The IELTS Listening Test.

The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess a candidate's ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. It is the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training tests. Here's what you need to know:

General overview of the listening test.

Duration and Format:

  • The test lasts approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet.

  • It consists of four sections, each with 10 questions.

  • You will hear each recording only once.

  • The test progresses from easier to more difficult content.

Structure:

  1. Section 1: A conversation between two people in an everyday social context. Example: A dialogue about renting a flat or making a restaurant reservation.

  2. Section 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context. Example: A speech about local facilities or a talk about a community event.

  3. Section 3: A conversation between up to four people in an educational or training context. Example: A university tutor and student discussing an assignment or a group of students planning a project.

  4. Section 4: A monologue on an academic subject. Example: A university lecture.

Question Types: You may encounter various question types, including:

  • Multiple choice

  • Matching

  • Plan/map/diagram labelling

  • Form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion

  • Sentence completion

  • Short-answer questions

Key Skills Tested:

  • Understanding main ideas and detailed factual information

  • Recognizing opinions and attitudes of speakers

  • Following the development of an argument

  • Understanding the purpose of an utterance

  • Following instructions

Scoring:

  • Each correct answer receives one mark.

  • Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.

  • Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Tips for Candidates:

  1. Read the questions before the audio starts to know what to listen for.

  2. Use the time between sections to prepare for the next set of questions.

  3. Pay attention to word limits in answers.

  4. Be aware that spelling and grammar count; write clearly and check your work.

  5. If you miss an answer, don't panic. Move on and stay focused on the current question.

  6. Practice with a variety of accents as the test may feature speakers from different English-speaking countries.

Preparation Strategies:

  • Listen to English language media regularly (news broadcasts, documentaries, podcasts).

  • Practice note-taking while listening.

  • Familiarize yourself with various English accents.

  • Take practice tests to get used to the format and timing.

Remember, the IELTS Listening test is designed to reflect real-life situations where understanding spoken English is important. Regular practice and exposure to spoken English will significantly improve your performance.

Sample listening test