IELTS Listening: 7 Steps Towards a Band 8

IELTS Listening: 7 Steps Towards a Band 8

There are several obstacles to the IELTS listening test that one may experience and you may also be likely to face one of these challenges. Don’t worry; we have come up with this ultimate guide to help you score your desired score in IELTS Listening. So, let’s dive right in and shed some light on the subject.

1. Pronunciation

The pronunciation can be one of the three forms– British, Canadian, or Australian. Many of them with their special accent and different word pronunciation. There are also several words that one must be familiar with. The widely used ‘nought’ is, for instance, not very common in India. Depending upon the context, it may mean zero, failure, or nothing.

2. The Audio Level

In a nutshell, the listening exam is unrewarding because you can hear it just once and there is no way to get it back once you’ve skipped the information.

3. Distractions

The information is not straightforward in the audio. There are 4 parts, 2 of which are conversations between 2 or more persons. You will find diversions or information in these conversations changing as the audio continues.

4. Multi-tasking 

At the same time, you have to listen, read and write. Yes, when the audio clip is finished, there is no respite. For this examination, you need prolonged concentration periods.

5. Different Forms of Guidelines

Deciding whether to select a letter from the list or to write the answer in words?
The right answer is not just the one you find, it’s also the answer that is printed according to the directions.

Calculation of words and figures

The guidelines say ‘Pen down your answer in 2 words’. But the right answer is nineteen hundred and sixty-two! Changing it into a number like 1962 or not is the trouble.

  • Transferring replies to an answer file

In addition to all of these, incorrect spellings are also a problem as we are sure that autocorrect would not be a service you can use when texting.

  • Tips for solving challenges and improving the IELTS Listening Score

So you have read about the difficulties before, but now it’s time to learn about methods to resolve them. Here are some IELTS listening suggestions for achieving Band 9.
Notice the Examination

Related Article: Ultimate Guide to IELTS Preparation in 2021

  • Each listening section evaluates You on various skills

 Let us analyze each segment by its objective, the ability you are going to be tested on, or the kind of questions you can ask.

Section 1

The purpose of the inquiry is a telephone or face-to-face interaction. It may be an inquiry with a travel agent, receptionist, or vacation planner for the resort.

You will have a small table in this section of the test with a fill in the blank format that you have to fill out according to the suggested word count.

You may also expect a blank section to be filled in which you can fill out basic details. Here, the level of difficulty may be low and uncomplicated questions are mostly asked.

Section 2

The second section is mostly based on instruction in which a professor or management staff will give a student or employee detailed instructions to obey. The task will be to find matching information or fill in a particular word count in the blank spaces.

Section 3

As the sections increase, it may also be assumed that the variety of challenges will raise. In this section, you will hear a conversation between a group of individuals. It could be a conversation before a presentation on a current academic subject. You must prepare to tackle the complicated questions. To choose the right answer, you should be very careful in your thinking.

Section 4

Generally, this segment would be a speech on a subject from an instructor or an expert. The ability to understand complicated phrasing and vocabulary is the skill evaluated throughout.
Since a study on a current issue or technological innovation will be discussed by the speaker, you will be evaluated on your ability to understand the main concept and respond to questions relevant to the topic highlighted in the speech.

Here are diverse types of questions, so before you start applying for the IELTS bands score 9 listening tips, you need to consider various kinds of questions that could arise during the exam. And we have described the different types of questions that could arise in the exam so that you can begin to observe these types of questions previously.

  1. Matching information
  2. Multiple Choices
  3. Table, diagram, completion flowchart
  4. Sentence completion
  5. Short answer

Listen to different types of audio

Podcasts, BBC radio, speeches, TED Talks, etc. are best for resolving the problems related to Pronunciation and vocabulary.

6. Enhance the concentration

We recommend that you start listening to short audios, and then move to longer audios. In the beginning, taking on too much will make you feel exhausted while practicing. An important part of coping with adversity that comes with the IELTS is preparing your mindset to move on and don’t worry when you skip an answer.

7. Learn to do Multitasking

This is one difficulty that only practice can solve. Generally, in the audio, you get 30-40 seconds between each response. This provides you the much-needed time to quickly read the next issue.

Take dictations or write descriptions with professional assistance to get better at this. There are also several online professionals who can guide you through easy practice rounds.

Conclusion


Hopefully, at this point of the exam, the IELTS coaching in Chandigarh will help you get a better band score and will hopefully increase your overall band score as well. But five equal focus on academic reading, writing, and IELTS speaking too, to score well in all the papers. And, don’t forget to do online IELTS listening practice.

The Definitive Guide to Developing Fluency in English Language

The Definitive Guide to Developing Fluency in English Language

Are you someone who understands but can’t speak English fluently? Do you face problems in converting your thoughts into the English language? Don’t worry; you are not alone! Non-native speakers often find it challenging to develop fluency in the English language.  We’ve compiled a list of top tips to help you improve your speaking skills.  

Let’s dive right in! 

Invest Some Time Daily

When learning a new language, every step forward is considered progress. So, it is high time to make a habit of investing some time regularly. Every day small steps will help you achieve your goal of developing a good English language command.  

Before forming the learning plan, it is imperative to clearly understand why you need English and what you will gain after having fluency in English.  The amount of time to invest in learning the English language is up to you. But, consistent efforts are necessary to achieve the goal of speaking English fluently.  

Use Your Native Language Less

For many people, English learning feels like a constant uphill struggle. It happens because they spend around 99% of their time speaking in their native language, and only 1% is left for English. So, make sure to find situations when you can use English instead of your mother tongue.  You don’t need to devote your entire day to learning English or start speaking English with those who love taking to you in your native language. All you need to do is learn to use the “Replacement” technique effectively.  

By using the “Replacement” technique, you can develop fluency in the English language. For instance, watch movies in English and listen to English songs with subtitles. Besides, you can incorporate English book reading, newspaper reading, and novel reading into your regimen.  

Don’t Fall Prey to Quick Fix Snare.

In this digital world, we are constantly exposed to a plethora of advertisements.  From TV to mobile phones, various ads are shown to make us believe that everything can be achieved easily without much effort.  However, in reality, the best things are achieved with consistent efforts for some time. 

When you start your English speaking journey, it is imperative to avoid gimmicks. Many books and online websites use some catching phrases to allure customers.  Some of the phrases include, speaking fluent English in 7 days, learn English fast, and the easy-peasy way to learn English. The journey of achieving fluent English is no cakewalk; you ought to take responsibility for your progress.  

Also Read: Why Speaking English is Important

Join English Speaking Courses 

In countries like the USA or UK, native speakers gain fluency over the English because they grow up in an environment dominated by English. Constant contact and social interaction help them learn the language with ease.  Having your own native English speaking trainer can be a surefire way to develop fluency in English.  

Record your Practice Conversation 

Even if you do not live in countries with English as a native language, you can still gain access to the language by joining the English speaking course in Chandigarh.  This way, you will be able to use English as an efficient tool to form relationships or exchange information with people. Before joining an institute, make sure to inquire about the trainers’ certification that will help you in the learning journey. 

The use of mobile phones has become ubiquitous in everyone’s life.  You can use these handy gadgets to record yourself speaking. In the English speaking journey, you ought to keep an eye on your progress. By recording your speaking, you will be able to know the areas where you need more improvements. It can be vocabulary, sentence formation, or fumbling. After recording, take a moment to check: How did it go? Then, record again and witness your improvements. This will boost your confidence the next time you speak.     

Connect Your Hobbies and Interests with English 

Developing fluency in English shouldn’t be a challenging or boring process. If you learn with study materials that create your interest, you won’t feel bored. Training institutions often make the learning process enjoyable by asking aspirants to write down a list of hobbies and interests that motivate aspirants in their everyday lives.  Thereafter, trainers make aspirants think of ways to connect their hobbies with English.  For instance, if you love reading about cricket in your native language, you need to stop doing this and start reading about your favorite sports in English.  

Enjoy Small Wins 

People often quit their English speaking journey within a few days or weeks because of a lack of motivation. To overcome this obstacle, you can incorporate the habit of keep giving yourself treat after some progress.  Enjoying small wins is necessary to stay optimistic about your English. For instance, try to give a regular test conducted by your English-speaking institute.  Weekly vocabulary tests help you speak English fluently and make understanding the language easier.  

The Shadowing Method!

Technology is transforming the way we learn new languages. With the help of the World Wide Web, you can listen to audio or video clips by a native English speaker from the comfort of your place. Make sure to listen to or watch the video a few times so that you can be familiar with it. Be meticulous about a speaker’s intonation, emphasis, and pauses.  Making some notes on paper is also a great way to learn English.  Once you are done with the notes, try the “Shadow” method by repeating the passage the exact way the speaker used in the video.  By recording your voice, you can compare your version against the original.  

Bottom Line

Speaking, being one of the top four language skills, hold utmost importance in every area of life.  Whether communicating with colleagues or preparing for interviews, English fluency makes you stand out. 

Week communication skills can hamper one’s career growth and create issues in cracking job interviews.  A reputed institute for English speaking course in Chandigarh can help aspirants develop fluency in the English language.  So, make sure to choose the best among the rest.  

Why PTE Coaching is Required?

PTE or Pearson Test of English is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers who want to study abroad. The test is permitted by the U.K border agency and the Australian department of immigration and nationality for visa applications. The test is also conventional by universities in Australia, U.S.A, U.K, and New Zealand. PTE is a 3- hour test. It is split into four parts- speaking, writing, reading, and listening. There are two versions of this test PTE General and PTE Academic.

PTE Academic is an English language test intended by Pearson Education to appraise the willingness of non-native English speakers to involve yourself in a university-level English language instruction agenda. It is a comparable test to IELTS/TOEFL and identified in Australia, UK & the USA. PTE Academic is a foremost computer-based test for global study.

PTE General is a test that tests the ability to use English in sensible skills. It is not about how well you consider formal glossary and structures. The tests use actual-life scenarios rather than grammatical training. They check four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

Important tips for the PTE exam

Do’s

it is very important to write with the correct punctuation that is using full stops, commas, Capital Letters, etc.

If the question is to write or speak about sports, write or speak on the same topic and does not deviate from it.

It is important to finish the task within the prescribed limit.

Respond quickly and keep speaking during speaking tasks.

Don’ts

Write entirely in capital letters. Use capital letters when necessary only and use them at the beginning of sentences, or with important names.

PTE coaching in Chandigarh provides coaching to students with the aim of teaching and preparing them, intellectually and mentally that help students in coping up while interacting and reaching out abroad.

IELTS Overview

IELTS or International English Language Testing System is one of the most common tests in the world that tests the ability to listen, read, speak, and write in the English language. It was started in 1989. No minimum score is required to pass this test. The score ranges from band 1 to band 9. Band 0 is assigned to those who couldn’t attempt. The score remains valid until 2 years. One can take the IELTS test as many times as one wants but the fee is to be paid for each attempt.

IELTS includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Listening test ranges for 40 minutes and comprises of 4 sections. Each section can be heard only once. Sections 1 and 2 are related to day-to-day situations whereas sections 3 and 4 are related to educational and training situations. Test takers would be penalized for incorrect grammar and spelling.

Reading test ranges for 60 minutes and has 3 sections. It includes MCQ’s, labeling diagrams, and summary completion. Section 1 contains everyday topics, section 2 deals with work, section 3 is taken from newspaper, magazine, or an online resource.

The writing test has 2 tasks and ranges for 60 minutes. In task 1, test takers describe a graph, pie chart, diagram, maps. In task 2, test takers discuss a point of view, argument, or problem.

All tests are to be completed on the same day, with no breaks in between except speaking test which may be completed up to a week before or after the other tests as advised by the test centers.

Speaking test ranges from 11-14 minutes and involves a face-to-face interview and has 3 sections. Section 1 involves an introduction, section 2 involves task card, section 3 involves discussions.

IELTS training in Chandigarh provides students with a platform where they can bring out the best in themselves and know their strengths and weaknesses. It focuses on the overall development of a student and prepares him/her for oversees.

Why Speaking English is Important?

English speaking is of great significance for all countries, especially in India. India is the world’s second- largest English-speaking country. It is very essential to learn, read, speak, write, and express fluently in English. English is a beautiful language that brings in high context culture that values relationships and promotes flexibility. It teaches us to have the right manners, etiquette, and appreciate others and presenting yourself in a very polished manner. Americans are generally gentle, humble, kind, and wise. It’s reflected in the way they speak. They love talking unlike Indians who just say “okay”, sometimes don’t bother to do even that.

There are certain advantages to speaking in English. It makes travel easier, increases income, improves knowledge as the latest research papers are published in English. There are various ways to improve English. Setting realistic goals for each day, reading the newspaper, reading Bible, reading good devotionals, novels, magazines, grammar books, using good English-speaking applications like word web dictionary. Learning vocabulary daily and giving tests can enhance confidence. Watching TV shows like travel XP, series, movies, and surrounding ourselves with English speaking people can lead us to self- discovery as we start seeing the world beyond ourselves. English speaking course in Chandigarh has helped students to gain confidence by training them and boosting their confidence in speaking proficient English with vocabulary.

Indians get fascinated by the American accent. Americans appreciate the cultural respect which Indians give. Humans are the same everywhere. Foreigners love Hindi. Indians love English. The grass looks greener on the other side. Whichever language we speak, our hearts should be good. We must love God and humanity. That’s what really matters.

Personality Development Aspects

Personality refers to attitude, intellect, will power, and emotional patterns that evolve from various factors like heredity, parenting, spiritual gifts, one’s experiences, environment, etc. Personality may be of two types-introverts, that is those who have a negative approach in life, they don’t like to interact with others, they tend to avoid company due to fear of rejection, they avoid eye contact, and are shy and fearful. Any type of personality may be adopted through practice and it may change with what life throws at us. Forgiveness, compassion, and love can change the perspective of an introvert and make him/her become an extrovert without any effort. There are children who are not treated with love and respect right from childhood. They feel rejected and lack of a father’s love leads them to become introvert as they are not complete. God can make us complete when humans fail to provide us the respect our souls deserve. The second personality type is that of an extrovert. Extroverts seem to be fulfilled within themselves so they are able to give love to others. They are generally optimistic, outgoing, confident, and love to face the world boldly. So we must not generalize or judge any personality type and accept every person as they are. One’s persona sends a signal that others can read.

Reputation is what people think you are, personality is what you seem to be, it may be a mask that you wear in public, whereas character is who you really are, i.e- how your soul is.

Character is when you are the same in your room and to the world outside, which makes a person real. Personality is a combination of various factors like appearance, manners, habits, taste, and moral character. Good habits may be inculcated through practice and hence is reflected in what we think, say, and do.

One can work towards a better personality by creating a balance of various factors like spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, financial, environmental, and intellectual. Good personality makes us responsible citizens and hence we are able to serve the society in a better way.

Personality development includes Communication skills, etiquette, etc. Personality Development Training in Chandigarh provides training keeping in mind and covering all the aspects from basic to advance.