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IELTS Listening - Format, Scoring, Tips, Practice Test

IELTS Listening - Format, Scoring, Tips, Practice Test

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Aug 29, 2023 01:00 PM IST | #IELTS

IELTS Listening - The listening section is one of the components of the IELTS exam. The IELTS listening test is the same for both IELTS General and IELTS academic versions. IELTS listening is about 30 minutes of duration. The IELTS listening test assesses the ability of the candidate to understand the main ideas and facts of the information, opinions & attitudes of the speaker and the ability of development of ideas. The candidate will be given 4 recordings of English native speakers with accents of British, Australia, New Zealand, etc., based on the content in the recordings question will be asked. Read the article to know more about the IELTS exam listening syllabus, practice tests, scoring details, tips, etc.

IELTS Listening Overview

Section Duration

30 minutes

Number of Question Types

6

No. of questions

40

Number of Recordings

4

IELTS listening Test format

When considering the IELTS syllabus and IELTS pattern in the IELTS academic listening is similar to the IELTS general listening test. As stated the IELTS listening section contains 4 recordings. Each recording in the IELTS listening test contains 10 questions each.

Recording 1 - Conversation between 2 speakers in social situations

Recording 2 - Speech about local facilities

Recording 3 - Conversation between 2 speakers in university contexts

Recording 4 - Monologue on academic topic

For paper based IELTS exam the candidates are given 10 minutes of time to transfer the answers on paper. For the computer based IELTS academic listening there is no extra time given other than 40 minutes, as the candidates write the answer directly on the computer.

IELTS Listening Question Types

  • Multiple choice - For the MCQ’s questions , the candidate has to pick 1 answer among the given A, B, C options.

  • Matching information - A simple matching task to the given list of items must be done.

  • Plan, Map, Diagram Label Completion - The given labels of a diagram or a plan or a map which are related to the recordings, must be completed as instructed. The answers for completing can be selected from a list on the question paper.

  • Summary, note, table, flow chart completion - In this IELTS listening section, the given summary texts or tables and flow charts which are incomplete must be completed.

  • Sentence completion - The sentences which summarise information in the recordings must be completed as instructed. The candidate has to fill in the words as instructed. Using words more than the word count can lead to penalties in scores.

  • Short-answer questions - The candidates have to answer the given questions related to recording in short length as per the word count instructed.

IELTS listening scoring

The IELTS scores for listening are calculated in the form of bands 0 to 9. Firstly,the section consists of 40 questions each question carries 1 mark. The raw scores of the IELTS listening is converted into IELTS listening band of 0 to 9.

Converted Raw scores to IELTS bands for listening

Raw score

Band score

9

39-40

8.5

37-38

8

35-36

7.5

32-34

7

30-31

6.5

26-29

6

23-25

IELTS listening practice test -

Candidates who would like to prepare the IELTS listening test online can use the IELTS listening sample test published by the official IELTS. These IELTS listening practice test free, provide a real-time exam experience for the candidate and also help in getting used to the IELTS exam pattern and timings, etc. During the early preparation stage, candidates can attempt the IELTS practice tests and sample papers to evaluate the concepts which need more practice and work on improving them. While working on the IELTS listening mock test, all the sample recordings related to the topics used in the actual IELTS listening are given.

How to Download IELTS listening sample tests?

The steps for downloading the IELTS sample papers are -

  • Go to the IDP IELTS website at www.ielts.org

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  • Select the “For Test Taker” option in the header section, followed by selecting “ “Sample Test Questions” option in the test taker option.

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  • Select the IELTS listening section.

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  • Now, the sample IELTS listening test with answers are displayed on the screen accordingly.

Also know more about IELTS -

IELTS Listening Tips -

To score high in the IELTS general listening, a few IELTS preparation tips for the listening in English can be learnt, which boost the performance and scoring.

  • Read the questions related to the recording at first, by doing this the candidate can focus in detail for the required content.

  • While answering the questions for the IELTS listening, follow the instruction for that particular and follow the word limit specified.

  • Look for the keyword synonyms while answering because the same vocabulary will not be used throughout the recordings, questions and answers

  • While listening, the candidate should be aware that there will be silent words in the pronunciation, which may be missed out or wrongly understood.

  • Do not waste more time for one question, the candidate can come back after attempting a few other questions and try for it.

  • Follow a particular format while answering the dates like example- August 24, 25th August and 25 August, etc.

  • While answering the multiple choice questions, it is better to strike off the wrong answers and then select the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to improve the IELTS listening score?

In order to improve the current IELTS listening test score, the candidates need to follow the tips and techniques which speed up the performance and increase the efficiency.

2. Are the recordings repeated in IELTS listening?

No, the recordings for the IELTS listening test are played only once.

3. How many attempts can be done for the IELTS exam?

There is no limit in re attempting the IELTS test. Generally the IELTS academic test is conducted 4 times a month and the IELTS general is conducted 2 times a month.

4. Can we pause the recording in the IELTS listening?

No, there is no facility to pause the audio in the listening section.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.

As a first-year B.Com student planning to pursue an MBA abroad, it's ideal to take your IELTS exam about a year before you plan to apply to universities, as the scores are valid for two years. This timeline allows you to retake the exam if needed and ensures you have ample time to prepare your applications. For personalized guidance and support in preparing for the IELTS and planning your study abroad journey, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in assisting students with their overseas education goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Hello,

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

Thank you

The IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests serve different purposes, so their difficulty levels can vary depending on your strengths and background. The IELTS Academic is generally considered more challenging, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections. It focuses on language skills needed in an academic setting, including understanding complex texts and writing essays on abstract topics. The IELTS General, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use, such as for immigration or work purposes, and involves more practical tasks like writing letters and understanding basic articles. If you're comfortable with academic English, the Academic test might be manageable, but for most people, the General test is slightly easier due to its more straightforward content. Consider seeking guidance from educational career consultancies such as Invicta Career Consultancy (ICC). These consultancies evaluate your academic profile and career aspirations, helping identify suitable scholarships based on your qualifications and chosen field of study. They also provide support for exams like IELTS, GMAT, SAT, GTE, and more. ICC stands out by offering comprehensive assistance, including entrance exam training, help with SOP writing, and guidance in selecting suitable colleges. When exploring consultancy options, evaluate similar firms to find the one aligning best with your educational goals.

The IELTS results are typically released 13 days after the test date, but the exact time of release can vary depending on the test center. While some test centers might release results at noon on the 13th day, others might have different schedules. For specific guidance and precise information regarding the release of your IELTS results, it is advisable to contact your test center directly. Additionally, for personalized assistance and expert advice on navigating the IELTS process and studying abroad, you may consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored support based on your individual needs and goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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