Predicting Answers with Prepositions in IELTS Listening
The IELTS Exam is a test for the candidates where they are judged based on their English language skills. The IELTS Exam scores the candidate based on four different sections, namely::
The first part is the listening test where candidates will be provided 4 different audio clips. These audio clips consist of conversations between two people or monologues. Candidates can also follow the IELTS exam pattern to prepare effectively for the IELTS test. In IELTS Listening, candidates are given a few moments to look at the questions before the audio starts playing. Following the instructions correctly can increase the IELTS band score of a candidate.
Predicting answers in IELTS Listening
It is very important for the candidate to predict the section where the audio clip has the answers. This will help them increase the band score from a Minimum IELTS Score to a good score. Reading the questions beforehand will give an idea what they need to look for in the audio. Once the questions are set in the minds of the students, listening to the answer in the audio clip will help them answer the questions.
There are some IELTS listening tips that will help the candidates. One of them is, using the preposition. The prediction of the answers can be made easier with prepositions. We will now look at a few examples and how to use prepositions while answering IELTS questions.
Predicting with Prepositions
A preposition is a word or group of words used before a noun, pronoun, or noun. Preposition determines direction, time, place, location etc. There are multiple words that can be used as prepositions. Some of them are words like "in," "at," "on," "of," and "to." Let us consider one statement which can be used for various kinds of prepositions.
Sentence - We can meet
Considering the sentence ”We can meet”, if we add prepositions just before the blank, guessing answers will be easier. This also helps candidates with IELTS Preparation. Let us consider some example:
- At
We can meet at________
| Preposition | Prediction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| at | Time of day | 6PM |
| at | Part of day | Night |
| at | Part of the week | The Weekend |
| at | Place | The Shopping mall |
Before the Weekend and the shopping mall, there is “The”. Hence, these 2 can only be used when the question says two or more words. If the answer has to be given via one word, we cannot use this.
- In
We can meet in________
| Preposition | Prediction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in | Period of time | 3 days |
| in | Month | February |
| in | Year | 2021 |
| in | Season | Autumn |
In this section, all the examples relate to some kind of time. Students need to focus on the listening clip to look for time or the period. This way they will be able to get the answers easily.
- On
We can meet on________
| Preposition | Prediction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| on | day | 3rd day |
| on | date | 20th May (British English) May 20th (American English) |
In this section, the preposition is “on”. The students can get answers to questions like, on which date the meeting was fixed, on which day we are going to meet and many more. Hence, it will be easier for the students to get an answer from the audio clip.
- There are instances where few questions are answered without using any prepositions. Few examples where no preposition is used are:
- We can meet now/ later/ at once/ tomorrow/ next year/ next month.
This answers questions like when can we meet. It not only says the time of day or the day or the year but also says if we are going to meet. Such statements and answers will also be available in the IELTS Listening test.
These are a few things that the candidates must keep in mind before attempting the IELTS listening test. IELTS Listening Tips can help the students practice the test before going for it. They can also opt for IELTS Online courses which are now available. Students must keep in mind that the audio is played once. Hence, it is important to carefully listen to every word before predicting the answers.
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