The IELTS EXAM starts with the LISTENING paper; for some people, it is easy, but for others it can be really challenging, especially if you are not used to the test format.

There are many things going on at the same time during the listening test: you need to concentrate on the questions, listen to the audio, be aware of the different types of questions, different types of accents that could come up, check the number of words you need to use to fill in the gaps, check your spelling, check you’ve written the right number. And all this within a short amount of time!!! WOW!!! All this may sound a lot to you and it is.

However, don’t panic, and don’t be discouraged or frightened by the test because with good techniques, good practice, exercise, and a great amount of eagerness to pass, everyone succeeds in the listening!! I have many students who don’t know where to start and after learning the techniques I teach them, and practising with real tests, they all eventually pass.