Using shorthand or abbreviations while taking notes in the Listening section of the IELTS exam can be a valuable strategy to save time and capture key information accurately. However, it is important to use them effectively and consistently to ensure that your notes are clear and understandable during the test.

Benefits of using shorthand or abbreviations:
- Saves time: Shorthand and abbreviations allow you to write faster, enabling you to keep up with the pace of the listening audio.
- Increases efficiency: By using shorthand, you can condense longer words or phrases into shorter forms, helping you to capture more information in a limited amount of time.
- Facilitates active listening: When you use shorthand or abbreviations, you are forced to actively process and summarize the information in real-time, which enhances your comprehension and retention of the content.

Tips for effective use:
- Consistency is key: Develop a set of shorthand symbols or abbreviations that are easy for you to remember and consistently use throughout the test. This will help you understand your own notes later when reviewing them.
- Use standard abbreviations: Utilize commonly accepted abbreviations to represent frequently occurring words or phrases. For example, "w/" for "with," "govt" for "government," or "&" for "and."
- Adapt to your own style: Feel free to create shorthand symbols or abbreviations that make sense to you and align with your note-taking style. It should be a personal system that helps you capture information accurately and quickly.
- Practice beforehand: Familiarize yourself with your chosen shorthand symbols or abbreviations by practicing note-taking while listening to various audio materials. This will help you become more comfortable and efficient in using them during the actual test.

Example:
During the Listening section, you can use shorthand or abbreviations to represent important concepts, names, dates, or keywords. For instance, you can use "&" to represent "and," "b/w" for "between," "✔" for "correct," or "✘" for "incorrect." Additionally, you can develop symbols to represent common phrases like "in conclusion," "on the other hand," or "for example."

Remember to use these symbols consistently and clearly annotate any new symbols or abbreviations you create at the beginning of your notes. This will help you maintain clarity and ensure that your notes are understandable when you review them later to answer the questions.

In conclusion, using shorthand or abbreviations while taking notes in the Listening section can be a beneficial strategy. It saves time, increases efficiency, and facilitates active listening. However, it is crucial to develop your own consistent system and practice using it before the test to ensure that your notes are clear and easy to understand.