Understanding the Significance of These Questions

In the IELTS Listening test, particularly in Section 1 and sometimes Section 3, you’ll encounter questions like “What information does the girl want to know?”. These questions assess your ability to identify the specific information a speaker is seeking, going beyond simply understanding the general topic of the conversation.

These questions are crucial for several reasons:

• Testing attentive listening: They require you to focus on the nuances of the dialogue and decipher the underlying purpose of the speaker’s questions.
• Building comprehension skills: They challenge you to understand the flow of information and connect the dots between different parts of the conversation.
• Developing real-life skills: Identifying information needs is a vital skill for effective communication in everyday life.

Strategies to Ace These Questions

1. Identify the Speakers Clearly: Pay close attention to who is speaking, as the question specifically asks about the “girl”. Be aware of any speaker changes throughout the audio.
2. Focus on Question Words: When the girl speaks, listen carefully for question words like:
   • What
   • When
   • Where
   • Why
   • How
   • How much/many
3. Listen for Phrases Expressing Need: The girl might use phrases like:
   • “I’d like to know…”
   • “I’m looking for information on…”
   • “Can you tell me about…”
4. Anticipate the Answer: Based on the girl’s questions and the context of the conversation, try to predict what kind of information would satisfy her request.
5. Beware of Distractors: The audio may contain information similar to the correct answer but not directly related to what the girl wants to know. Focus on her specific query.

ielts-listening-test-example

Example from an IELTS Listening Test

Let’s consider a scenario from a potential IELTS Listening test:

Scenario: A girl is calling a travel agency to inquire about a tour package.

Audio Script:

Girl: “Hello, I’m interested in the adventure tour to Costa Rica. Could you tell me more about the activities included?”

Agent: “Certainly! The tour features zip-lining through the rainforest, white-water rafting, and a visit to a coffee plantation.”

Question: What information does the girl want to know?

(A) The cost of the adventure tour.
(B) The activities included in the tour.
(C) The best time of year to visit Costa Rica.

Answer: The correct answer is (B) The activities included in the tour. The girl specifically asks “Could you tell me more about the activities included?”.

Tips for Success

• Practice Active Listening: Engage with English audio materials regularly, focusing on understanding the speaker’s intent.
• Utilize Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions asked in the IELTS Listening section.
• Improve Your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary will help you quickly grasp the meaning of the conversation and identify relevant details.

Conclusion

Mastering the “What information does the girl want to know” type of questions in the IELTS Listening test requires focused attention, sharp comprehension skills, and the ability to filter relevant information. By following these strategies, practicing regularly, and developing your overall listening abilities, you can significantly improve your performance in this area and boost your IELTS score.