IELTS Listening Pre-Reading: How to Use Preparation Time

Quick Answer: Use the 30–40 seconds before each Listening section to read the questions, underline keywords, and predict the type of answer (e.g., number, name, date). This reduces the cognitive load during the recording, helping you focus on listening for the exact information. Without pre-reading, you risk missing key details and losing marks.

Table of Contents

Why Preparation Time Matters

How to Use the 30–40 Seconds Effectively

Specific Strategies for Different Question Types

Time Management Across Sections

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Preparation Time Matters

The IELTS Listening test gives you a short window – usually 30–40 seconds – before each section to read the questions. Many candidates waste this time by simply staring at the page or trying to listen to the recording early. In reality, this preparation time is your golden opportunity to set yourself up for success.

Effective pre-reading allows you to:

Understand the context – Know what the conversation or monologue will be about.

Identify answer types – Is it a name? A number? A place? A date?

Reduce listening panic – When you know what to expect, you can filter out irrelevant information.

Maximise accuracy – You won’t waste time re-reading questions while the recording plays.

Without good pre-reading, you’ll likely miss answers, mishear words, or get confused by distractors. The difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 often comes down to how well you use these few seconds.

How to Use the 30–40 Seconds Effectively

Follow this step-by-step process for every section:

Step 1: Read the Instructions (Quickly)

Don’t skip the instructions. They tell you the maximum number of words or numbers allowed (e.g., “Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER”). If you ignore this, you might write too many words and lose marks.

Step 2: Skim the Questions – Get the Gist

Read the first two or three questions to understand what the section is about. For example, if you see “Name: ______”, “Date of birth: ______”, “Address: ______”, you know it’s a form-filling task about personal details.

Step 3: Underline Keywords

Underline key words in each question that will help you recognise when the answer is coming. For example:

“What is the name of the museum?” → underline “name” and “museum”

“The tour starts at 9:15 am” → underline “starts at” and “9:15”

These keywords act as signposts in the recording.

Step 4: Predict the Answer Type

Ask yourself: What kind of word will fill this gap? Is it a noun? A verb? A number? A date? A name? This mental preparation makes you listen more precisely. For example, if the gap is “Professor ______”, you know you’re expecting a surname.

Step 5: Move to the Next Section’s Questions

If you finish reading the current section’s questions early, don’t just wait. Read ahead to the next section’s questions. The test allows you to look at future questions during the preparation time. This gives you a head start.

Important: During the recording, you have a few seconds between each part. Use that time to quickly check your next set of questions, but don’t overthink – stay focused on the current part.

Specific Strategies for Different Question Types

Form/Table/Note Completion

Focus on the headings and column labels.

Predict the type of information: dates, prices, names, etc.

Underline any words that might be paraphrased (e.g., “arrival” could become “get in”).

Multiple Choice

Read the question stem and all options.

Cross out obviously wrong options immediately.

Listen for synonyms of the correct option – the recording rarely uses the exact words.

Map/Diagram Labelling

Study the layout: entrances, buildings, roads.

Underline direction words like “north”, “opposite”, “next to”.

Predict where each label might go based on the order of the recording.

Sentence Completion

Read the whole sentence (not just the gap).

Understand the grammar: if the gap comes after “a”, you need a singular countable noun.

Predict the part of speech.

Time Management Across Sections

Section 1 (conversation): 30 seconds prep – use it to predict personal details.

Section 2 (monologue): 30 seconds – focus on map or multiple-choice.

Section 3 (conversation): 30 seconds – often academic, underline keywords in questions.

Section 4 (monologue): 30–40 seconds – read the whole set of 10 questions quickly; don’t linger.

Between sections, you get about 30 seconds to check answers for the previous section. Use this time to transfer answers to the answer sheet only if you are 100% sure. Otherwise, use it to read the next section’s questions.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants (in terms of preparation time use)
6	Candidate reads some questions but often misses keywords. May not predict answer types. Answers are sometimes incomplete or incorrect due to poor preparation.
7	Candidate reads all questions, underlines key words, and predicts answer types for most gaps. Occasionally runs out of time before the recording starts.
8	Candidate uses preparation time efficiently: reads instructions, underlines keywords, predicts answer types, and glances ahead. Rarely misses a question due to poor prep.
9	Candidate maximises every second: reads all questions, predicts paraphrases, and mentally rehearses possible answers. Feels confident and calm before the recording begins.

Sample Answers

Band 7: “Before the recording starts, I read the first few questions and underline words like ‘name’ and ‘address’. I try to predict if it’s a number or a word. But sometimes I don’t finish reading all questions, so I miss a few keywords during the listening.” Band 8: “I always read the instructions first to check word limits. Then I skim all questions for the section, underline key nouns and verbs, and predict the type of answer – for example, a date or a surname. I also try to think of possible synonyms. This helps me catch the answer even if the speaker paraphrases.” Band 9: “I use the 30 seconds like a pro. I read the entire set of questions for the section, underline every keyword, and predict the exact word class (noun, number, etc.). I also visualise the context – for a map, I trace the route with my finger. If I finish early, I move to the next section’s questions. I never waste a second.”

Common Mistakes

❌Reading only the first few questions – You miss later questions and then struggle to locate answers because you don’t know what’s coming.

❌Not predicting answer types – You listen without knowing if you need a number or a name, so you take in too much information and get confused.

❌Writing answers during the recording – You try to transfer answers while listening, which distracts you from the next question. Always write on the question paper first.

Top Tips

💡 Underline keywords, not whole sentences. Focus on nouns, verbs, and numbers that act as signposts.

💡 Use the 10-second pauses between parts to quickly check the next set of questions – don’t just sit there.

💡 Practice predicting synonyms. For example, if the question says “arrival time”, the speaker might say “when you get in” or “the time you arrive”. Train your ear.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials that include timed listening exercises with pre-reading drills.

FAQ

Q: Can I write on the question paper during preparation time? A: Yes, absolutely. Underlining and making notes on the question paper is allowed and recommended. Q: What if I finish reading all questions before the recording starts? A: Look ahead to the next section’s questions. You are allowed to read ahead – use that time wisely. Q: How do I handle map questions in preparation time? A: Study the layout, note the compass directions, and underline any labels already given. Predict where each missing label might go based on the order of the recording. Q: Is it okay to skip reading the instructions? A: No. The instructions tell you the word limit (e.g., “ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER”). Ignoring this can cost you marks even if you hear the correct answer.

Key Takeaways

✅Use the 30–40 seconds to read all questions, underline keywords, and predict answer types.

✅Always check the instructions for word limits.

✅If you finish early, read ahead to the next section’s questions.

✅Practice with timed drills to build speed and confidence.

Related Posts:

IELTS Listening: 10 Tips to Improve Your Score

How to Avoid Common IELTS Listening Mistakes