IELTS Listening

IELTS Listening Test
IELTS Listening Test

There are four separate sections in the IELTS listening test. Each section has 10 questions, there are 40 questions altogether and every question carries one mark. The sections become progressively harder. The answers to the questions come in the same order as the information on the recording. The IELTS listening test will take about 30 minutes including the instructions, your reading and listening time, and you will have an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

Listening section 1

This is a conversation between two speakers on an everyday, social topic. This means that you listen to two people talking to each other about arranging a trip, organizing an event, etc. The focus is on listening for specific factual information. See an example >> IELTS Listening Test Section 1

Listening section 2

This is a talk by one speaker on a general topic. This means that you listen to one person giving information about a public event, a service provided, etc. The focus is on listening for specific factual information. See an example >> IELTS Listening Test Section 2

Listening section 3

This is a discussion between two to four speakers on a topic related to ‘academic needs’. This means that you listen to up to four people talking to each other about an assignment for a course, an academic subject in a seminar, etc. The focus is on listening for specific factual information, attitudes and speakers opinions. See an example >> IELTS Listening Test Section 3

Listening section 4

This is a lecture or talk by one speaker on an academic or study-related topic. This means that you listen to a person giving a lecture, a talk, etc. The focus is on listening for main ideas, specific factual information, attitude and speakers opinions. See an example >> IELTS Listening Test Section 4

IELTS Listening Exercises for Beginner

[NB: In the actual IELTS listening test, please do not open this question paper until you are told to do so. Write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page. Listen to the instructions for each section of the test carefully. While you are listening, write your answers on the question paper; use a pencil.

You will be allowed approximately 30 seconds to study the questions before the test begins. You can use this time to check what types of answers are needed (for example; dates, times, names, money, and etc.), and pay special attention to the first question.]

IELTS Listening Sample Practice