and are not familiar with their pronunciation.

To avoid this, you can listen to different podcasts with different accents to get acquainted with all the dialects and recognize them on the day of the exam.
On the other hand, by listening to various podcasts, you can hear and learn the correct pronunciation of the words. Also, you can answer the questions on exam day by understanding them correctly.

Conclusion

There are many ways to enhance listening, and listening to a podcast is one of the most important. To get started and avoid boredom, choose podcasts that interest you. Also, try to have these podcasts at your language level to understand the implications.
Don’t forget that you only get results if you persevere and continue to do so until you become familiar with most of the accents and words and your auditory comprehension is significantly enhanced.

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