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During listening section you will listen to recorded information. While you're listening, you'll see pictures of the speakers or other images on your computer screen. If you don't understand a spoken dialogue on a listening section, do not worry about it and do not get involve in an inner dialogue: What did he say? I didn't understand that word!.

This inner dialogue causes you to concentrate on what is going on your mind and you miss out on what is happening in the dialogue. It is important to train yourself to stay relaxed in this situation. Other useful prep tips:

• Increase vocabulary knowledge, perhaps by using flashcards.
• Focus on the content and flow of material. Do not be distracted by the speaker’s style and delivery.
• Anticipate what a person is going to say as a way of staying focused.
• Stay active by asking mental questions. E.g., what main idea is the professor communicating?
• Copy the words, “main idea," "major points" and "important details” on different lines of paper. Listen carefully and write these things down while listening. Listen again until you write down all major points and important details.
• Listen to a portion of a lecture or talk and either orally summarize or write a brief summary of major points. Gradually increase the amount listened to and summarized. Note: This is not measured in the Listening section, but practicing summarizing skills is useful for the integrated tasks in the Writing and Speaking sections.