When beginning with IELTS Listening, lets rewind and get the basics right: a) Time duration of listening section in IELTS exam - 40 minutes b) Number of sub-section in IELTS listening exam - 4 c) Total number of questions - 40 Some basics that candidates are expected to do before the IELTS Listening test begins are as follows - a) Download the question paper and blank answer sheet before hand. b) Only a pencil can be used during the IELTS listening exam. c) Each question in IELTS carries 1 mark. You either score it, or lose it. d) Do not open the question paper until you are instructed so. e) At the end, do cross check that you transfer all your answers to the script.

  The types of questions for each passage of IELTS Listening section are - a) Form completion b) Multiple choice question c) Short answer d) Sentence Completion e) Matching f) Labelling Points to remember while hearing passages in IELTS listening test : a) Keep an attentive ear specially on the beginning and ending of each passage. b) Keep an eye, when the speaker goes point wise like firstly, secondly or use phrase like ‘this is to bring to your notice’. c) Do not skip questions. Make rough assumptions or guesses to answer, as there is no negative marking. d) Grammar questions might not be regular in IELTS listening test but in recent past, students have faced grammar questions in IELTS exam. So, keep a careful ear on the grammar portion as well. e) You need to be really fast in the IELTS listening test, as the aim is to solve 40 questions in 30 minutes. f) During practice session of IELTS listening test, get used to all kinds of accents and forms of passages like song, speech, radio documentary and so on. g) Students can take note of dates, names or special mentions in the audio on their question paper. h) Before you start with the final draft, do review your answers once.