Listening can be a challenging part of the IELTS test, requiring not just an understanding of English but also sharp listening skills and concentration. Part 3, in particular, presents an additional challenge because of the complexity of the conversations involving a number of different speakers. This blog will provide you with valuable tips to handle Part 3 more easily, focusing on strategies for active listening and how to follow multiple speakers in this part of the test.

First, let’s start with the structure

Part 3 is a conversation between two or three speakers, set in an educational or training context. This could be:

·         a discussion among students working on an assignment,

·         a discussion between a student and a tutor,

·         an interview discussing a recent discovery.

Key challenges are:

·         identifying the different speakers,

·         understanding their different viewpoints,

·         noting how they contribute to the conversation.

Overcoming the challenges

1. Predict content to guide your listening

Before the audio begins, quickly read through the questions. Try to predict what the conversation might be about. Highlight keywords or phrases in the questions that can guide your listening. This prepares your brain to expect certain words and ideas, making it easier to tune in properly and catch these words when you hear them.

For example:

Q 24      What does Ms Johnson believe to be the most important thing in academic research?

Q 25      What criteria does Mr Smith use to select his assistants?

If you highlight/underline speakers’ names and keywords in the questions, you are off to a good start! Now you know who to listen to and what to listen for!

2. Listen actively to identify speakers and their roles

At the beginning of the conversation, speakers often introduce themselves or are introduced by someone else. This will help you distinguish between them. Notice the different voices, accents, and speaking styles of each speaker. This can help you keep track of who is speaking at any given time.

Identify the role each speaker plays in the conversation. For example, one might be a tutor, and the others might be students. Or it could be an interview with two academics. Understanding these roles can help you predict what type of information each speaker is likely to provide.

Imagine you are listening to a discussion between an interviewer and two researchers about conducting academic research. By simply noting that one of the three people is the interviewer, you can predict that his/her contributions will usually only involve asking questions and directing you to notice who you will be listening to next.

For example, you might hear:

“What do you think is the most important aspect of academic research, Ms Johnson?”

While both interviewees might be asked about the most important thing in academic research, you now know that you are listening only to Ms Johnson’s response.

Another example, you might hear:

“Mr Smith, what are the most important factors for selecting your assistants?”

Even though all speakers might mention selection criteria, you now know that it is Mr Smith who will offer his ideas on the ideal research assistant.

By focusing on these roles and the content associated with each speaker, you can effectively identify and follow the correct person to answer each question.

3. Pay attention to signposts and words signalling transition

In Part 3 conversations, you will hear phrases that we typically call signposts. They indicate a change in speaker or a new point being introduced. There will be natural pauses and cues that signal this change in speakers, such as "What do you think, Steven?" or "That's a good point, Olivia, but…", or "Dr Johnson, do you share the same view? ". Recognising these cues can help you follow the discussion. Pay attention to words or phrases that signal a change in the topic, an opinion, or a disagreement (e.g., "however, I think" “but”, "on the other hand," "I agree/disagree").

4. Stay calm and focused

If you miss something, simply continue listening, as the context of the conversation could help you infer missed details. Worrying about what you have missed can only cause you to miss even more information. Eliminate distractions and focus solely on the audio.

Integrate these key tips into your study routine to achieve your desired IELTS score.

Team IELTS is here to help you!

For more information, check out our Listening pack.