The listening section is the most complex one in the IELTS exam. It analyzes your understanding of spoken English in various contexts. Whether you want to study or work abroad, the listening section can impact the overall IELTS score. However, preparing for this exam may not be easy. But with the IELTS listening mock test, you will improve your score. In this article, you will learn each detail about the IELTS free mock test for the listening part. Its format, how to use it, and mistakes to avoid. So, let’s first move towards the structure of the IELTS listening test!
Format of the IELTS Listening Test
It is crucial to know about the IELTS listening section before starting a mock test. This section includes four parts and lasts for about 30 minutes, with each part getting harder. In it, you have to answer 40 questions total. Below are some more details about these tasks:
- Task 1: A discussion between two people in a daily social context (e.g., making hotel bookings).
- Task 2: A speech or discourse, such as a talk on local services or a guided tour of the museum.
- Task 3: A discussion between two or more people in a learning context. For example, a talk between students or tutors.
- Task 4: A speech about an academic topic (like a seminar at college).
Since listening tasks are performed only once, it is necessary to focus. However, you will get time to go over the questions before the audio starts. Also, ensure transferring your answer to the sheet only after the audio ends. But how to use the IELTS free mock test for the listening section? Read the next part to learn about it!
How to Use the IELTS Listening Mock Test?
It is not only about taking the IELTS listening mock test for a good score. If you want to take their full benefit, then wisely approach these tests. Here are some tips for how to use the mock test:
1. Simulate Actual Exam Settings
When taking a mock test, try to simulate the actual test settings closely. For it, you may find a quiet area, set a timer, and keep your eyes off other things. In this way, you get familiar with the pressure of the exam.
2. Examine Your Performance
After finishing a mock exam, give some time to review your answers. Also, you must find the reason for your incorrect answers and look for patterns in your mistakes. Are there any crucial details you’re missing? Do you get some accents harder to understand? Thus, your next plan for learning will be based on this analysis.
3. Practice Various Accents
In the IELTS listening test, various accents are there. It includes accents like Canadian, British, American, and Australian. Moreover, you can use mock tests that involve distinct accents to train your mind.
4. Work on Skimming Skills
Before starting to listen to the audio, you will get time to skim over the questions. Make use of this chance to predict what the audio may cover. This skill will be helpful mainly in the most complex parts of the test.
5. Track Your Progress
You must keep a record of your IELTS free mock test results. It will help you to track your progress over time and keep you motivated. Further, you will know about the specific parts that need more practice.
Therefore, to use the IELTS listening mock tests correctly is essential for the best practice. You may practice in a timed setting and simulate the actual exam conditions. Further, you must identify your weak points to improve them in a better way. If you want to enhance your skills, then work on syntax and learn different English accents. However, there are some mistakes that many students make while practicing these tests. Let’s check these mistakes so you may avoid them!
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Listening Mock Test
While taking the IELTS listening mock test, you must avoid some mistakes that are:
1. Ignoring Instructions
One of the common mistakes that most students make is to ignore the word limits or rules. For example, if the rules specify not more than two words, then writing three words may result in a wrong answer.
2. Spelling Mistakes
If the spelling of the word is incorrect, it may result in a score reduction even if the answer is correct. So you must practice the spelling, mainly with the common terms.
3. Losing Focus
If you miss any part of the recording, then you will lose your focus simply. That’s why it is crucial to stay calm and quickly refocus to prevent losing more details in that section.
Conclusion
To sum up, the IELTS listening mock test is a most helpful tool for your practice. It helps you to get familiar with the exam format and improve your time management skills. Moreover, with its help, you can build your listening skills in diverse contexts and accents. By using these mock tests, you can find your weaknesses and improve them.
Further, taking the IELTS listening practice test regularly from the best tutors like gradding.com will be beneficial. It is because your performance on the actual IELTS Listening test will improve, and your confidence will increase. Thus, if you make the most of this tool, you will not get any hurdles to achieve the band score you want!
