Level B1 (approx. band 4-5) · Academic and General Training Many learners start listening with an empty mind. They read the first question only when the speaker begins, and by then the answer has already passed. Strong listeners prepare. In this episode: • The time before each part • Predicting the word type • Predicting numbers, units and topic • Keywords and paraphrase • Listening lab • Language bridge • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key points: • use the time before each part to check the word limit, the topic and the gaps. • the words before and after a gap tell you its word type. • printed units and headings tell you what to expect, so you only listen for the missing piece. • underline keywords, then expect a paraphrase, not a copy. IELTS Complete Course: a self-study podcast from A1 to C2 for Academic and General Training. Listen, pause and answer, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair. Independent course, not affiliated with the IELTS test owners.