👂 During-Listening Techniques
Active listening is a skill. Here's how to maximise your accuracy during the audio playback.
The Two-Listen Strategy
First Listen — Big Picture
Get the overall gist. Answer easy questions. Don't panic about gaps — you'll hear it again!
Between Listens — Quick Review
Scan your answers. Mark questions you're unsure about. Predict possible answers for gaps.
Second Listen — Gap Fill
Focus on questions you missed. Listen for specific details, numbers, and names. Fill in every blank!
After Audio — Final Check
Review all answers. Check spelling. Never leave a blank — guess if you must!
First Listening: Get the Big Picture
On the first play, focus on understanding the overall message, main ideas, and answering questions you are confident about.
Second Listening: Fill in the Gaps
On the second play, focus on questions you missed, verify your answers, and complete gap-filling sections.
Listen for Signpost Words
Discourse markers signal what type of information is coming next and help you stay oriented in the audio.
Signpost Words to Listen For
| Word/Phrase | Function | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Furthermore | Addition | An extra point is coming. Note it as supporting detail. |
| Moreover | Addition | More information is being added. Keep writing. |
| In addition | Addition | Another point follows. Add it to your notes with a "+" symbol. |
| Also | Addition | An additional fact or idea is mentioned. Stay alert for details. |
| Besides | Addition | Extra information beyond what was already said. Note it down. |
| What is more | Addition | The speaker is emphasising an additional and often stronger point. |
| As well as | Addition | Two things are being linked. Note both items. |
| However | Contrast | The speaker is about to say something opposite. Listen for the shift. |
| Nevertheless | Contrast | Despite what was just said, a different point follows. Note the contrast. |
| On the other hand | Contrast | An alternative viewpoint is coming. This may be the answer to an inference question. |