IELTS Tips: Listening Section 3

IELTS Listening Section 3 can feel like a whirlwind — multiple speakers, shifting opinions, and a fast-paced exchange of ideas. But with the right strategies, this section can become one of the most manageable and even enjoyable parts of the test.

Let’s break it down and explore how to keep up, avoid common traps, and use the realism of this section to your advantage.

🗣️ What Is Section 3 All About?

Section 3 features a conversation between 2 to 4 speakers, typically in an academic setting. You might hear students discussing a group project, a tutor giving feedback, or classmates planning a presentation.

Key Features:

  • 2 to 4 speakers (the most of any section)

  • Academic context (but not overly technical)

  • Variety of accents (British, Australian, North American, etc.)

  • Realistic pace and tone — like a college conversation

This section mirrors real-life university experiences, making it highly relevant for future international students.

⚡ Challenge: Keeping Up with the Pace

Academic conversations can move quickly, with speakers interrupting, changing topics, or shifting opinions. Here’s how to stay on track:

✅ Tips:

  1. Preview the questions first
    Quickly scan the questions before the audio starts. This gives you a roadmap of what to listen for.

  2. Identify the speakers early
    Listen carefully to who is speaking and their roles (student, tutor, etc.). This helps you track who says what.

  3. Focus on keywords and transitions
    Words like however, but, actually, or on the other hand often signal a change in opinion or direction.

  4. Don’t panic if you miss something
    Stay calm and keep listening. The answer might be repeated or clarified later.

🎭 Beware of Distractors and Changing Opinions

Section 3 is notorious for distractors — information that sounds like the answer but isn’t — and changing opinions.

Example:

Student A: I thought we should focus on climate change, but maybe biodiversity is more relevant now.
Student B: Yes, biodiversity seems to fit better with the course objectives.

Here, the initial idea (climate change) is a distractor. The correct answer is biodiversity — the final decision.

✅ Tips:

  • Listen for final decisions — not just initial suggestions.

  • Watch for agreement or disagreement — these often signal the correct answer.

  • Underline keywords in questions — this helps you match spoken information to written prompts.

🌍 Accents and Realism: A Hidden Advantage

Unlike other sections, Section 3 often includes a mix of accents. While this can be tricky, it’s also a great way to prepare for real-world academic life.

✅ Tips:

  • Practice with diverse audio sources — TED Talks, university lectures, podcasts.

  • Focus on tone and context — even if the accent is unfamiliar, the meaning is often clear from the situation.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Section 3 is challenging, but it’s also the most realistic and relatable part of the IELTS Listening test. With practice, you’ll not only improve your score but also build skills that will help you thrive in academic discussions.

Zach J