1/ Understanding the context

In the introduction to the Listening section, you will be told who the people are, what they are talking about and why. This information is called the context. It helps you understand the topic. It is not written on the question paper.

After the introduction, you will be given a short time to look at the questions. Studying the questions before you listen can help you predict what the speakers will talk about.

1.1 You are going to hear the introductions of four IELTS Listening sections. Before you listen, try to predict the context by reading the questions in the table below. Choose FOUR answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-F, in the table.

Section

Listening test questions

context

Total number of guests:____
Susie will organise invitations and ____

What type of gift does the speaker recommend for a child’s birthday?

The students chose this topic because
	A they have a lot of information about it.
	B they would like to learn more about it.
	C they think they will get a higher mark.

Aim: To assess the impact of loss of habitat on native animals

Methods:

Calculate the current numbers of native animal species
Study their movements by attaching

	Contexts
	A shopping for food	D describing a research project
	B discussing an assignment	E buying presents
	C organising a party	F explaining how something works

1.2

Listen again. Decide how many speakers you will hear in each of these sections. Try to write down who the speakers will be.