Top 10 Podcasts for Improving Your IELTS Listening Skills

Article Level: B2

Explanation:This article lists the top 10 podcasts to help improve your IELTS listening skills. It highlights each podcast’s features, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, and exam strategies, and offers practical tips like shadowing for better comprehension and fluency.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Improve /ɪmˈpruːv/ (verb): To make something better.

   Podcasts can help you improve your listening skills.

2. Strategy /ˈstrætədʒi/ (noun): A plan for achieving a goal.

   Learning exam strategies can boost your IELTS score.

3. Fluency /ˈfluːənsi/ (noun): The ability to speak smoothly and easily.

   Shadowing improves pronunciation and fluency.

4. Content /ˈkɒntɛnt/ (noun): The information included in something.

   This podcast offers educational content for learners.

5. Comprehension /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnʃən/ (noun): The ability to understand something.

   Listening to podcasts helps build comprehension skills.

Read more: Top 10 Podcasts for Improving Your IELTS Listening Skills

Top 10 Podcasts for Improving Your IELTS Listening Skills

Preparing for the IELTS exam can be stressful, especially when it comes to the listening section. However, using podcasts is a great way to boost your listening skills while enjoying interesting content. Here are the top 10 podcasts that can help you get a better score on the IELTS listening test.

1. The British Council’s LearnEnglish Podcasts
   This is perfect for IELTS learners. It includes real-life conversations, useful vocabulary, and British pronunciation, helping you understand different accents and improve your comprehension.

2. BBC Learning English
   A highly recommended podcast with short, clear lessons on various topics. It includes grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary – all helpful for the IELTS exam.

3. IELTS Energy Podcast by All Ears English
   This podcast focuses specifically on IELTS strategies. Hosted by experienced IELTS coaches, it offers tips, sample questions, and advice on how to avoid common mistakes.

4. The English We Speak (BBC)
   This podcast teaches modern phrases and idioms used in everyday British English. It’s great for improving your vocabulary and understanding informal expressions.

5. Luke’s English Podcast
   Hosted by a British comedian and teacher, this podcast is full of humour, storytelling, and cultural insights. It’s great for building vocabulary and getting used to natural speech.

6. 6 Minute English (BBC)
   Ideal for learners with limited time, each episode is just six minutes long. It covers a variety of topics in British English and includes new vocabulary explained in context.

7. IELTS Speaking for Success
   While it focuses on the speaking section, it’s excellent for listening practice too. You’ll hear model answers and examiner tips that reflect real test situations.

8. Voice of America – Learning English
   Although American in accent, this podcast offers slow, clear speech perfect for lower-intermediate to upper-intermediate learners. It covers global news and educational stories.

9. Splendid Speaking
   Focused on advanced learners, this podcast is excellent for students aiming for Band 7 or higher. It includes interviews and speaking tasks with feedback.

10. Coffee Break English
    This podcast is designed for learners to listen during breaks. It includes clear, structured lessons with explanations that support both listening and grammar skills.

Final Tip:
To get the most from these podcasts, listen actively. Take notes, repeat phrases, and try shadowing – where you speak along with the podcast. This helps with pronunciation and fluency.

Grammar Notes

The article makes use of:

• Present Simple: For general truths and facts (e.g., “This podcast teaches modern phrases”).

• Imperatives: For giving advice (e.g., “Take notes”, “Try shadowing”).

• Passive voice: For a formal tone (e.g., “It is designed for learners”).

Mini Lesson:
The present simple tense is often used in reviews and descriptions.
Example: “Each episode covers a different topic.”
Form: Subject + base verb (with ‘s’ for he/she/it).
Use this tense when talking about regular actions or facts.

Join Our FREE English Grammar Course and improve your grammar skills!

Five Questions Based on the Article

• Which podcast focuses specifically on IELTS test strategies?

• Why is “Luke’s English Podcast” helpful for vocabulary building?

• What makes “6 Minute English” suitable for busy learners?

• Which podcast is great for learning idioms and modern British phrases?

• How can shadowing help improve listening and speaking skills?

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