IELTS Listening — Flowcharts, Notes, Tables, Summaries and Forms

There are many question types in the IELTS Listening test as there are many ways to display information depending on their purpose. For example, when looking at the table, writing notes would be too difficult to show to others because of the volume of the information. Therefore, we’ll look at different ways of displaying information.

Forms

If you enrol on a course or buy something, you will need to enter your name and details. This is what we call a Form…

Course Enrolment Form

What to look for?

Name:

Listen for a name, Terry or Sharon…

Date Of Birth:

Listen for a date, a month and a year. 21st May 1990.

Course:

Listen for a Course name or title — IELTS Intensive 30-Day Guaranteed Pass

Price:

Listen for a number with a currency — $400

Tables

If you have a lot of information and need to categorise them, you can use a table because they have columns and rows to make it easier to understand and display the data.

Notes

We all take notes. Making notes are a great way to record essential information in a lesson or lecture. Whether we make a shopping list, write down keywords from the person on the telephone giving details, or maybe scrapbooking.

Summaries

When recommending your favourite film to your best friend, they do not want a minute-by-minute description of what happens. That would ruin it, and nobody likes spoilers! Instead, you only recount the critical information to support why you recommend it.

Flow Charts

If you want to show a process, a great way is to use a flow chart. With this format, you can easily display several process steps to be easily understood and followed.

Things to remember

When you are answering these types of questions, you need to make sure you are reading the instructions. You will be penalised if you do not adhere to the instructions.

For example, they may ask you to WRITE NO MORE THAN ONE/TWO/THREE words. If you write too much, even if your answer is correct, you will lose marks.

Don’t waste time giving detailed answers for reduced marks!

Want to practice?

Don’t waste time. Start planning your time abroad now with expert guidance! Download our Free ebook or Free Listening Practice Test Online to test your skills and know your score. If you need more help, you can enrol onto our Intensive Courses that guarantee results.