IELTS Listening - Format, Scoring, Tips, Practice Test

IELTS Listening - Format, Scoring, Tips, Practice Test

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Jan 30, 2025 09:08 AM IST | #IELTS
Ongoing Event
IELTS  Exam Date : 01 Jan' 2025 - 31 Jan' 2025

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 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.

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

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 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

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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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Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
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  • Select the IELTS listening section.

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  • 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.

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 ?

Hello,

One the most general tips for the preparation of both tests would be to go for a structured approach and understand the format of the tests respectively and work on improving grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation along with it take regular tests and reviews them. Both have 4 section, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, so all four must be kept in focus, and thus you must plan your time according to your needs and areas of improvement.

Now, for TOEFL, it's recommended to use resources from ETS, that is, official materials and tests.

For IELTS, it's recommended to use resources from IDP, British Council and Cambridge, that give you sample tests and questions.

Wishing an all the very best for the test.

Hello Student,

For the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam , which assesses international medical graduates for practice in Australia, the IELTS requirement is generally a minimum overall score of 7.0 , with no individual band score below 7.0 (in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Alternatively, the AMC also accepts equivalent scores from OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic :

  • OET : A grade of B in all four components.
  • TOEFL iBT : A minimum overall score of 94, with minimum scores of 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Writing, and 23 in Speaking.
  • PTE Academic : A minimum overall score of 65, with a minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill.

Meeting these requirements is essential to proceed with the AMC’s application and registration processes.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello

To be eligible for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams , candidates must demonstrate English .

AMC assessment process :

1. Accepted English Language Tests and Scores

IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) :

Overall band score : 7.0 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

PTE Academic ( Pearson Test of English Academic ) :

Overall score of 65 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

2. Validity of Test Scores

The test results must be no older than two years at the time of submitting your AMC application .

3. Preparation Tips for IELTS

Practice regularly : Build your language skills across all four components .

Take practice exams : practice can help improve speed and accuracy .

professional coaching if needed , specially for writing and speaking , which are often the most challenging part .

Use official IELTS resources : Cambridge IELTS books , online mock tests and other reliable materials can give you an accurate rating  .

4. Application Tips

Ensure that your English test scores are valid and meet the minimum requirements before applying .

Keep a copy of your scores as they may need to be provided to both the AMC and registration authority in Australia .

Hope this helps you .

All the best

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.


Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs.

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