Focus: A monologue on an academic or educational topic. Usually a lecture, talk, or speech.
Format: Single speaker (lecturer, expert, guide) talking about an academic subject.
Topics: Lectures, talks, university subjects, research findings, educational tours.
Number of questions: 10.
Key Features:
Monologue is usually longer and more detailed than Part 1 or 2.
Vocabulary is advanced, often related to the academic topic.
The speaker may repeat key points but paraphrases heavily.
Read All Questions First
Quickly identify the type of questions: multiple choice, diagram/flow chart completion, table/summary completion, short answers, matching.
Underline Keywords
Focus on nouns, verbs, numbers, and technical terms.
Predict what kind of answer is required: a number, a word, a phrase, or a name.
Predict Possible Answers
Example: If the question asks about “the method used in the experiment,” think of synonyms: technique, procedure, approach.
Steps:
Read all options before listening.
Listen for signal words or contrasts: however, although, in contrast.
Choose the option fully supported by the lecture.
Tips:
Sometimes two options are mentioned, but only one is correct.
Focus on keywords and paraphrasing.
Steps:
Look at headings and column labels.
Predict the type of word: number, noun, adjective, technical term.
Listen for information in order.
Fill in answers immediately; check spelling.
Tips:
Signal words often indicate sequence: first, next, then, finally.
Numbers, dates, and measurements are frequent traps.
Steps:
Identify the keywords and required answer type.
Listen carefully to the relevant part of the lecture.
Write the answer using no more than the allowed words/numbers.
Tips:
Academic terms may be paraphrased.
Always check spelling and number formatting.
Steps:
Identify what you are matching: e.g., processes, examples, opinions.
Listen for the sequence and context clues.
Match each example or idea to the correct heading or description.
Tips:
Often, each paragraph or section of the lecture corresponds to a question.
Watch for pronouns or references to earlier ideas.
Steps:
Read the incomplete notes or summary.
Predict answer type: word, phrase, number.
Listen for the exact information, usually in the same order as the summary.
Complete the notes using exact words or phrases if required.
Tips:
Look out for paraphrasing and synonyms.
Pay attention to plurals and technical vocabulary.
Listening for Detail – Unlike Part 3, there’s only one speaker, so focus on subtle details and examples.
Understanding Academic Vocabulary – Often includes topic-specific terms.
Recognizing Signal Words – Indicate sequence, contrast, cause/effect, examples, or conclusions.
Predicting Content – Based on headings, questions, and keywords.
Concentration – Part 4 is long; missing a few words can lead to multiple mistakes.
Note-taking – Write down numbers, dates, names, and technical terms quickly.
Distractors: The speaker may mention an option and reject it immediately.
Paraphrasing: Key words in the questions are rarely repeated exactly.
Numbers & Dates: Easy to mishear; double-check.
Complex Sentence Structures: Important information may be embedded in long sentences.
Topic Changes: The speaker may switch between examples and explanations.
Pre-listening:
Read all questions.
Underline keywords and highlight tricky terms.
Predict possible answers.
During listening:
Focus on the first mention of each key point.
Take notes using short forms or symbols.
Listen for signal words indicating important points.
Avoid getting stuck on one answer; move on if unsure.
Post-listening:
Quickly review answers.
Check word limits and spelling.
Ensure answers make sense in context.
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Hand Knitting
Interest in Knitting
Knitting has a long history around the world.
We imagine someone like a 31 ……….
A 32 ………. ago, knitting was expected to disappear.
The number of knitting classes is now increasing.
People are buying more 33 ………. for knitting nowadays.
Benefits of Knitting
Gives support in times of 34 ………. difficulty.
Requires only 35 ………. skills and little money to start.
Reduces stress in a busy life.
Early Knitting
The origins are not known.
Findings show early knitted items to be 36 ………. in shape.
The first needles were made of natural materials such as wood and 37 ……….
Early yarns felt 38 ………. to touch.
Wool became the most popular yarn for spinning.
Geographical areas had their own 39 ………. of knitting.
Everyday tasks like looking after 40 ………. were done while knitting.