Many candidates make avoidable errors in the IELTS Listening section, often due to a lack of preparation or understanding of the format. One common mistake is not reading the instructions carefully, which can lead to writing answers in the wrong format or exceeding the word limit. Another frequent error is missing questions because of focusing too much on one answer.
The IELTS exam pattern ensures that questions follow the order of the audio, so it’s crucial to stay in sync with the recording. Losing track can cause candidates to miss multiple questions. Another mistake is spelling errors, which can cost you marks even if your answer is otherwise correct.
To avoid these errors, practice listening to recordings while answering questions in real time. Familiarize yourself with different question types, such as multiple-choice, sentence completion, and matching tasks. Timed practice and reviewing your answers will help you avoid these pitfalls during the actual test.