Ielts Listening Tips
Make the most of your Listening test:
if you cannot hear the audio clearly, let a member of staff know straightaway
follow the instructions carefully; they may be different to practice or previous tests
listen for the specific information you want
try and anticipate what the speaker will say; this will require concentration
do not worry if there is a word you do not understand; you may not need to use it
if you do not know the answer to a question, attempt it but do not waste time; move quickly onto the next one
be careful with your spelling and grammar
do not panic if you think the topic is too difficult or the speaker is too fast; relax and tune in
read, write and listen at the same time
focus precisely on what you are asked to do in completion type questions
pay attention to the word limit; for example, if you are asked to complete a sentence using no more than two words, if the correct answer is ‘leather coat’, the answer ‘coat made of leather’ would be incorrect
if the question asks you to complete the note ‘in the…’ and the correct answer is ‘morning’, note that ‘in the morning’ would be incorrect; the correct answer is 'morning'
attempt all questions; there are no penalties for incorrect answers
check your answers
Source: http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-your-test/test-day-advice/listening-test-advice
