Well, this is what we were going to do today. I'm going to devide the listening exam into different stages. On each stage we are going to revise a different strategy for this section and practising with one of the parts of the recording. Then, we are doing a full exam to practice so that you have the chance to apply those strategies that you found the most effective. 

Without further ado, let's begin!

1) The fist tip is predict the possible answers. The idea here is that, while you read the questions, you try to predict the type of answer which will be required. Say, for example, that you have a fill-in-the-blanks form that you have to complete. If you have to complete the "phone number" category, you know you will expect a number, or "address" a name and a number, and so on. For names, pay close attention to the spellings (they are usually spelled in the recording). If what you have to complete is some notes from a lecture, try to recognize what type of word you are required (noun, adjective, verb, etc.) and you can even sometimes predict the word itself. Make some notes or mental notes on the information you need to complete so as to make it easier for you when you are listening and answering.  

DO TASK 1 OF THE LISTENING SECTION APPLYING TIP #1.

2) The next piece of advice is cross out the information you already know is wrong. This is specially useful for multiple choice and yes/no/doesn't say questions. Many times, the speaker changes their mind a few times during conversations, mentioning the words from all possible answers (in a fill in the blanks activity). If you weren't paying enough attention, many details may be overlooked. What you should do, then, is as soon as you notice that one of the options is not right, discard it by crossing it out, so as to make it less confusing for your brain afterwards. 

DO TASK 2 OF THE LISTENING SECTION APPLYING TIP #2.

3) The next tip is try to read all the questions beforehand, trying to remember as much information as possible. During the exam you are given some time to read the questions, use that time to read the questions (and possible answers in the case of multiple choice questions) trying to retain as much information as you can. You can even read them more than once. Then, during the time you are given to check your answers at the end of each exercise, read the questions that follow, instead. Don't waste time re-reading what you wrote or reading the general instruction of the task.

DO TASK 3 OF THE LISTENING SECTION APPLYING TIP #3.

4) The fourth and last tip to try out is mark key words in the questions (and answers). Now, the million dollar question is What is a keyword and what isn't?  What we mean by keyword here is those terms that are so relevant that they must be in the recording and that are hard to paraphrase. We do this so that we can focus our hearing on specific information and get rid of irrelevant content. You can also see what key information is going to be mentioned and think of a few possible paraphrasings (e.g. you mark the word cellphone and you think of the paraphrased versions mobile, device, telephone, cellular phone, etc.. You can write those words down or just think of them to be ready. 

DO TASK 4 OF THE LISTENING SECTION APPLYING TIP #4.

EXTRA TIPS:

Here are some extra tips to help you out during the exam:

a. Always keep an eye on the following question. Before the recording starts, make sure to chek out the first one or two questions to know where you are starting and what's coming next. While you move forward, always keep an eye on what the next question is about. Sometimes we don't realize one question has already been answered and if you don't know what is coming next, then you may miss out on several follwoing questions. Make sure you are always aware of the next move. 

b. Don't get stuck on any question. If you missed the information or are not sure, move on and at the end of the test you choose one of the options.

c. Don't leave any question unanswered. It is better to try answering a question and failing than no trying at all. There is always some percentage of possibilities that you may get it right.

d. Trust your gut. In fact, what you are trusting is not your gut but your hearing. When you are not sure of your answer but feel more inclined towards one of the answers, go for it. The information is somewhere in your brain and, although you cannot clearly recall it, some parts of your brain caught that information and are processing it. Instead of doubting that instinct, listen to it, it is most times right.