As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students puzzled by questions like “What does Ahmed say about last week’s seminar?” in the IELTS Listening test. This seemingly simple question format can be a source of confusion, leading to missed points. This article will break down the meaning behind such questions and equip you with strategies to confidently tackle them.
Deciphering the Question Type
In the IELTS Listening test, questions like “What does [person’s name] say about [topic]?” fall under the category of understanding opinions and attitudes. It’s not enough to simply catch what the speaker says; you need to decipher their underlying sentiment or viewpoint.
In our specific example, you are tasked with identifying Ahmed’s opinion or feelings towards the seminar he attended the previous week. This means paying close attention to:
- Adjectives and adverbs: Words like “interesting,” “boring,” “useful,” “confusing” can reveal Ahmed’s attitude.
- Tone of voice: Is he enthusiastic, disappointed, or neutral when speaking about the seminar?
- Specific details: What particular aspects of the seminar does he choose to mention?
Strategies for Success
Here are some proven strategies to help you effectively answer questions like “What does Ahmed say about last week’s seminar?”:
- Active Listening: Don’t just passively listen for keywords. Pay attention to the overall tone, emphasis, and choice of words used by the speaker.
- Note-taking: Jot down keywords, phrases, or symbols that reflect Ahmed’s opinion as you listen. Don’t try to write full sentences; focus on capturing the essence of his viewpoint.
- Anticipate Possible Answers: While listening, think about potential answer choices that align with Ahmed’s tone and the information provided.
- Beware of Distractors: The IELTS Listening test often includes distractors – answer choices that might seem plausible but are not supported by the recording. Be critical and ensure your chosen answer accurately reflects Ahmed’s stated opinion.
IELTS Listening Test Question
Example from IELTS Listening
Let’s analyze an example:
Narrator: So Ahmed, you attended that marketing seminar last week. What did you think?
Ahmed: It was okay. I mean, some parts were quite interesting, especially the bit about social media strategies. But overall, it felt a bit basic, like I already knew most of it.
Question: What does Ahmed say about last week’s seminar?
(A) He found it very informative.
(B) He thought it was too basic.
(C) He was particularly interested in traditional marketing techniques.
Correct Answer: (B) He thought it was too basic.
Explanation: While Ahmed found some parts interesting, his overall opinion leans towards the seminar being too basic for his existing knowledge level.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of understanding opinions and attitudes, as tested in questions like “What does Ahmed say about last week’s seminar?”, is crucial for achieving a good score in the IELTS Listening section. By practicing active listening, effective note-taking, and careful analysis of speaker tone and language, you can confidently approach these questions and demonstrate your comprehension skills. Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with different question types are key to success in the IELTS Listening test.
