Handout · Day 2
Recap from Day 1, then a quick synonym warm-up. The IELTS Listening test almost never uses the same words you see on the page — the speakers always say something slightly different.
Distractors are wrong answers that the speakers consider before settling on the right one. Section 1 conversations often go: "How about X?" — "No, X won't work because…" — "OK, then Y." X is the distractor; Y is the answer.
If you hear something that matches an answer option immediately, don't lock it in. Wait — they're usually about to change their mind. Lock in the answer only after you hear agreement or a decision.
Write the correct answer in the question, and note any distractor you heard mentioned and rejected.
Match each word on the left to its synonym on the right.
| Word | Your match (a–h) | Synonym |
|---|---|---|
| 1. a price | a. money | |
| 2. a location | b. to carry | |
| 3. funding | c. a drawback | |
| 4. dangerous | d. a fee | |
| 5. a solution | e. a place | |
| 6. to transport | f. risky | |
| 7. disadvantage | g. an impact | |
| 8. an effect | h. an answer |
1 d (a price → a fee) · 2 e (a location → a place) · 3 a (funding → money) · 4 f (dangerous → risky) · 5 h (a solution → an answer) · 6 b (to transport → to carry) · 7 c (disadvantage → a drawback) · 8 g (an effect → an impact)
Listen and choose A, B, or C. Note the paraphrase you heard in the recording for the underlined words.
"Choose TWO" or "Choose THREE" — these questions force you to track multiple correct items in random order. Underline the keywords in each option before the recording starts.
What TWO disadvantages of the new mobile phone does the speaker mention? Tick (✓) or cross (✗) each option as you listen.
The TWO correct answers are:
Map tasks are common in Section 2. You'll get 30 seconds to study the map first — use that time to locate the start point, identify landmarks already labelled, and notice the compass direction.
Directly across from. "The shop is opposite the lifts."
Right beside, sharing a wall or boundary.
The end furthest from where you start.
Slightly beyond, on the same side.
Movement directions on a labelled map. Always check the compass.
A circular junction where traffic flows in one direction.
Crossing the street to the other side.
Look at diagrams A, B, and C of the streets around the Bank and the Post Office. Listen and decide which one shows the directions described by the speaker.
Your answer:
Note any direction phrases you heard:
Listen and label the map with the correct letter A–F. Options: A farm animals · B fresh bread · C ticket booth · D picnic area · E second-hand book stall · F cookery shows.
Don't cross out an option until you're sure. If you can't decide between two, write both down and come back. Listen for prepositions of place — opposite, next to, between, behind, on the corner of — and the order the speaker moves in.
In pairs: draw a simple map of your route from home to the nearest café. Take turns describing it without showing — partner draws it from your directions. Quick test of how much direction vocabulary you've actually internalised.
Build a synonym pairs list (25 pairs minimum) and complete a short directions-listening task. Around 30 minutes.
A little extra self-study for this skill — each link opens in a new tab. These are free resources; some may ask you to create a free account.