Focus: Everyday conversations (hotel bookings, train reservations, phone inquiries, service-related dialogues). The goal is to understand all types of Part 1 interactions and master strategies to answer questions.
Format: 1 conversation between 2 speakers.
Topic: Daily life interactions, usually service-related.
Number of questions: 10 questions.
Tips for listening:
Scan the questions first to know what information to look for.
Predict the type of answer (number, date, name, place).
Listen for keywords in the audio that match or paraphrase the question.
Numbers, dates, names, addresses are frequently tested.
Spelling matters—especially proper nouns and numbers.
Paraphrasing is everywhere. The word in the question is often different from what is said.
Answer length: 1–3 words.
Content: Numbers, names, times, places, or objects.
Tricks/strategies:
Predict the type of answer from the question.
Listen for synonyms: e.g., “apartment” = “flat,” “phone booking” = “telephone reservation.”
Focus on spelling and exact words.
Purpose: Fill in missing info in a form, schedule, table, or notes.
Tricks/strategies:
Scan headings/columns to predict the type of answer (number, noun, verb).
Listen for sequence markers: first, then, finally.
Pay attention to plural/singular forms and spelling.
Often the order of answers matches the audio order.
Format: 3–4 options, choose the best answer.
Tricks/strategies:
Eliminate clearly wrong options.
Look for contradictions; speakers often negate an incorrect option.
Keywords in the question often appear as synonyms in the audio.
Listen for numbers, dates, or locations to identify correct choices.
Purpose: Match services, places, or people with descriptions or locations.
Tricks/strategies:
Scan the list to predict possible answers.
Listen for location keywords: near, next to, opposite, behind.
Answers often appear in order of the audio.
Identify key words in the questions: names, dates, times, addresses, verbs.
While listening, focus on these keywords.
IELTS often rewords questions in the audio:
“Telephone booking” → “phone reservation”
“Apartment” → “flat”
“I want to book” → “I’d like to make a reservation”
Listen carefully:
Check double digits (50 vs 500).
Ordinal numbers: first, second, third.
Dates: 3rd May, May 3rd, or “the third of May.”
Predict answers before listening. Look at the question type and guess if it’s a number, name, place, or short word.
Listen actively. Don’t just hear words; mentally match them to questions.
Beware of traps. Spelling mistakes, plural vs singular, and misheard numbers are common pitfalls.
Order matters. Most answers in Part 1 appear in the same order as questions.
Paraphrasing is constant. Train your brain to spot synonyms.
Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
The course focuses on skills and safety
Charlie would be placed in Level 1…………….
First of all, children at this level are taken to practice in a 2………………………
Instructors wear 3…………… shirts.
A 4…………. is required, and training is given.
The size of the classes is limited.
There are quiet times during the morning for a 5…………………… or a game.
Classes are held even if there is 6………………….
What to bring:
A change of clothing
A 7…………………
Shoes (not sandals)
Charlie’s 8………………..
Day 1:
Charlie should arrive at 9…………….. on the first day.
Before the class, his 10……………….. will be checked.