1

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION VI. HOW TO ANSWER SECTION 4

A. Welcome Aboard → 4 A. How to Answer Section 4 → 118
B. Fundamentals → 15 B. Section 4: Practice Questions & Breakdown**
C. Types of Questions → 24
VII. CONCLUSION
II. STRATEGIES AND TACTICS A. Final Tips → 127
A. What to Do in the Listening Section → 39 B. Out Other Courses → 136
B. How to Quickly Improve Listening → 45
C. Tricks and Traps → 48

III. HOW TO ANSWER SECTION 1

A. How to Answer Section 1 → 65
B. Section 1: Practice Questions & Breakdown**

IV. HOW TO ANSWER SECTION 2

A. How to Answer Section 2 → 75
B. How to Answer Map Questions → 85
C. How to Answer Diagram Questions → 97
D. Section 2: Practice Questions & Breakdown**
Click on the page numbers to
jump to any section
V. HOW TO ANSWER SECTION 3
A. How to Answer Section 3 → 109
B. Section 3: Practice Questions & Breakdown**

** Note that in our video course, practice questions (and their breakdowns) appear between each corresponding section. But here, all
practice questions (and breakdowns) with answers, are provided to you in THIS single PDF document. 2
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3
Welcome Aboard!
IELTS Listening Masterclass

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 4

Strategies and Tactics for Success

Types of Questions How to Avoid Tricks and Traps

Fundamentals

How to Answer Section 1

How to Answer Section 2

Practice Questions with Practice Questions with

Practice Questions with Breakdown
Breakdown Breakdown

How to Answer Section 4

How to Answer Map
Final Tips for Band
Questions
7+
Practice Questions with
How to Answer Breakdown
How to Answer
Diagram Questions
Section 3
5
About me

● Hi, I’m Shay

● IELTS instructor and the captain of our ship
● 8+ years of IELTS teaching experience
● CELTA English teaching certification
● B.A. in Communication & Language
● Taught in 11 countries around the world
● Helped many students to score Band 7+
● Read testimonials at mastership.co/testimonials
● Contact us at [email protected]
6
What is IELTS?

● A test of English proficiency

● It stands for “International English Language Testing System”
● Two main types:
○ Academic (mainly used by college and universities for admission decisions)
○ General (mainly used by employers and for immigration purposes)

● Find out which IELTS test you need before taking it

7
Who makes the IELTS?

IELTS is jointly owned by:

● IDP Education
● The British Council
● Cambridge English Language Assessment
For this reason, we will practice using the Cambridge
books. I strongly suggest you get the Cambridge
IELTS books, because IELTS is a paper-based test.

8
How can you take the IELTS?

● Use this link to register: ielts.org/book-a-test/how-do-i-register

● Regular testing dates are available each month
○ You may need to register 2 weeks ahead of time
● Select time/date/location
● Fill out an application and pay the fee
○ Currently, it costs USD 200, EUR 190 or GBP 115
● Provide a copy of your passport
9
Exam Overview

● IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish

● 4 parts (with equal scoring): Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
● Exam is divided into two major sections:
○ Paper Exam: Includes Listening, Reading and Writing (all must be finished in one
session)
○ Speaking Exam: Includes Speaking test only (scheduled separately)

● This is an English test. You don’t need any specialized background knowledge
10
Exam Overview

● No breaks in between
○ Develop your stamina by practicing with full-length practice tests

● It is a paper-based exam, so handwriting and spelling are important!

○ You will not get points for wrong spelling

● No penalty for wrong answers. Guess when you don’t know the answer!

11
Listening
4 sections, 40 items
30 minutes

Academic Reading
Breakdown 3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes

of Sections Academic Writing

and Timing 2 tasks, 60 minutes

Speaking
11 to 14 minutes

Total Test Time

2 hours 44 minutes 12
Reading & Listening Answer Sheet Writing Answer Sheet

13
Next stop is…

Fundamentals of IELTS Listening

14
Fundamentals
Introduction

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 15

Basics

● 40 minutes total
○ 30 minutes to answer Sections 1-4 and 10 minutes for transferring your answers
● 4 sections total (10 questions per section) - gets progressively difficult
● All questions in all 4 sections always go in order
● You will hear each recording only once!
● All questions are variations of either Multiple Choice or Fill-in-the-Blanks
● This is a “listening comprehension” test, which tests your ability to understand
synonym language!
● It’s not a straightforward listening test. You need strategy and tactics to succeed.
16
Basics

● Answers can be spread out or be very close together!

● When you believe you’ve heard an answer, move your attention to the next question.
But listen closely to avoid traps!
● Must write your answer immediately on the test booklet - No time to take notes!
● Never try to memorize the answers as you take the test!
● You are expected to know how to spell common English names (Mary, John, Kate, etc.).
You can find a list of such common names online.
● Spelling must be perfect
● If you missed any questions, just move on and guess the answer at the end
17
Section 1 ● Conversation between two speakers
● Set in everyday social context
● Example: A conversation about travel
arrangements, booking accommodation, or
decisions on a night out

18
Section 2 ● Monologue (i.e. speech by one person)
● Set in everyday social context
● Example: A speech about student services
on a University campus or arrangements for
meals during a conference

19
Section 3 ● Conversation between up to 4 people
● Set in an educational or academic context
● Example: A conversation between a tutor
and a student about an assignment or
between three students planning a research
project

20
Section 4 ● Monologue (i.e. speech by one person)
● Set in an educational or academic context
● Example: A lecture or talk about general
academic interest such as a university
lecture

21
5 Keys to Success

1. Vocabulary: You need to know IELTS vocabulary or you won’t succeed!

2. Prep Time: Use prep time effectively to mark keywords and predict answers
3. Synonym Language: You must be able to understand synonym language
4. Pacing: Keep an eye on your current question and the next question! When
you get your answer, move your attention to the next question.
5. Strong Start: Do great on Sections 1 & 2, so that by the time you get to
Section 3, you already have a Band 5.5 on the Listening test. Then when you
get to Sections 3 and 4 (which are more difficult), you can score a 7+ Band!
22
Next stop is…

Types of Questions

23
Types of Questions
Introduction

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 24

Types of Questions

Fill-in-the-Blank Multiple Choice

Standard Fill-in-the-Blank Standard Multiple Choice
Form/Note Completion Matching
Tables Pick From List
Short Answer Diagrams/Maps
Sentence Completion
Flowcharts
Summary
Diagrams/Maps
25
Standard Fill-in-the-Blank

Complete the notes below.

Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

SPORTS WORLD
● a new 11 …………………….. of an international sports goods company
● located in the shopping centre to the 12 …………………….. of Bradcaster
● has sports 13 …………………….. and equipment on floors 1 — 3
● can get you any item within 14 …………………….. days
● shop specialises in equipment for 15 ……………………..
● has a special section which just sells 16 ……………………..

26
Form/Note Completion

Complete the notes below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

JOB ENQUIRY

Example
a restaurant
● Work at: ……………………………….

● Type of work: 1 ……………………………….

● Number of hours per week: 12 hours
● Would need work permit
● Work in the: 2 ………………………………. Branch
● Nearest bus stop: next to the 3 ……………………………….
● Pay 4 £ ………………………………. an hour
27
Table

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORD for each answer.

Parks and Open Spaces

Name of place Of particular interest Open

Halland Common Source of River Ouse 24 hours

Holt Island Many different Between 12 …………...…… and

11 …………...…… …………...……

Longfield Country Park Reconstruction of a daylight hours

2,000-year-old
13 …………...…… with
activities for children
28
Short Answer

Questions 26-30
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

26. How did the students do their practical sessions?

………………………………...
27. In the second semester how often did Kira work in a hospital?
………………………………...
28. How much full-time work did Kira do during the year?
………………………………...
29. Having completed the year, how does Kira feel?
………………………………...
30. In addition to language, what do overseas students need to become familiar with?
………………………………...
29
Sentence Completion

Questions 23-25
Complete the sentences below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

23. Kira says that lecturers are easier to ………………………………... than those in her
home country.
24. Paul suggests that Kira may be more ………………………………… than when she
was studying before.
25. Kira says that students want to discuss things that worry them or that
………………………………… them very much.

30
Flowchart

You will hear someone describing how to cook a traditional dessert. Before you listen, read and think
about which words might go in the gaps. Then listen and complete the flowchart.

Write NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS for each answer.

Step 1: Peel 1 ……………… Peel and 1 ……………… Cook 2 ………………

Step 2: Cook 2 ………………
Step 3: Mix 3 ………………
Mix 4 ……………… Put in bottom of
Step 4: Put in bottom of 4 ……………… 3 ………………
Step 5: Rub 5 ………………
Step 6: Add 6 ………………
Rub 5 ……………… Add 6 ………………
31
Summary

Questions 26-30
Complete the summary below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

The terracotta army was made in order to 26 …………………… the emperor after this
death in his afterlife. This funerary art has been estimated to be from the 27
…………………… and was discovered in 1974 by the 28 …………………… The majority of
the sculptures were 29 …………………… and 30 …………………… sculptures of cavalry
horses were also found.

32
Map

Questions 15-20
Label the map below.

Write the correct letter, A-I, next to questions 15-20.

15. Scarecrow ………………………

16. Maze ………………………
17. Cafe ………………………
18. Black Barn ………………………
19. Covered picnic area ………………………
20. Fiddy House ………………………

33
Standard Multiple Choice

Questions 17 and 18
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

17. A champion athlete will be in the shop

A. on Saturday morning only.
B. all day Saturday.
C. for the whole weekend.

18. The first person to answer 20 quiz questions correctly will win
A. gym membership.
B. a video.
C. a calendar.
34
Matching

Questions 8-10
Who is each play suitable for?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to Questions 8-10.

A. mainly for children

B. mainly for adults
C. suitable for people of all ages

Plays
8. The Mystery of Muldoon …………………
9. Fire and Flood …………………
10. Silly Sailor …………………
35
Pick From List

Questions 5 and 6
Choose TWO letters, A—E.

Which TWO of the following are offered free of charge at Shore Lane Health
Centre?
A. acupuncture
B. employment medicals
C. sports injury therapy
D. travel advice
E. vaccinations

36
Diagram

Label the diagram below. Choose THREE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-E,
next to questions 11-13.

Water Heater
Hot water

A. electricity indicator
Central heating B. on/off switch
radiators C. reset button
D. time control
E. warning indicator
11. ………………………....

12. ……………………….... 13. ………………………....

37
Next stop is…

What to do in the listening

section?

38
What to do in the
listening section?
Basic strategies

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 39

Before ● 25-30 seconds of prep time at the
beginning of each question set
Listening ● Read instructions for questions carefully
● Look at all the questions in the question set
● Underline or circle all important keywords
to which your answer connects
● Predict what form your answer should take
(i.e. word, letter, number, name, place, date,
noun, verb, adjective)
● Decide what you are listening for - is it
specific information, main idea, speaker’s
attitude, or something else?

40
While ●
●
Listen carefully to instructions
Listen out for keywords and language
Listening connecting to your answer
● The correct answer will almost always use
synonym language
● Write the answers immediately on the test
booklet! Don’t worry about spelling yet.
● Always right something down before
moving onto the next question, even if you
don’t have the answer
● Don’t get stuck on a question. Move on!

41
After ●
●
10 minutes of extra transfer time
Transfer your answers correctly with
Listening perfect spelling!
● If you can’t remember an answer, then
guess!
● If you have extra time left, then
double-check your answers

42
Basic Strategy

1. Quickly read the 2. Mark keywords 2. Predict the 4. Listen out for 5. Mark the answer
questions and in questions. If you answers based on synonym language immediately in test
answer choices in have time, go back the keywords and and avoid tricks & booklet. Transfer
the given set during and mark keywords language of the traps! these to answer
prep time in answer choices question sheet at the end
43
Next stop is…

How to Quickly
Improve Listening

44
How to Quickly
Improve Listening
A Powerful Exercise

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 45

3 Easy Steps to Improve Your Listening

① Just Listen ② Listen & Read ③ Listen & Speak

Listen to audio recordings Listen again while reading Listen again. Stop after every
from IELTS exams, podcasts, the transcript 1-2 sentences and repeat it
movies, documentaries, etc. exactly how you hear it!
46
How to Avoid Tricks and Traps

47
Tricks and Traps
Learn how to avoid common pitfalls

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 48

Watch out for these 8 traps!

1. Synonym Language: The correct answer will almost always use synonyms
2. Exact Language: Keywords from a wrong answer choice will be stated
3. Multiple Answers: Some or all possible answer choices will be stated
4. Modification: A wrong answer will be given, and then corrected or modified
5. Word Reorder: Answer comes in an order different from the question
6. Delayed Response: Long delay before the correct answer is given
7. Complex Words: Answers with silent letters or difficult spelling
8. Combination: You may receive a combination of any of the above traps
49
Synonym ● Premier members are given priority during
peak
……………………… hours.

Language
Transcript
Premier membership is for professional people whose
work commitments make it difficult for them to use the
club during the day and so LP gives booking preferences
to Premier members at peak times. This means you will
find it easier to book the sessions at times that suit you.

Correct answer will almost always be

disguised in synonym language

50
Students entering the design competition have to

Exact A. produce an energy-efficient design

B. adapt an existing energy-saving appliance
Language C. develop a new use for current technology

Transcript
JOHN: Erm ... hello Professor, I'm John Wishart. I'm
working on my entry for the Global Design Competition.
My tutor said you might be able to help me with it.
PROFESSOR: Yes, I got a copy of your drawings. Come in
and tell me about it. What sort of competition is it?
JOHN: Well, it's an international design competition and
we have to come up with a new design for a typical
domestic kitchen appliance.
51
Students entering the design competition have to

Exact A. produce an energy-efficient design

B. adapt an existing energy-saving appliance
Language C. develop a new use for current technology

PROFESSOR: I see, and are there any special conditions?

Does it have to save energy for example?
JOHN: Actually that was the focus in last year's
competition. This year's different. We have to adopt an
innovative approach to existing technology, using it in a
way that hasn't been thought of before.

Keywords from the wrong answer

choices will be used to trick you

52
Which TWO skills did Laura improve as a result of her

Delayed work placement?

A. communication B. design C. IT
Response D. marketing E. organisation

Transcript
TIM: Hi, Laura — could you spare a few minutes to talk
about the work placement you did last summer? I'm
thinking of doing one myself…
LAURA: Hi, Tim. Sure.
TIM: Didn't you do yours at an environmental services
company?
LAURA: That's right ... It’s only a very small company and
they needed someone to produce a company brochure...
53
Which TWO skills did Laura improve as a result of her

Delayed work placement?

A. communication B. design C. IT
Response D. marketing E. organisation

… and I wanted to get some business experience because

I'm interested in a career in occupational psychology in a
business environment. It was good because I had overall
responsibility for the project.
TIM: What kind of skills do you think you developed on
the placement? I mean, apart from the ones you already
had ... Did you have to do all the artwork for the
brochure, the layout and everything?

LAURA: We hired the services of a professional

photographer for that. 54
Which TWO skills did Laura improve as a result of her

Delayed work placement?

A. communication B. design C. IT
Response D. marketing E. organisation

I did have to use my IT skills to a certain extent because I

cut and pasted text from marketing leaflets, but that
didn't involve anything I hadn't done before.

TIM: Do you think you got any better at managing your

time and prioritising things? You always used to say you
had trouble with that...

LAURA: Oh, definitely. There was so much pressure to

meet the project deadline. And I also got better at
explaining things and asserting my opinions...
55
Multiple ● Total distance of the first trip: ……………………… km

Answers Transcript
ANDREA: So how many days are the trips and how much
do they cost?
TRAVEL AGENT: The first one I told you about is a
self-drive tour through California which lasts twelve days
and covers 2.020 kilometres. The shortest journey is 206
kilometers and the longest is 632 kilometres.

56
Multiple ● Total distance of the first trip: ……………………… km

Answers Transcript
ANDREA: So how many days are the trips and how much
do they cost?
TRAVEL AGENT: The first one I told you about is a
self-drive tour through California which lasts twelve days
and covers 2.020 kilometres. The shortest journey is 206
kilometers and the longest is 632 kilometres.

Wrong answers will be thrown around to

confuse you

57
2.020
Multiple ● Total distance of the first trip: ……………………… km

Answers Transcript
ANDREA: So how many days are the trips and how much
do they cost?
TRAVEL AGENT: The first one I told you about is a
self-drive tour through California which lasts twelve days
and covers 2.020 kilometres. The shortest journey is 206
kilometers and the longest is 632 kilometres.

Wrong answers will be thrown around to

confuse you

58
● newspaper
Heard about company from: ………………………

Modification
Transcript
TRAVEL AGENT: Thank you. And can I ask you where you
heard about World Tours? From a friend? Or did you see
an advert somewhere?
ANDREA: No, I read about you in the newspaper.

Speaker corrects/modifies the wrong

answer

59
clothing And equipment on floors 1-3
Word ● Has sports ……………...…

Reorder Transcript
I was invited to a special preview and I can promise you,
this is the ultimate in sports retailing. The whole place
has been given a new minimalist look with the company's
signature colours of black and red. The first three floors
have a huge range of sports clothing as well as
equipment, and on the top floor there's a café and a book
and DVD section.

Order of the sentence in the transcript is

different from the word order in the question

60
● achievement
Promotion goals focus on …....……………………
Complex
Transcript
Words Today, I want to talk about self-regulatory focus theory
and how the actions of leaders can affect the way
followers approach different situations. Self-regulatory
focus theory is a theory developed by Tori Higgins. He
says that a person's focus at any given time is to either
approach pleasure or avoid pain. These are two basic
motivations that each and every one of us has, and they
cause us to have different kinds of goals. Promotion goals
in different life situations emphasise achievement.
Prevention goals are oriented towards the avoidance of
punishment. It is easy to misspell this word as
‘acheivement’ or ‘achievment’
61
Which TWO hobbies was Thor Heyerdahl very
interested in as a youth?

Combination A. camping
D. hunting
B. climbing
E. reading
C. collecting

Transcript
VICTOR: Right, well, for our presentation shall I start
with the early life of Thor Heyerdahl?
OLIVIA: Sure. Why don't you begin with describing the
type of boy he was, especially his passion for collecting
things.
Synonym Language
VICTOR: That's right, he had his own little museum. And
I think it's unusual for children to develop their own
values and not join in their parents' hobbies…
62
Which TWO hobbies was Thor Heyerdahl very
interested in as a youth?

Combination A. camping
D. hunting
B. climbing
E. reading
C. collecting

I'm thinking of how Heyerdahl wouldn't go hunting with

his dad, for example.
OLIVIA: Yeah, he preferred to learn about nature by
listening to his mother read to him. And quite early on he
knew he wanted to become an explorer when he grew
up. That came from his camping trips he went on in
Norway I think ... Exact Language

VICTOR: No, it was climbing that he spent his time on as

a young man.
Modification Synonym Language
63
Next stop is…
How to Answer Section 1

64
IELTS Listening
Section 1
Example Questions

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 65

Basics ● Conversation between two speakers
● Set in everyday social context
● 10 questions total - split into two parts
● 20-30 seconds of prep time before
listening to each question set

66
Examples

67
Pr
ep
Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. Ti
m
e

THORNDYKE'S BUILDERS
Names will always be
spelled out (unless it’s
Example: Customer heard about Thorndyke's from a ……………………………... a very common name)

Last name
Name: Edith 1 ……………………………...

Name of flat Park Flats (behind the 3 ………………………………)

Address: Flat 4, 2 ……………………...……… Something

Phone: 875934

Time period Connecting Words

Best time to contact customer: during the 4 ……………………………...

Something Predictions
Where to park: opposite entrance next to the 5 ……………………………...
68
An
sw
Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. er
s

THORNDYKE'S BUILDERS

friend
Example: Customer heard about Thorndyke's from a ……………………………...

Pargetter
Name: Edith 1 ……………………………...

East
Address: Flat 4, 2 ……………………...……… library
Park Flats (behind the 3 ………………………………)

Phone: 875934

morning
Best time to contact customer: during the 4 ……………………………...

postbox
Where to park: opposite entrance next to the 5 ……………………………...
69
Analysis

70
Pargetter
Name: Edith 1 ……………………………... Last name

Transcript

EDITH: It was my friend May Hampton ... you did some excellent work for her a couple of
years ago. Do you remember?
MR THORNDYKE: Oh, yes, that was in West Park Flats, lovely lady.
EDITH: Yes, she is.
Easy and
MR THORNDYKE: And what's your name, please? straightforward
EDITH: It's Edith Pargetter. question. No synonym
language or traps here.
MR THORNDYKE: Edith ... can you spell your surname, please?
EDITH: It's P-A-R-G-E-double T-E-R.

71
East
Address: Flat 4, 2 ……………………...……… library
Park Flats (behind the 3 ………………………………)
Name of flat Something

Synonym Language
Transcript

MR THORNDYKE: Double T, right. And do you live in West Park Flats as well?
EDITH: No, actually it's East Park, Flat 4. Exact Language Trap

MR THORNDYKE: Oh, right, that's over the road, I seem to remember - quite difficult to get
to. Modification

EDITH: Yes, it's at the back of the library.

MR THORNDYKE: Right, I know. And what's your phone number?
EDITH: 875934 but I'm out a great deal in the afternoons and evenings.

72
morning
Best time to contact customer: during the 4 ……………………………… Time Period

postbox
Where to park: opposite entrance next to the 5 ……………………………... Something

Synonym Language
Transcript

MR THORNDYKE: So would the best time to ring you be in the morning?

EDITH: Yes.
MR THORNDYKE: Fine. I've made a note of that. Can I just ask, I'll be in a van and I know
parking's rather difficult round your flats. Where would you recommend?
EDITH: Well, I always tell people in larger vehicles to park by the postbox on the other side
of the road from the entrance.
MR THORNDYKE: Good, thanks. Word Reorder
73
Next stop is…

How to Answer
Section 2

74
IELTS Listening
Section 2
Example Questions

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 75

Basics ● Monologue (i.e. speech by one person)
● Set in everyday social context
● 10 questions total - split into two parts
● 20-30 seconds of prep time before
listening to each question set

76
Examples

77
Pr
ep
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. Ti
m
MANHAM PORT e

1. Why did a port originally develop at Manham?

First underline/circle
A. It was safe from enemy attack. keywords in questions!
B. It was convenient for river transport.
C. It had a good position on the sea coast.
2. What caused Manham's sudden expansion during the Industrial Revolution?
A. the improvement in mining techniques
B. the increase in demand for metals
C. the discovery of tin in the area
3. Why did rocks have to be sent away from Manham to be processed?
A. shortage of fuel
If you have time, then go
B. poor transport systems back and mark keywords in
C. lack of skills among local people the answer choices
78
An
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. sw
er
s
MANHAM PORT
1. Why did a port originally develop at Manham?
A. It was safe from enemy attack.
B. It was convenient for river transport.
C. It had a good position on the sea coast.
2. What caused Manham's sudden expansion during the Industrial Revolution?
A. the improvement in mining techniques
B. the increase in demand for metals
C. the discovery of tin in the area
3. Why did rocks have to be sent away from Manham to be processed?
A. shortage of fuel
B. poor transport systems
C. lack of skills among local people
79
Analysis

80
1. Why did a port originally develop at Manham?
A. It was safe from enemy attack.
B. It was convenient for river transport. Wrong Answer Trap (with
synonym language)
C. It had a good position on the sea coast.

Synonym Language Transcript

Welcome to Manham Port, where a thousand years of history are brought to life. All the
family can enjoy a day out at Manham; visit our copper mine, see models of the machinery it
used, have your photo taken in nineteenth-century costume, experience at first hand how
people lived at different stages throughout history, and especially how children studied,
worked and played. The port of Manham is located in beautiful and peaceful countryside, on
a bend in the great River Avon, and developed here because it's the highest navigable point
of the Avon - boats can go no higher up this river - and proved a handy place to load and
unload cargo to and from the sea, which is over 23 miles away.
81
2. What caused Manham's sudden expansion during the Industrial Revolution?
A. the improvement in mining techniques
B. the increase in demand for metals Synonym Language

C. the discovery of tin in the area

Exact Language Trap

Transcript

A small port was already established here when, about 900 years ago, tin was discovered
nearby, though it wasn't until the Industrial Revolution, when a tremendous need for metals
of all kinds developed, that Manham expanded to become one of the busiest ports in the
country. And because it was already so busy, prospectors began to look for other minerals,
and by the end of the nineteenth century, lead, copper, manganese and arsenic were added
to the cargos leaving Manham.

82
3. Why did rocks have to be sent away from Manham to be processed?
A. shortage of fuel
B. poor transport systems
C. lack of skills among local people

Synonym Language
Transcript

In the early days, the ores had been smelted — or processed — in the same area they were
mined. But, as demand grew, the smelting process required huge factory furnaces or fires to
melt the metal from the rock and there was not enough coal in the local area, so the rocks
containing minerals had to be shipped long distances.

Word Reorder

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Next stop is…

How to Answer Map Questions

84
Maps
Learn how to answer this question type

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Explanation

● Map questions usually appear in Section 2 of the listening test

● Similar to Multiple Choice or Fill-in-the-Blanks
● Map questions come in 2 types - they can take the form of a Fill-in-the-Blank
question or a Multiple Choice question

86
Types of Directions

Type 1 Type 2

Label the plan below. Write the correct letter, next to each
question.
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for
each answer. (map)
A
………………………………….. B Pick answer choices from the
C map and correctly match
Write the word(s) Up to 3 words D them with each question
that fit into the and/or a
blank line number
87
Map questions use certain vocabulary to explain where
Language of things are. Make sure you know these words and
phrases:
Location ● At the top / bottom
● On the left / right
● Left hand side / right hand side
● To the north / south / east / west
● Northeast / Northwest / Southeast / Southwest /
● Opposite / across from
● In front of / behind
● In the middle / centre
● Above / below
● Inside / outside
● Just beyond / a little beyond / just past
● Next to / alongside / joined with / adjoining
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Examples

89
Questions 12-14 Rare Grazing
Breeds Area
Label the plan below. Section Name
12 ……....….………
Area.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Experimental
for each answer. Crops Area

YOU ARE Reception

HERE Block Lake Marsh

Predictions

Name
The 13 ………......…………..…
Name
14 ……....….………
Area.
90
Questions 12-14 Rare Grazing
Breeds Area
Label the plan below. Section Forest
12 ……....….………
Area.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Experimental
for each answer. Crops Area

YOU ARE Reception

HERE Block Lake Marsh

An fish farms Market garden

14 ………………....….………
sw The 13 ………......…………..…
er Area.
s
91
Analysis

92
As you can see here on our giant Rare Grazing
wall plan, we are now situated in Breeds Area
the Reception block ... here. As Section Forest
12 ……....….………
you walk out of the main door
Area.
into the park there is a path you
can follow. If you follow this route Experimental
Crops Area
you will immediately come into
the Rare Breeds section, where
Reception
we keep a wide variety of animals YOU ARE
HERE Block Lake
which I shall be telling you a little Marsh
more about later. Next to this ...
moving east ... is the large
grazing area for the rare breeds.
Then further east ... in the largest
section of our Park is the
Forest Area.
93
South of the grazing area and in fact Rare Grazing
Breeds Area
just next to the Reception block is our
Section
Experimental Crop Area. In the middle
of the Park ... this circular area is our
lake ... These two small rectangular Experimental
shapes here ... are the Fish Farms Crops Area
where we rear fish for sale.
YOU ARE Reception
HERE Block Lake Marsh

fish farms
The 13 ………......…………..…

94
Rare Grazing
To the east of those is the marsh Breeds Area
area which attracts a great many Section
migrant birds. In the
south-eastern corner, beyond the
marsh, is our Market Garden Experimental
area, growing vegetables and Crops Area
flowers.
YOU ARE Reception
HERE Block Lake Marsh

Market garden
14 ………....….…..……..……
Area.
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Next stop is…

How to Answer
Diagram Questions

96
Diagrams
Learn how to answer this question type

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Explanation

● Diagram questions usually appear in Section 2 of the listening test

● Similar to Multiple Choice or Fill-in-the-Blanks
● Diagram questions come in 2 types - they can take the form of a
Fill-in-the-Blank question or a Multiple Choice question

98
Types of Directions

Type 1 Type 2

Label the diagram below. Write the correct letter, next to each
question.
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for
each answer. (answer choices)
A
………………………………….. B Pick answer choices from the
C box and match them with the
Write the word(s) Up to 3 words D labels in the diagram
that fit into the and/or a
blank line number
99
Diagram questions use the same vocabulary as map
Language of questions to explain where things are. Make sure you
know these words and phrases:
Location ● At the top / bottom
● On the left / right
● Left hand side / right hand side
● To the north / south / east / west
● Northeast / Northwest / Southeast / Southwest /
● Opposite / across from
● In front of / behind
● In the middle / centre
● Above / below
● Inside / outside
● Just beyond / a little beyond / just past
● Next to / alongside / joined with / adjoining
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Examples

101
Label the diagram below. Choose THREE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-E,
next to questions 11-13.

Multiple Choice

Hot water
Water Heater
Central heating
radiators
A electricity indicator
B on/off switch
11. ……………………….... C reset button
D time control
E warning indicator

12. ……………………….... 13. ………………………....

102
An
sw
Label the diagram below. Choose THREE answers from the box and write the er
correct letter, A-E, next to questions 11-13. s

Hot water
Water Heater
Central heating
radiators
A electricity indicator
B on/off switch
on/off switch
11. ……………………….... C reset button
D time control
E warning indicator

reset button
12. ……………………….... warning indicator
13. ……….………………………....
103
Analysis

104
Hot water Water Heater

Central heating radiators

A electricity indicator
B on/off switch
C reset button
on/off switch
11 …………………………………... D time control
E warning indicator

Synonym Language

MAN: In the upstairs cupboard, you'll find the water heater. You'll see three main controls
on the left at the bottom of the heater. The first one - the round one on the far left - is the
most important one for the heating and hot water. It's the main control switch. Make sure
it's in the 'on' position. The switch itself doesn't light up, but the little square below will be
black if the switch is 'off.' 105
Hot water Water Heater

Central heating radiators

A electricity indicator
B on/off switch
C reset button
D time control
reset button
12 …………………………………... E warning indicator

Synonym Language

MAN: Below the heating controls in the middle is a small round plastic button. If there isn't
enough water in the pipes, sometimes the heater goes out. If this happens you'll need to
press this button to reset the heater. Hold it in for about five seconds and the heater should
come on again.
106
Hot water Water Heater

Central heating radiators A electricity indicator

B on/off switch
C reset button
D time control
warning indicator
13 …………………………………... E warning indicator

Synonym Language

MAN: Then there's a little square indicator under the third knob that's a kind of alarm light.
It'll flash if you need to reset the heater.
Exact Language Trap
WOMAN: It sounds complicated...
MAN: I'm sure you won't have any problems with it...
107
Next stop is…

How to Answer
Section 3

108
IELTS Listening
Section 3
Example Questions

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Basics ● Conversation between up to 4 people
● Set in an educational or academic context
● 10 questions total - split into two parts
● 20-30 seconds of prep time before
listening to each question set

110
Examples

111
Pr
ep
Choose TWO letters, A-E. Ti
m
e
Which TWO skills did Laura improve as a result of her work placement?

A communication
B design
C IT First underline/circle
keywords in questions!
D marketing
E organisation

Which TWO immediate benefits did the company get from Laura's work placement?

A updates for its software

B cost savings
If you have time, then go
C an improved image back and mark keywords in
D new clients the answer choices
E a growth in sales
112
An
sw
Choose TWO letters, A-E. er
s
Which TWO skills did Laura improve as a result of her work placement?

A communication
B design
C IT
D marketing
E organisation

Which TWO immediate benefits did the company get from Laura's work placement?

A updates for its software

B cost savings
C an improved image
D new clients
E a growth in sales
113
Analysis

114
Which TWO skills did Laura improve as a result of her work placement?
Exact Language Trap

A communication
B design
C IT
D marketing Synonym Language
E organisation
Long Delay... Modification
LAURA: We hired the services of a professional photographer for that. I did have to use my
IT skills to a certain extent because I cut and pasted text from marketing leaflets, but that
didn't involve anything I hadn't done before.
TIM: Do you think you got any better at managing your time and prioritising things? You
always used to say you had trouble with that ...
LAURA: Oh, definitely. There was so much pressure to meet the project deadline. And I also
got better at explaining things and asserting my opinions, because I had to have weekly
consultations with the marketing manager and give him a progress report.
115
Which TWO immediate benefits did the company get from Laura's work placement?

A updates for its software

B cost savings
C an improved image Synonym Language
D new clients
E a growth in sales

LAURA: Oh, yes. I worked it out - it would have been 250 percent more. And I thought the
end result was good, even though we did everything on site. The company has quite a
powerful computer and I managed to borrow some scanning software from the university.
The new brochure looks really professional; it enhances the image of the company
straight away.
TIM: So in the long run it should help them to attract clients, and improve their sales
figures?
Exact Language Trap
LAURA: That's the idea. Yeah. (with synonym language)
116
Next stop is…

How to Answer Section 4

117
IELTS Listening
Section 4
Example Questions

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Basics ● Conversation between up to 4 people
● Set in an educational or academic context
● 10 questions total - will not be split into
parts!
● The recording doesn’t stop here, unlike the
first 3 sections
● 30 seconds of prep time before listening to
Section 4

119
Examples

120
Pr
ep
Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. Ti
m
e
The Spirit Bear
General Facts
● It is a white bear belonging to the black bear family.
Something
● Its colour comes from an uncommon 1 ……………………………… .
Something (trait?)
● Local people believe that it has unusual 2 ……………………………… .
Someone or something .
● They protect the bear from 3 …………………...…………………… Predictions

Habitat
● The bear’s relationship with the forest is complex.
Something
● Tree roots stop 4 ……………………………… along salmon streams. Connecting Words
● The bears’ feeding habits provide nutrients for forest vegetation.
Some place (plural) .
● It is currently found on a small number of 5 …………………..…………………
121
An
sw
Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. er
s
The Spirit Bear
General Facts
● It is a white bear belonging to the black bear family.
● Its colour comes from an uncommon 1 ……………………………… gene .
power
● Local people believe that it has unusual 2 ……………………………… .
strangers
● They protect the bear from 3 ……………………………… .

Habitat
● The bear’s relationship with the forest is complex.
erosion
● Tree roots stop 4 ……………………………… along salmon streams.
● The bears’ feeding habits provide nutrients for forest vegetation.
islands
● It is currently found on a small number of 5 ……………………………… .
122
Analysis

123
● gene
Its colour comes from an uncommon 1 ……………………………… . Something

● power
Local people believe that it has unusual 2 ……………………………… . Something

● strangers
They protect the bear from 3 ……………………………… . Someone or something

Synonym Language

Today we continue our series on ecology and conservation with a look at a particularly
endangered member of the black bear family. One in ten black bears is actually born with a
white coat, which is the result of a special gene that surfaces in a few. Local people have
named it ‘the spirit bear'. And according to the legends of these communities, its snowy fur
brings with it a special power. Because of this, it has always been highly regarded by them —
so much that they do not speak of seeing it to anyone else. It is their way of protecting it
when strangers visit the area.
124
erosion Something
● Tree roots stop 4 ……………………………… along salmon streams.
● islands
It is currently found on a small number of 5 ……………………………… . Some place (plural)
Synonym Language
The white bear's habitat is quite interesting. The bear's strong relationship with the
old-growth rainforest is a complex one. The white bear relies on the huge centuries-old
trees in the forest in many ways. For example, the old-growth trees have extremely long
roots that help prevent erosion of the soil along the banks of the many fish streams.
Keeping these banks intact is important because these streams are home to salmon, which
are the bear's main food source. In return, the bear's feeding habits nurture the forest. As
the bears eat the salmon, they discard the skin and bones in great amounts on the forest
floor, which provide vital nutrients. These produce lush vegetation that sustains thousands
of other types of life forms, from birds to insects and more. Today, the spirit bear lives off
the coast of the province of British Columbia on a few islands. Complex Word (silent letter)
125
Next stop is…

Final Tips for Your

Success

126
Final Tips
What to do before your exam…

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course. 127

The Day Before the Test

● Lightly review any content you’re still struggling with

○ Don’t use this day (or night) as an intense study session
○ Spend no more than 1-2 hours for review
○ Use this day to relax and refresh your mind and body
● Know where the test is and how to get there
○ Check the map and make sure you know how long it will take to get there
● Don’t stay up at night to prepare for your exam! Get a good night’s sleep
○ Research shows that students who sleep at least seven hours the night before a
test typically score higher than those who get only six hours of sleep.
○ Get as much sleep as you need to feel well rested and prepared for your test.
128
The Day Before the Test

● Set an alarm (or two or three)

○ Try not to set more than three alarms, and keep them at most 10-15 minutes
apart so that you don't end up accidentally oversleeping.
● Get together everything you’ll need for the test
○ Prepare all the materials you’ll need for your test the night before
○ So what do you need to bring to the test?

129
What things to bring for the IELTS exam?

● Your original and valid passport.

○ Driving licences and student IDs are not accepted as identification.
● Print out of the confirmation email for the test
○ This document will be stamped
● 2 colored photocopies of your passport
○ In case you have not sent the photocopies or uploaded them with your
application
● 4 colored passport-sized photographs of yourself
○ In case the photo uploaded in the registration form is not clear
130
What things to bring for the IELTS exam?

● Stationary items
○ Carry your own pencils, sharpener, erasers and pens (ballpoint pen with
black/blue ink) in case your test center does not provide them
● Water bottle (optional)
○ Should be transparent without any writing or labels on it
○ Not allowed in some test centers. In this case, a water facility will most probably
be available.
● Snacks (optional)
○ Not allowed in the test room, but you can eat while waiting to go into the
examination hall (sometimes, it can be a long wait)
131
The Day of the Test

● Eat a healthy, filling breakfast

○ Good brain foods to eat before a test include:
■ Whole grains (oatmeal, granola, quinoa, etc.)
■ Fresh fruit and vegetables

● Confirm that you have everything you need to take with you to the test
● Be on time
○ Aim to get to your test center at least 30 minutes before your test
○ If you arrive after the test starts, you will not be allowed to take the test
● Go to the bathroom
○ Use the restroom before leaving your house
132
Right Before the Test

● Gotta pee?
○ Use bathroom before the test, as there are no bathroom breaks in the exam.
○ To use the restroom during the test, raise your hand to ask the examiner.
○ Don’t go during your listening test, because the listening test will not stop and
you will miss the answers (and get a lower score as a result).
○ If you must, then go to the toilet during your reading or writing test.
● Stay calm and positive
○ It’s normal to feel nervous before an exam, just relax and do your best
○ Focus on deep breathing to calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety
○ If possible, stretch your arms and legs to get your blood flowing.
133
We have arrived!!!

134
Congratulations!

135
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