Just like many people, you desperately look for IELTS Listening tips but haven’t found one works for them.
It may be because you haven’t understood IELTS Listening yet!
I have to say that IELTS Listening feels overwhelming so if you’re struggling to keep up with all the information in the recordings, this is the post (and mindset shift!) you’ve been waiting for 🙌
Let’s break it down with a super simple metaphor.
You = The Funnel 🧵
Imagine you’re a funnel.
Yes, a funnel. Weird? Maybe. But stick with me — it makes total sense.
On the IELTS Listening test, you’ll hear a ton of information — conversations, lectures, announcements. It all comes pouring in, like water. 💦
But here’s the thing: Not all of it matters.
What you really need is just a small portion of that info — the specific details that help you answer the questions correctly.
If you try to keep everything in your head, your brain will overflow — just like a funnel that’s full. You’ll feel confused, distracted, and probably miss the answers. 😖
Your First Job: Filter the Info 🧽
Your #1 job is to act like a smart funnel.
Let the unnecessary stuff flow out.
Keep only what you need.
That’s how you end up with a nice, clean glass of water — aka the right answers. 🥤✅
Because guess what? A lot of the extra information in the recording is just there to confuse you or make you second-guess yourself.
Don’t let it! Be the filter.
Your Second Job: Retain What Matters 🧠💡
It’s not enough to just hear the right info — you also need to remember it long enough to answer the question.
Think of it like this: The funnel is great at filtering, but you still need a glass to catch and hold the water.
Without memory, all that useful information slips away. So train your brain to hold on to the key details — names, numbers, opinions, comparisons — whatever the question is asking for.
So Why Do Most People Struggle? 😬
Most IELTS learners have trouble with one (or both) of these skills:
They can’t filter the information — they don’t know what’s important.
They can’t retain the right details — they forget before they get to the question.
Good news?
Both skills can be trained — with the right strategies and regular practice.
Start Practicing (For Free!) 🎯
Ready to become a smart funnel with a strong memory glass? 😄
You can start practicing today — for free — at Practice9.co. We’ve got full IELTS Listening practice tests waiting for you!
Join Everything IELTS Preparation Plans for unlimited support and benefits.
Let’s make IELTS Listening your strength 💪.
Have fun learning!
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