What should I look at before the audio starts?
Work out in advance what kind of information the gap needs.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
Before listening, look at the question: does the gap need a name, a place, a number, a time or an object? This preparation makes clear what you are going to listen for.
The words before the gap help too: at may point to a time, on to a day, made of to a material. But a prediction is not an answer; make your final choice from the audio.
Read the instructions. If the question asks for one word, you can't copy the whole phrase you heard.
See an example
Question: Please bring a ___ to the workshop.
Here you are looking for an object that can be brought. After a, a singular countable noun is expected.
Sample sentence: You don't need your laptop. Just bring a notebook.
Answer: notebook. Laptop is also an object, but the speaker says it isn't needed.
Now you try
Listening practice
Computer narration for practice. Listen first, then open the transcript.
Listen to the audio. ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
- The class takes place on ___ .
- Students should bring a ___ .
Before you listen, work out what type of information you expect in each gap.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Show transcript
Show transcript
The class is on Tuesday. Please bring a pencil. Paper will be provided by the teacher.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
- Tuesday — a day of the week.
- pencil — the object to bring.
Paper is also heard, but the teacher provides it. Predicting the type of gap helps; to choose the right detail, you also need to follow the meaning of the sentence.
Is the first number I hear the answer?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Listening