The IELTS Listening test can be tricky. While your vocabulary and grammar skills are important, the test is designed to assess more than just your knowledge of English. It aims to evaluate your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, identify key information, and interpret the speaker’s intent. This is where “IELTS listening traps” come into play. These are clever tactics embedded in the test to challenge even the most prepared candidates. Understanding these traps is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Common IELTS Listening Traps and How to Avoid Them
Let’s delve into some of the most common IELTS listening traps and equip you with the strategies to navigate them successfully:
1. Distractors: Similar-Sounding Words and Synonyms
One of the most frequent traps involves using words that sound similar to the correct answer or using synonyms within a sentence.
Example:
- Recording: The meeting has been moved to Tuesday instead of Thursday.
- Question: When will the meeting take place?
- Options: (A) Thursday (B) Tuesday (C) Wednesday
How to avoid this trap:
- Focus on the context: Pay close attention to the words surrounding the potential answers.
- Don’t rush to choose: Just because a word sounds like the one you heard doesn’t make it the right answer.
2. Changing Your Mind: Corrected Information
The speaker might initially provide incorrect information and then correct themselves.
Example:
- Recording: We need ten volunteers for the event, oh sorry, I meant fifteen volunteers.
- Question: How many volunteers are needed?
- Options: (A) 10 (B) 12 (C) 15
How to avoid this trap:
- Listen for correction phrases: Pay attention to phrases like “Actually…”, “I mean…”, or “On second thought…”
- Don’t write down the answer immediately: Wait for the speaker to confirm the information.
3. Numbers and Dates: Different Formats and Distractions
The IELTS listening test often presents numbers and dates in different formats, making it challenging to keep track.
Example:
- Recording: The train departs at a quarter past seven in the morning.
- Question: What time does the train leave?
- Options: (A) 07:15 (B) 17:15 (C) 19:15
How to avoid this trap:
- Be familiar with different time formats: Practice converting between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, as well as understanding expressions like “quarter past,” “half past,” and “a quarter to.”
- Write down the numbers clearly: Avoid confusion by writing numbers legibly.
4. Visual Distractions: Maps and Diagrams
In some sections, you might be given a map or diagram. The speaker might describe a route or point out specific locations. The trap lies in providing multiple similar-looking options.
Example:
- Recording: Turn left at the bookstore, then take the second right after the bank.
- Question: Which building is located opposite the bakery? (Map provided)
How to avoid this trap:
- Follow the directions carefully: Use your finger to trace the route while listening to avoid getting lost.
- Pay attention to landmarks: Note any landmarks mentioned in relation to the location in question.
IELTS Listening Map
5. Fast Speech and Accents: Keeping Up With the Pace
The recordings feature various English accents, which might be challenging for some test-takers. The speaker might also talk at a relatively fast pace, especially in Section 3 and 4.
How to avoid this trap:
- Practice listening to different accents: Listen to podcasts, watch English news channels, or engage in conversations with native speakers.
- Focus on keywords and phrases: Don’t try to understand every single word; focus on grasping the main ideas and keywords.
Vận dụng vào đề thi IELTS thực tế
Let’s look at how these traps might appear in an actual IELTS Listening test:
Listening Section 2
Situation: A guide is describing a museum layout.
Recording: “And if you’re interested in ancient artifacts, head straight down this corridor. Now, many people mistakenly turn left here, thinking it leads to the Egyptian exhibit. However, that’s the Roman artifacts section. The Egyptian exhibit is actually through the doorway on your right, just past the restrooms.”
Question: Where is the Egyptian exhibit located?
Options: (A) Left of the corridor (B) At the end of the corridor (C) Right of the corridor
Analysis:
This is a classic example of “Changing Your Mind.” The speaker initially misdirects the listener by mentioning the left turn, but then corrects themselves. If you’re not paying close attention, you might fall for this trap and choose the wrong answer.
Kết luận
By familiarizing yourself with these common IELTS listening traps and practicing the strategies outlined above, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the listening section with confidence. Remember, careful listening, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate potential pitfalls are your keys to achieving a high score. Good luck!