IELTS Listening self-study method for beginners

You can't find a solution for Listening skills yet? Many of you are having problems such as 'hearing without understanding' or 'not listening to', are gradually getting bored with listening practice, and worse, give up halfway. I, Thao Nguyen, went through that difficult period and successfully scored 9.0 in the exam. In this article, I would like to share with you some methods IELTS listening practice for beginners.

1. Build the foundation

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Like skills such as Reading, Writing, and Speaking, listening requires learners a strong foundation invocabularyand grammar.

Only in this way can you understand the words mentioned, and through the grammatical structure, link the disjointed words together, visualize and understand the general meaning of the entire dialogue or speech. submit.

Therefore, the accumulation and expansion of knowledgehow to practice listening ielts about these two aspects in English is the first step but extremely importantIELTS listening practice for beginners.

1.1. How to learn grammar

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Many of you still think that grammar is only necessary for Speaking and Writing skills. This is a completely wrong notion.

In English, grammar also carries some nuances of meaning and content that words cannot fully convey.

In addition, grammatical structures are the way in which words or information are arranged, so misinterpreting the order of information also makes you misinterpret the content of a sentence.

Here are some points you need to keep in mind to learn grammar well.

1.1.1. Learn about tenses

English grammar has a total of 13 tenses.

However, during the initial foundation building process, you can focus on only the 5 key tenses, including Present simple, Present continuous, Present perfect. into), Past simple (Past simple), Future simple (Future simple).

Basic tenses commonly used in English grammar

Studying tenses will help you determine when the action happened, even if the speaker doesn't mention a specific time.

Eg:

• I have worked in this office for 10 years.

➜ The speaker started working at this office 10 years ago, and is still working here.

• Even though at first I found it hard to memorize new words, I could eventually manage to learn at least 5 words or phrases a week. The number has increased to 10 words, and I hope that I will make it to 15.

➜ The speaker uses the Past Simple to talk about the past, the Present Perfect to show progress to the present, and the Future Simple to indicate a future plan.

1.1.2. Subject and verb harmony

During the listening process, paying attention to the two most important components in a sentence,Subject andVerb (Verb), very important.

Thanks to these two components, you can identify what action is being performed, and who is performing the action.

To analyze the main part of a sentence more accurately, you need to pay attention to the harmony between the Subject and the Verb.

This harmony, to put it simply, is that when the subject is a plural noun, the verb corresponding to it needs to be plural as well, and the same goes for nouns and singular verbs.

Eg:

• Both of my roommates have decided to live in the dormitory.

Subject“both of my roommates” It is a plural noun, so conjugate the following verb in the plural form“have decided”

• Every year, during the midsummer festival, the smoke of village bonfires fills the sky.

Subject“the smoke of village bonfires” is a singular noun, so conjugate the following verb in the singular form“fills”.

1.1.3. Grammar study materials

There are many supporting materials for learning grammar that you can refer to. Let's take a look at some reputable and quite suitable titles for self-study at home!

📕First is the book Essential Grammar in Use, for those who have lost their roots or do not have a basic understanding of English Grammar. The grammar points are presented extremely succinctly and divided into many subtopics, with quite a few examples to accompany.

In addition, the way of providing diverse exercises, with interesting content and drawings, will definitely make your grammar study not too boring anymore.

A snippet from Essential Grammar in Use

📕 The second book I want to introduce to you is English Grammar in Use, with a more advanced level than the first book.

In this book, in addition to recognizing different grammatical structures, you will also learn more about exceptions commonly used by native speakers, or distinguish between similar grammatical points. .

A piece of work in English Grammar in Use

see more: Synthetic materiallistening ielts practice book

1.2. How to learn vocabulary

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Besides improving grammar, it is equally important to accumulate a vocabulary on different topics, especially common topics in the IELTS Listening test.

To make the acquisition of vocabulary more effective and easier, please refer to some vocabulary learning suggestions that I have gathered after a long process of IELTS preparation!

Learning grammar in parallel with vocabulary is also a method

1.2.1. Tips to learn vocabulary effectively

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I used to feel that learning vocabulary was quite difficult, from memorizing to recognizing and understanding the meaning when I encountered them in the listening passage.

Here are some tips that I have accumulated after a long time struggling with learning vocabulary.

🗒 Don't learn single words, learn by topic

Usually, the listening tests in the IELTS Listening test are presented on a certain topic, be it everyday communication topics or academic topics.

Therefore, the words appearing in the lesson are almost the same vocabulary field and closely related to each other. Taking advantage of this point, we can limit the selection to common topics in the IELTS test.

In addition, learning vocabulary by topic also helps you to associate and remember more quickly.

🗒 Learn to use vocabulary

Due to the rather large difference between English and Vietnamese, memorizing the meaning of a word is not enough.

To really understand and use an English vocabulary correctly, you also need to pay attention to some other aspects such as:

• Word type: Is this a noun, verb, adjective or adverb?

• Combination phrases: Many words in English when standing alone have a different meaning, when combined with some other words have a different meaning. For example, 'advantage' means 'benefit' but the phrase 'take advantage of something' means 'to take advantage of'.

• Word usage context: Words may have similar Vietnamese meanings, but are used in different contexts. For example, the words 'generate' and 'produce' both mean 'to produce, to create', but we can only say 'generate profit', but we cannot combine 'product profit'.

To get the most accurate information about these aspects, I recommend that you get in the habit of using reputable English - English dictionaries such as:Oxford Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, niceLongman Dictionary.

These dictionaries all have a free website version, which maximizes your vocabulary learning.

1.2.2. Vocabulary app

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An extremely important step in learning vocabulary and helping you consolidate the knowledge that the dictionary provides is the application of vocabulary to sentence formation.

The way I usually do it is to try to imagine a context in which I might use the word, and put that idea into a sentence that is grammatically and grammatically correct.

Also, if I have more than 2 words on the same topic, I can write a paragraph, or a story by the 'story-telling’.

1.2.3. Use learning tools

There are many different methods and tools for learning vocabulary.

If you do not have your own learning orientation, you can consider the characteristics of each method, or try the methods in turn to choose the best solution for yourself.

🗝 Using the Quizlet . app

Instead of using paper flashcards, you can refer to the online flashcard maker Quizlet. This app provides a variety of popular thematic vocabulary sets, for learners of many different levels.

In addition, you can also create your own flashcard set. Thanks to this application, you can review the vocabulary you have learned anywhere as long as you have your phone with you.

🗝 Take notes combined with mindmap

A more traditional method that I often apply is to write down vocabulary in a notebook.

However, instead of just listing words and their meanings in columns, I gradually changed the way I took notes to mind maps, which not only made it easier for me to systematize vocabulary on the same topic. or have the same meaning, but also help me memorize words quite quickly.

In addition, this way also makes me more interested in learning, and I especially love taking notes and decorating notebooks creatively!

1.2.4. 4 Study materials

To support the accumulation of vocabulary for Listening skills, I recommend two sets of extremely useful books, which areOxford Word Skills andEnglish Vocabulary in use.

Both of these books are divided into 3 levels, from beginner, intermediate, to advanced, so suitable for learners of all levels.

In addition, the clear hierarchy of books also helps you follow a path from easy to difficult and gradually acquire vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.

2. IELTS listening practice for beginners

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Basic IELTS Listening practice book

Developing listening and comprehension skills and the necessary skills for the IELTS Listening test is a long process and requires hard and continuous practice.

I have divided my exam preparation journey into 3 main stages, with each stage being a different preparation strategy.

Please refer to listen and understand through just 3 simple steps below:

2.1. Roadmap 5.0+

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This is the first stage of the processIELTS listening practice for beginners. The road to achieving 5.0 in Listening skill should be divided into two sub-phases: Warm-up phase (from 0 to 4.0) and acceleration phase (4.0 to 5.0).

LIVEstart-up phase, you do not need to be exposed to the types of tests in the IELTS Listening test, but only need to focus on developing listening and comprehension skills. During this time, you should alternately apply two methods of active listening and passive listening, with the difficulty of the listening lessons around A1 - A2 (from beginner to pre-intermediate).

Active listening

(Active listening)

Passive listening

(Active listening)

Purpose

Train your concentration when listening and use multiple skills at the same time

Create an environment of continuous exposure to English

Way

perform

• 
  
  Step 1: Listen and complete the exercises as required by the study material.

• Step 2: Listen and copy the spelling.

• Step 3: Read the transcript and check the answers.

• Step 4: Listen and read the transcript while listening. Apply methodShadowing to practice pronunciation.

• Step 4: Look up and record new vocabulary

• 
  
  Step 1: Practice listening to your favorite content on video channels like the lectures aboveTedtalk, the above vlogsYoutube, the above moviesNetflix,..,

• Step 2: Apply the methodShadowing to practice pronunciation.If you pronounce it correctly, you can hear it properly.

• Step 3: Look up and record new vocabulary

Document

1. Tactics for Listening Basic

2. Basic IELTS Listening

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening/a1-listening https://learningenglish.voanews.com/

LIVEnext stage (from 4.0 to 5.0)After you've built your basic listening and information recognition skills, you'll be able to familiarize yourself with the most basic IELTS test types, in Part 1 and Part 2 of the test. During this time, you can find the textbookGet ready for IELTS Listening by Collins Publishing. Practice the exercises in order:

• Post formatCompletion (Fill in the blank) of Listening Part 1

• Post formatMultiple Choice (Multiple Choice) of Listening Part 2

• Post formatMap labeling (Marked on the map) by Listening Part 2

Along with listening practice, I also focus on improving vocabulary for everyday communication topics, because this is the topic of the first two parts of the test.

2.2. Route 7.0+

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Same as methodIELTS listening practice for beginners, I also continue to implement the Active Listening and Passive Listening strategies.

However, at this stage, the difficulty of the listening lessons will be increased by 1 to 2 levels (from B1 to B2). Now that you have relatively proficient listening skills, you can increase the intensity of your practice!

Active listening

(Active listening)

Passive listening

(Active listening)

Document

1. Succeed in IELTS Listening & Vocabulary

2. Intensive IELTS Listening

3. Improve your IELTS Listening

https://www.ted.com/talkshttps://www.youtube.com/c/inanutshell

For the above-mentioned Active Listening practice materials, I focused on maximizing the number of correct sentences in Part 1 and Part 2 of the IELTS Listening test, and at the same time learning how to handle the types of questions in the two parts. The rest are also the two most difficult parts of the test.

I did the exercises in the following order:

• Note completion (Complete notes) of Listening Part 4

• Multiple choice (Multiple Choice) of Listening Part 3

• Pick from a list (Connecting information) of Listening Part 3

In addition, expanding vocabulary on academic topics as well as social issues is equally important. Only with a good vocabulary can you recognize and process information quickly!

2.3. Practice questions

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This is the sprint phase of the review journeyListening skills practice. Entering the practice phase means that you only have 1 to 2 months left until your official exam.

At this stage, I recommend that you focus on practicing and perfecting your handling strategiesTypes of tests in IELTS Listening.

Every week, I usually spend time to complete 2-3 complete IELTS exam questions. I always put myself in a completely quiet and serious space, then put myself under the same pressure as in the exam room.

This also made me not too shaken when I entered the real exam because I had built the practice test habit long before and was mentally prepared.

I took the time to practice with the questions from the book seriesCambridge IELTS from 10 to 16andRecent Actual Tests.

Revealing one more secret for you, if you want to achieve band scores of 7.5 and above, you absolutely should not ignore the book series.IELTS Practice Test Plus.

I often visit the website dol.vn to take online tests because the interface of the website is extremely convenient and also because of the extremely detailed answer explanations.

To get a high band score, regular practice is not enough. You need to detect the types of exercises that you are not really proficient in or are still having a lot of trouble doing the test, then strengthen your practice for that type of lesson and optimize the number of correct sentences in the exam.

3. IELTS listening practice websites for beginners

Quality IELTS listening practice websites

3.1. dol.vn - Self-study English Online

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I always think that “there is no place like my home”, so I spend most of my time practicing listening right at the websitedol.vn Developed by Dol English.

Just like the listening training I mentioned above, I have taken advantage of the features of dol.vn in my IELTS listening journey right from the start as follows:

🏷 Copy spelling

At the beginning stage IELTS listening practice, the use of notebook - pen to take notes and to stop at each sentence in the listening passage to copy the spelling makes me feel extremely inconvenient. And then I discovered the dictation feature at dol.vn.

The listening has been separated into individual sentences, and I am also informed in advance how many words the sentence is.

In addition, I can listen to it over and over again to check my answers, then watch the transcript and learn new vocabulary through the provided Vietnamese translation.

If you are worried that the exercises are more difficult than your current level, don't worry.dol.vn Divided exercises by level from easy to difficult, helping you choose exercises according to your needs.

Interface "Copy spelling" at dol.vn

🏷 Practice listening according to the exercises

The IELTS Listening Practice section at dol.vn will allow you to practice intensively according to each type of article commonly found in the IELTS Listening test.

Of course, no matter what curriculum you're studying, or what kind of exercise you're dealing with, you need a treasure trove of reputable exercises to solidify your knowledge and sharpen your listening skills. me.

In addition to the huge plus point is the extremely convenient and user-friendly interface, these exercises at dol.vn also come with detailed explanations for applying the Linear Thinking method to Listening skills.

For me, this method helps you think extremely effectively, even when youJust started to practice listening to IELTS (under 6.0) or advanced level (above 6.0).

Detailed explanation interface for “IELTS Listening Practice” at dol.vn

🏷 Complete Listening practice

If you plan to take the exam in the form of "computer-based exam", you must definitely take advantage of all the continuously updated topics on dol.vn.

This will not only help you to improve your listening skills and master the listening strategies you have learned, but also to be agile in your computer-based tasks.

Currently, dol.vn is providing Listening test questions extracted from extremely reputable book sets on the market, such as Cambridge IELTS, IELTS Practice Test Plus, Recent Actual Tests, ... and many other practice test materials. .

see more: Guideielts listening practice for beginners.

Test set from Cambridge IELTS on dol.vn

Don't just use mock tests to improve your IELTS Listening score, it's not enough! They will only help you familiarize yourself with the real test, but won't improve your listening much. It is much more effective to do different listening exercises, listen to general listening materials (radio reports, TV shows, documentaries, etc.) and then take the IELTS Listening practice tests.

3.2. Podcasts

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I often listen to podcasts on Spotify as a daily habit in my free time.

With this 'Passive Listening' activity, you can completely choose the topics that interest and love you, but still serve to improve your English Listening - Comprehension.

Some channels that you can refer to are:All Ears English Podcast, The Economist Podcast, và 6 minutes English.

4. Frequently asked questions

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Is it possible to pause the recording in IELTS Listening?

How many times will each listening passage be played?

Will I lose points if I answer incorrectly in IELTS Listening?

Here are all the tipsIELTS listening practice for beginners that I have accumulated, tested, and practiced continuously during my long journey of preparing for the IELTS exam. I hope these experiences will partly help you have more orientation and set effective goals for the process of improving your listening - understanding.

I believe that with the right study method and hard work, you will surely achieve the desired band score in the exam. Let's start practicing right now!