Priya
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February 16, 2025

Band 9 Tips for Section 3 of IELTS Listening

IELTS Listening Section 3 is one of the most challenging parts of the listening test. It features a conversation between two or more speakers in an academic setting, such as a discussion between students and a professor or a group of students working on a project. Unlike Section 1, which contains everyday conversations, Section 3 includes more complex vocabulary, ideas, and opinions. The speakers often disagree, change their thoughts, or introduce distractions, making it harder to identify the correct answers. Achieving a Band 9 in IELTS Listening Section 3 requires strong listening skills, an understanding of different accents, and the ability to follow discussions accurately. In this guide, we will explore key strategies, common challenges, and effective ways to practice, ensuring you achieve the best possible score.

Understanding the Format of Section 3

What to Expect in Section 3

Section 3 features a discussion between multiple speakers, often students discussing assignments or a tutor explaining concepts. The topics are academic but do not require specialized knowledge. This section tests your ability to understand opinions, arguments, and changes in ideas. The conversation can include interruptions, hesitations, and varying viewpoints, making it trickier than previous sections. Being aware of these characteristics will help you prepare effectively.

Types of Questions in Section 3

Common question types include multiple-choice, matching, sentence completion, and choosing correct statements. Multiple-choice questions test your ability to distinguish between similar-sounding options. Matching questions require you to link information from different speakers. Sentence completion tests your ability to pick out key details, while selecting correct statements requires you to differentiate between facts and opinions. Each question type requires specific strategies to tackle effectively.

Time Management in Section 3

Before the audio begins, you will have time to read the questions. Use this time to underline keywords, predict possible answers, and identify synonyms. When listening, keep an eye on the questions to avoid losing track of the conversation. If you miss an answer, do not panic—quickly refocus and move on. Practicing with real IELTS listening tests will help improve your timing and confidence.

Enhancing Active Listening Skills

Identifying Speaker Opinions and Agreements

In Section 3, you often need to identify opinions and agreements between speakers. Pay attention to words like “I agree,” “That’s right,” “Exactly,” or “I don’t think so.” These phrases indicate whether speakers agree or disagree on a topic. If the question asks about a student’s opinion, listen carefully for their direct response rather than assumptions. Practicing with real conversations will improve your ability to recognize agreements.

Recognizing Distractors and False Information

Speakers in Section 3 may introduce incorrect information before giving the right answer. For example, one student might say, “At first, I thought we should use this method, but actually, the other one works better.” If you write the first method, you will lose marks. Train yourself to listen carefully for corrections and final answers. Being alert to these distractions will improve your accuracy.

Following Complex Conversations

Since multiple people are speaking, it is easy to lose track of the discussion. Focus on identifying each speaker and their main points. Pay attention to linking words like “however,” “on the other hand,” or “despite that,” which indicate shifts in thought. If a speaker hesitates or pauses, they may be changing their response, so stay focused. Listening to academic discussions and university lectures will help you get used to this style of conversation.

Mastering Different Question Types

Tackling Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions in Section 3 can be tricky because all answer choices may sound similar. The best strategy is to read the question carefully and underline key information before the recording starts. Focus on identifying synonyms and paraphrases instead of waiting for exact words from the options. If you are unsure, eliminate incorrect choices and make an educated guess.

Handling Matching Questions

Matching questions require you to connect speakers to their opinions or categories. Since different people might talk about similar ideas, it is important to note who says what. Listen for distinctive phrases or personal opinions, such as “I think,” “In my view,” or “What I believe is…” These signal the correct answers. Keep track of speaker changes to avoid confusion.

Completing Sentences Accurately

Sentence completion tasks require you to fill in missing words while following a conversation. Be mindful of word limits, as answers exceeding the limit will be marked incorrect. Pay attention to grammar—your answer must fit the sentence structure. Listen for paraphrased versions of the information in the question rather than expecting exact words. Regularly practicing sentence completion exercises will strengthen this skill.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Not Listening to Speaker Tone and Emphasis

A speaker’s tone can indicate agreement, disagreement, or uncertainty. If a speaker hesitates before answering, they may be uncertain or changing their mind. Stress on words like “must,” “definitely,” or “probably” can change the meaning of a statement. Recognizing these tonal differences will help you choose the correct answers.

Missing the Context of the Conversation

Many test-takers focus too much on individual words and miss the overall meaning of the discussion. Instead of just listening for specific words, try to understand the general flow of ideas. If you lose track, quickly regain focus by identifying who is speaking and what they are discussing.

Failing to Check Spelling and Grammar

Even if your answer is correct, spelling errors will cost you marks. Common mistakes include mishearing similar words, such as “affect” and “effect.” Write your answers clearly and in the correct form to ensure they fit grammatically. Regular dictation practice can help improve spelling accuracy.

Practicing Effectively for Section 3

Using Authentic IELTS Listening Tests

Practicing with official IELTS listening tests will help you get used to real exam conditions. Focus on listening for paraphrased information, following conversations, and identifying key details. Time yourself and analyze any mistakes to improve gradually.

Listening to Academic Discussions

Since Section 3 often includes academic discussions, listening to university lectures, educational podcasts, and student debates will be beneficial. Pay attention to how speakers introduce, agree, and contradict ideas. This will prepare you for real test scenarios.

Improving Note-Taking Skills

Taking short notes while listening can help you remember key details. Use abbreviations and symbols to jot down important points quickly. For example, if the speaker says, “The research started in 2010, but the main results were published in 2015,” you could write, “Res. 2010 → Main results 2015.” This technique helps you recall information more efficiently.

Conclusion

Scoring a Band 9 in IELTS Listening Section 3 requires a combination of active listening, effective strategy application, and consistent practice. By understanding the section’s format, mastering different question types, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your performance. Focus on identifying key opinions, recognizing distractions, and improving your ability to follow complex conversations. With regular practice using real IELTS tests and academic materials, you will gain confidence and accuracy. Start applying these strategies today, and you’ll be on your way to mastering Section 3!