🎧 IELTS Listening Prediction Strategy
1️⃣ Multiple Choice (MCQs)
Steps to Predict:
1. Underline keywords in question + options.
2. Predict synonyms they might use in audio.
3. Expect distractors → the speaker may mention all options but only one is correct.
Example:
Q: What is included in the museum entry ticket?
Options: A) Guided tour, B) Free lunch, C) Discount voucher.
👉 Prediction: Listen for perks/benefits mentioned with the ticket. Expect synonyms like complimentary tour or meal included.
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2️⃣ Form/Note/Table/Flowchart Completion
Steps to Predict:
1. Spot the category → time / date / number / name / place.
2. Predict the grammar form (noun, verb, number).
3. Think of logical possibilities (e.g., bus timetable = time, application form = name/address).
Example:
“The workshop will be held on ______.”
👉 Prediction: A day or date.
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3️⃣ Sentence Completion
Steps to Predict:
1. Underline the surrounding words → what tense/grammar is used.
2. Predict type of word (noun/verb/adjective).
3. Guess logical synonyms.
Example:
“Children must be accompanied by ______.”
👉 Prediction: A person (e.g., parent, guardian).
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4️⃣ Map/Diagram Labelling
Steps to Predict:
1. Scan directions → north, left, opposite, near.
2. Predict categories of places (building, road, facility).
3. Visualise the movement before listening.
Example:
“The café is located opposite the ______.”
👉 Prediction: Another building/facility.
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5️⃣ Matching (Names → Facts, People → Opinions)
Steps to Predict:
1. Underline names/labels.
2. Predict what type of info each name links to (opinion, activity, preference).
3. Expect paraphrasing (e.g., “likes” → “is fond of”).
Example:
Match student → preferred activity.
👉 Prediction: Expect words like enjoys, prefers, keen on, interested in.
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6️⃣ Short Answer Questions
Steps to Predict:
1. Look at the Wh-word (Who, Where, When, Why).
2. Predict answer type accordingly.
3. Be aware of number of words limit.
Example:
Q: Where will the concert be held?
👉 Prediction: A venue/place.
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📝 Golden Prediction Formula
👉 Keywords + Synonyms + Answer Type = Smart Prediction
✅ Synonym Bank for Listening Traps
Cheap → Affordable
Expensive → Costly
Delay → Hold-up
Problem → Issue
Buy → Purchase
Book (a seat) → Reserve
Doctor → Physician
Job → Occupation
Near → Close to
Far → Distant
Answer → Response
Begin → Commence
End → Finish
Big → Large
Small → Tiny
Help → Assist
Look for → Seek
Check → Verify
Free → Complimentary
Important → Significant
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✅ Quick Pre-Listening Checklist
1. Underline keywords in the questions.
2. Predict the type of answer (time, place, number, name).
3. Think of possible synonyms/paraphrases.
4. Keep your eyes one step ahead of the audio.
5. Write short notes — don’t wait for full sentences.
