IELTS Listening - Format, Scoring, Tips, Practice Test

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 to develop ideas. The candidate will be given 4 recordings of English native speakers with accents of British, Australia, New Zealand, etc., and based on the content in the recordings questions will be asked. Read the article to learn more about the IELTS exam listening syllabus, practice tests, scoring details, tips, etc.

IELTS: Vocabulary Guide | Reading Practice Tests | Listening Practice Tests | Speaking Practice Tests | Writing Practice Tests

IELTS: Sample papers | Preparation tips | Guide

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IELTS Listening Overview

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.

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 an academic topic

For the paper-based IELTS exam, the candidates are given 10 minutes of time to transfer the answers on paper. There is no extra time for the computer-based IELTS academic listening 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, and 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 are converted into an IELTS listening band of 0 to 9.

Converted Raw scores to IELTS bands for listening

IELTS listening practice test -

Candidates who would like to prepare for the IELTS listening test online can use the IELTS listening sample test published by the official IELTS. These IELTS listening practice tests are 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

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

• Select the IELTS listening section.

• Now, the sample IELTS listening test with answers is 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 listening in English can be learnt, which boost performance and scoring.

1. Understand the IELTS Listening Format

Learn about Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and several other question types that exist for the IELTS Listening test.

Obtain accurate IELTS listening test results by doing practice tests from previous exams.

2. Listen to Authentic Academic Material

You should access trusted materials through BBC and TED Talks along with academic university lectures.

Identifying various accents through exposure develops your ability to perceive multiple pronunciations.

3. Develop Note-Taking Skills

When you listen to audio material develop a system to capture essential information in concise notes.

Developing vocabulary requires keeping track of unknown words together with their definitions.

Mastering IELTS-specific vocabulary during dictation exercises will boost your abilities to hear and write effectively.

4. Focus on Keywords and Signposts

Pay close attention to context transition words including *however* along with *in addition* and *contradict.*

Recorded keywords indicate which aspects of the recording contain vital information.

5. Attempt All Questions

The lack of penalty for incorrect answers means every question counts so students should attempt all questions in the text.

When unsure about an answer make an educated prediction.

6. Be Careful While Transferring Answers

The process of transferring your responses needs double verification for correct spelling and proper grammar.

Responding to information with both precision and clarity remains essential.

7. Read Questions Before Listening

Skim through the questions before the recording starts.

Listening to specific details in the audio stream becomes possible when you plan before the audio starts.

8. Follow Instructions and Word Limits

Always maintain precise adherence to instructions when they say "Write no more than two words."

Wrong formats alongside responses outside designated word limits will potentially generate errors in answers.

9. Identify Synonyms and Paraphrases

During the recording, the question wording might differ from the original.

Students need to find equivalent expressions together with restated statements to find the proper response.

10. Silent letters in words along with proper pronunciation need your advanced awareness.

A few words contain silent letters that might confuse you.

Through regular listening practice, you will better understand words that present pronunciation challenges.

11. Manage Time Efficiently

Gradually turn away from any question that requires excessive analysis.

Proceed to different questions but you should revisit them after if required.

12. Eliminate Wrong Options in MCQs

Eliminating wrong answers helps you simplify your choice-selection process.

Choose an answer that maximizes relevance to the context.

These adaptive approaches give you the power to improve your IELTS listening proficiency while raising your total band score.