You are in the exam hall. The audio starts, and you lean your body forward, listening intently so that you don’t miss any important information. After a few minutes, the recording moves on, but you linger on a fragment of a sentence that you did not fully catch. Just as you catch up, you lost your place as it switched to the next question; you may find this is a familiar scene for students attempting the listening section for IELTS or PTE – it is not because you don’t know how to speak English, but because listening in examination condition is much different from listening in everyday situations.
The good news? With the right practice plan and strategies, you can convert listening into one of your strongest skills. In this document, we will learn about the importance of listening, how IELTS & PTE listening are different from one another, some evidence-based practices to reduce the risk of making common mistakes when listening, and daily practices you can do to prepare and build confidence for examination day.
Why Listening Matters in IELTS & PTE
Listening is not just about hearing words. In these exams, it’s about catching meaning, recognising details, and keeping up with speed and accent. Both IELTS & PTE use listening tasks to check if you can handle situations like:
- Following instructions in university lectures.
- Taking part in workplace meetings.
- Understanding everyday conversations in English.
For students aiming to study, migrate, or work in Australia, strong listening scores are essential. In fact, many visa categories in 2025 still require minimum band scores in listening. Whether you’re targeting IELTS Sydney for university admission or preparing with PTE coaching Sydney for skilled migration, mastering listening is a non-negotiable step.
IELTS vs PTE Listening: What’s the Difference?
Although both exams test listening, the formats are not the same. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | IELTS Listening | PTE Listening |
| Test Length | ~30 minutes + 10 mins transfer time | ~45–57 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 4 sections (40 questions) | 8 task types |
| Focus | Academic + general contexts | Academic, practical, and integrated skills |
| Scoring | Band score (0–9) | 10–90 points scale |
| Note-taking | Essential | Integrated typing & summarising |
IELTS Listening includes lectures, conversations, and problem-solving situations. You hear the audio once, so focus and note-taking matter a lot.
PTE Listening combines tasks like “Summarise Spoken Text,” “Highlight Correct Summary,” and “Fill in the Blanks.” It also integrates listening with writing, so grammar and spelling affect your score too.
Four Core Listening Strategies That Work
1. Active Listening
Don’t just “hear” — train yourself to listen for meaning. Practise predicting what will come next in a conversation.
2. Keyword Spotting
Learn to identify signal words such as “however,” “on the other hand,” or “for example.” These words guide you to the main idea.
3. Effective Note-taking
In IELTS, writing short notes saves time. In PTE, typing keywords helps during summarising tasks. Create your own shorthand for common phrases.
4. Time & Prediction
Before the audio starts, quickly look at the questions. Predict possible answers — names, numbers, or directions — so you’re ready when you hear them.
Task-Specific Tips
IELTS Listening
- Always check word limits (e.g., “No more than two words”).
- Practise skimming questions before each section.
- Be aware of distractors (e.g., “I’ll meet you on Monday… oh wait, Tuesday is better.”).
PTE Listening
- For “Summarise Spoken Text,” focus on capturing the main idea in one or two sentences.
- Use elimination in multiple-choice questions.
- In “Write from Dictation,” check spelling carefully — even a small mistake costs marks.
👉 For a deeper breakdown of PTE tasks, check out our guide on PTE Exam Changes 2025.
Daily Practice Plan
Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
Morning (15–20 mins):
- Read Australian news headlines aloud.
- Note down 5–10 new words, practise their pronunciation.
Afternoon (30 mins):
- Do a short mock test (IELTS & PTE listening section).
- Review mistakes immediately and rewrite answers correctly.
Evening (20–30 mins):
- Watch a short Australian TV show or listen to a podcast.
- Write a two-sentence summary in your own words.
Tip: Rotate between IELTS past papers and PTE practice questions to keep variety and avoid fatigue.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Solution |
| Reading every word in IELTS questions | Skim for keywords only |
| Missing keywords in audio | Train with podcasts, focus on transitions |
| Spelling errors in PTE dictation | Create a spelling review list |
| Writing too much in summaries | Practise concise note-taking |
| Losing focus mid-audio | Build stamina with 30+ mins listening daily |
Tools & Resources for Practice
- IELTS Official practice tests (ielts.org)
- PTE Academic Official guide (pearsonpte.com)
- Free resources like BBC Learning English and Australian news radio
If you’re preparing locally, enrolling in IELTS classes Sydney or structured PTE coaching Sydney ensures you get guided feedback — something self-study cannot always provide.
How Coaching Institutes Can Help
Independent study is important, but structured feedback makes the biggest difference. Trainers can identify mistakes you don’t notice, such as unclear pronunciation or incomplete summaries. Institutes also run mock tests in real conditions, helping you manage time and nerves better.
At Boston Institute, our listening training doesn’t just prepare you for the exam. We focus on real-world English skills that you’ll need at university lectures, in job interviews, or even in day-to-day life in Australia.
FAQs
Q1: How do I score high in IELTS listening?
Practise with past papers, focus on keywords, and improve note-taking speed.
Q2: What’s the best way to practise PTE listening?
Use mock tests daily. Focus on summarising and dictation tasks since they carry heavy marks.
Q3: How many times can I listen to IELTS audio?
Only once. That’s why prediction and preparation before the audio starts are critical.
Q4: Can improving listening also help my speaking?
Yes. Listening trains your ear for natural pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary, which boosts fluency in speaking.
Q5: How long should I practise listening every day?
At least 30 minutes focused practice plus natural exposure (TV, podcasts, conversations).
Final Thoughts
Scoring well in IELTS or PTE listening is not about luck. It’s about focus, strategy, and consistent practice. Avoiding common mistakes and following a structured daily plan makes a real difference.
If you’re preparing for your test this year, don’t leave listening to chance. Start building your routine today, and consider joining a guided program for expert feedback. At Boston Institute, we’re here to help you prepare smarter, not harder – so you can step into your exam with confidence.