IELTS Listening Preparation 2025 - Practice Test with Answers

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IELTS Listening Preparation 2025 - Practice Test with Answers

IELTS Listening Preparation 2025 - Practice Test with Answers

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IELTS Exam Date:04 Dec' 25 - 04 Dec' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 17 Jul 2025, 05:32 PM IST

The IELTS listening preparation is considered the most important aspect of the IELTS exam, as many students aspire to score a minimum of band 8. A very high IELTS listening band score can enhance the candidate's overall IELTS band score. Students acquiring Band 8 usually get good scholarships from universities, and on the other hand, the working professionals or the candidates aspiring for a permanent residency in many countries meet their eligibility criteria if they score so high. The candidates are advised to engage in a lot of IELTS 2025 listening practice tests to secure a very high IELTS listening test score.

This Story also Contains

IELTS 2025 Listening Test Structure
Strategies to Score High Band Score - Section 4:
IELTS 2025 Listening Practice Tips:
Additional Tips on the IELTS Listening Test:
Types of Questions Asked in the IELTS Listening Section 2025:
IELTS Listening Band Score Chart 2025:
IELTS 2025 Practice Tests:
IELTS Listening Test Instructions

IELTS Listening Preparation

In this article, we shall discuss the IELTS 2025 listening preparation tips and tricks that help you score the desired band. For this, you need to know the structure of the exam and the strategies to solve each type of question.

Before we start with the strategies, we all need to know that both General and Academic IELTS 2025 have a similar listening test. It is also marked in the same way. Hence, we recommend that IELTS 2025 listening preparation be done online, and you do not have to travel to far-off places to go through any training. Always remember to follow strategies and practice well before the exam will ensure a high band score.

IELTS 2025 Listening Test Structure

There are four sections in the IELTS listening module, and each comes with different types of questions. Let us discuss all in detail.

IELTS 2025 Listening Preparation - Section One

The audio played in this section is a very basic conversation between two people. The conversation will normally be about making a hotel booking or renting an apartment. You will have to listen to specific information to fill in the blanks, such as name, phone number, or particular descriptions, according to what is played in the audio.
This section has 10 questions.
These 10 questions are subdivided into 2 parts.
Before the audio begins, you will get 30 seconds to read questions 1-5 /6, post these thirty seconds, the audio starts, and you need to answer the questions as you hear the audio.
Remember that the audio is played only once, and it is never repeated.
After you finish the first set of questions, you again get 30 seconds to read the next questions, that is, questions up to question number 10.
After 30 seconds, the audio starts, and you have to answer the questions as you hear.

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IELTS 2025 Preparation Online - Strategies for the Listening Section One

Read the instructions carefully and answer the questions according to the instructions. The instructions will let you know the number of words you can write to attempt the answer.
Remember that writing beyond the word limit will not get you scores, instead your right answer will be marked wrong.
This section will normally mention a name as an answer, so you need to carefully hear the name and the spelling the speaker spells for the name, remember that the names are in native English so you need to practice to hear carefully and write down the spellings.
This section will also make you write numbers, in the form of phone numbers or a number in the address, while it's easy to understand numbers in the audio, you need to be careful in listening to the number zero, as they do not call it as a zero but will call it as the letter “o”.
You need to carefully read the questions in the thirty seconds to analyze and guess correctly as to what the answer could be.
Remember to listen to the end to come to the answer, especially at the end of the section, as the discussion would have a lot of distractions before reaching the accurate answer.
You will have to practice this section regularly to gain a high score. We recommend you listen to BBC documentaries or podcasts.

IELTS 2025 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials

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.

Download EBook

IELTS 2025 Listening Preparation - Section Two

This section of IELTS is a monologue, so there is only one speaker that you need to understand.
The audio in this section will normally talk about a map, plan, or diagram.
You are expected to note the directions, mention where a specific place is, and what something is made of.
You have to be focused while reading the questions in the given 30 seconds and also be able to guess what the answer could be.
This section is also divided into parts and in each part, you get 30 seconds to read the questions and then while you listen to the audio, you have to answer.
Underline the keywords in the questions when you get 30 seconds to read them.

Strategies to Solve Map-Based Questions:

IELTS listening section two normally has map-based questions, so let us follow the given strategies to solve them accurately.

Read the instructions carefully.
Utilise the 30 seconds that are given to read the questions effectively so that you are able to predict the answer, in terms that could either be a noun or a direction.
Underline Key Words - This step can be done while you are reading the questions or afterwards. For the Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling question type, this step will be minimal because there will not be many words.
Pay Attention to Directions- You should pay attention to direction words that are used when discussing images and maps.
While the audio goes on, move your pencils along with the directions that the audio gives.
Practice well.

Directional Words to Practice - High Bands in Map-Based IELTS Listening Questions

NORTH, At / On the top of, To the north of, Above, Slightly north of
South, at the bottom of, below, Slightly South of
West, To the west of, To the left of, left-hand side
East, To the east of, To the right of, Right-hand side, Slightly east of
On the far side
In the Southwest/ Northwest/ Northeast / Southeast
In the middle of/ In the centre of
opposite/ In front of
clockwise/ Anti-clockwise
A bit beyond
Right past
Before/After
Adjoining
Enter through/via
Runs through
Runs Alongside

We recommend that you make sentences with each directional word given above to excel in using maps and also following the directions. If a candidate wishes to improve their IELTS listening band scores and learn other important IELTS dictation words, they can refer to the 100+ IELTS dictation words article written by IELTS experts.

IELTS 2025 Listening Preparation - Section Three

The third section of IELTS listening is an academic conversation between 2-4 people and usually is between people with different accents.
The audio will follow the same structure of 30 seconds, like in sections 1 and 2.
Here, you will be expected to understand the conversation between people talking about certain facts, expressing their viewpoints, and even discussing something academic in nature.
This section is most likely to have multiple-choice questions.

IELTS 2025 Preparation Online - Strategies to Solve Multiple-Choice Questions

Read the instructions carefully.
Read the questions and identify what is exactly asked.
Underline the keywords in the question and also in the options.
Make educated guesses about the answer.
Although the questions are asked in a sequence, the options given here are not in sequence.
You will hear the audio talking about all the options, you have to eliminate the wrong ones by listening till the end and avoiding all sorts of distractions in the discussion.
You have to manage time, in case you miss any particular question, move to the next and stay focused.
Understand the connecting words used, like however, but as they mean a contradiction.
Practice well.

IELTS 2025 Listening Preparation - Section Four

This is the most difficult part of the IELTS listening test.
It has 10 questions like all other sections, however, you get only 30 seconds to read all 10 questions, so you need to be more focused.
It is a monologue, an academic lecture given by a native speaker, the lecture is similar to a university lecture.
The type of questions is mostly completion type.

Strategies to Score High Band Score - Section 4:

Read the instructions carefully.
Quickly skim all the questions, highlighting the keywords, as you have only 30 seconds.
Follow the audio carefully, it will move step by step.
This section is academic and hence you will hear a lot of words you do not know, it's okay because you just have to focus on the keywords and reach the answer avoiding all sorts of distractions.
The best way is to make notes as you hear, so it becomes easy to relate to the exact answer.
Stay focused on the words that are near the blanks.
Practice well, you should hear a lot of academic content on authenticated podcasts.

While you practice well for the IELTS 2025 exam, we recommend that you stay focused and give yourself an English environment so that you are well-versed in the language.

You should aim high and listen to authenticated BBC documentaries and YouTube channels of native English speakers.
Make a list of academic topics and listen to academic documentaries so that you are able to enhance your listening skills.
Listening to authenticated material will help you learn the correct pronunciation of words and also enrich vocabulary which will be helpful in other IELTS modules.

IELTS 2025 Listening Practice Tips:

Read the Questions Before the Recording Starts: Before the recording begins, carefully read the questions for every section at the beginning. This will make it easier for the candidate to listen to the audio and find the answers. The candidates can do the same during their listening test practices before the actual examination to make this habitual.
Preview the Next Section, Not the Previous: It is preferable to read the questions for the next section after finishing the current one, rather than worrying about the last section. This can help the candidates in their IELTS exam listening practice as well as on the final listening test.`
Pay Close Attention to Word Limits: Be extremely mindful of word limits. If the instructions state to write no more than two words, then writing more than that will result in the candidate receiving no points for their response, even if part of the words were right..
Eliminate Incorrect Options While Listening: While listening to the audio, cross out the options that don't apply. This helps the candidate to quickly search for the correct response. This habit must be developed by the candidate from the start of the IELTS listening test preparation.
Don’t Dwell on Difficult Questions: If there are questions the candidate is unable to answer, leave them and move on to the next question. This will help the candidate to stay relaxed and calm. Try to answer those questions at the end, if the candidate has time. Panicking and writing inappropriate answers must be avoided during both IELTS preparation listening practice tests and the actual examination.

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Additional Tips on the IELTS Listening Test:

Before each recording starts, carefully read all the questions for that section. This will help you follow the recordings and find the answers easily.
Once you finish a section, you can proceed to read the questions for the next section.
Sometimes, you'll have a list of options to choose from. Answers may not necessarily be in the order you hear them; they could be alphabetically listed.
Pay attention to the word limits for each section. For example, if it says 'Write no more than two words', stick to this limit. Writing more could result in receiving no marks for that answer.
Be attentive and watch for keywords or synonyms from the questions. This can help you identify the answer.
Listen carefully for words that indicate where you are in the recording, such as 'firstly', 'my next point', and 'conclude'. These words help identify the relevant question.
While listening, eliminate options that don't fit to make finding the correct answer easier.
When mentioning dates in answers, remember different formats are acceptable (e.g., April 24, 24th April, 24 April).
If you're stuck on a question, skip it and return later if you have time. Avoid wasting time and causing unnecessary stress.
If taking the IELTS on paper, you have 10 minutes after the last recording ends to transfer answers from the Listening booklet to your answer sheet. Wait until all recordings are finished to transfer, as transferring between sections may cause you to miss important information about the next section of the test.

Types of Questions Asked in the IELTS Listening Section 2025:

Question Type 1 – Multiple-choice
Overview	In MCQs, the candidates will be given 3 options: A, B, and C. They will be asked to find the most suitable answer from the recording that is being played. Almost all of the listening IELTS practice tests available online have MCQ question samples in them.
What skills are required?	This type of question tests various listening skills (such as detailed understanding) and the alertness of the candidate.
Question Type 2 – Matching
Overview	In this type of question, the candidates are required to match the set of items in column A with the set of items in column B. Practising more IELTS listening practice sets can help the candidates ace this test.
What skills are required?	This type of question tests the abilities of the candidates to understand the relationship between the different entities in a conversation.
Question Type 3 – Plan/map/diagram labelling
Overview	In this type of question, the candidates are asked to complete labels on a visual, which may be: a diagram a group of pictures a plan a map The candidates should: Choose the answers from a list given on the question paper and then write the correct corresponding letter on the answer sheet Select words from the recording that match into the gaps provided on the question paper by following the words or letter limits specified on the question paper without changing any words or adding any extra words on their own.
Question Type 4 – Form/note/table/flow chart/summary completion
Overview	In this type of question, the candidates are asked to fill in or complete a part of the conversation given on the question paper. It can be A form: This is used as a substitute for various information such as a name, place, date etc. A set of notes: used to summarise the recording and establish a relationship between multiple concepts. A table: used to summarise information which can be further subdivided into more categories, e.g. place/time/price A flow chart: used to summarise the flow of events in a process, with the direction of the process represented by arrows. The candidates must adhere to the word limits set by and answer the questions accordingly
What skills are required?	The analytical and reasoning skills of the candidate are put to the test
Question Type 5 – Sentence completion
Overview	Candidates must read the question's sentences and highlight the key ideas to answer this kind of question. Each sentence will have a gap that they must fill in with information from the recording. These types of questions are very frequent and are seen in almost every set of IELTS listening sections
What skills are required?	This type of question focuses on the ability of the candidates to identify the pivotal information in a recording.
Question Type 6 – Short-answer questions
Overview	In this type of question, the candidates have to read the question and write a short answer using information they have listened to from the recording.
What skills are required?	This type of question focuses on their ability to pay attention to vital information presented in the recording, such as facts, place names, prices or times, dates and famous anecdotes heard in the recording.

IELTS Listening Band Score Chart 2025:

IELTS listening score charts provide a clear and standardised way to assess and communicate a test taker's English proficiency. This clarity helps candidates understand their strengths and areas needing improvement. Also, the IELTS listening band score charts help candidates set realistic goals for their language proficiency. By seeing where they currently stand and where they need to be for their specific purposes (such as studying abroad or immigrating), candidates can focus their efforts effectively.

Number of correct answers (Raw Score)	IELTS Listening Band Score
39-40	9
37-38	8.5
35-36	8
32-34	7.5
30-31	7
26-29	6.5
23-25	6
18-22	5.5
16-17	5
13-15	4.5
11-12	4

IELTS 2025 Test Preparation Books:

Refer here for the most important IELTS listening preparation PDFs and essential IELTS listening preparation books to enhance the candidate’s IELTS listening preparation.

Ebooks	Download Links
IELTS Reading Practice Books
IELTS Writing Practice Books
IELTS Speaking Practice Books
IELTS Listening Practice Books
IELTS Preparation Tips 2025 Book
IELTS and TOEFL Vocabulary Guide Book

Some Other IELTS Listening Preparation Books:

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio

Official IELTS Practice Materials

IELTS 2025 Practice Tests:

The IELTS practice tests demand a big chunk of the candidate’s IELTS preparation and hence, they should put efforts into attempting various IELTS practice tests throughout their IELTS preparation journey.

IELTS Listening Practice Tests 2025

Expert IELTS listening tips coupled with extensive IELTS listening practice ensure success in the examination. Candidates can practice selected IELTS listening practice tests and much more from the list below. The practice tests below, designed by Careers360, have an IELTS listening test with audio and answers necessary for enhancing the candidates' overall IELTS listening skills.

IELTS Listening Mock Sets 2025

IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST- 1

IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST- 2

IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST- 3

IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST- 4

IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST- 5

IELTS Listening Test Instructions

The IELTS Listening component is administered in about 30 minutes and consists of four recorded sections, a total of 40 questions. Testees hear native English speakers delivering talks and monologues and answering questions while doing so. Instructions are given at the beginning of each section, and you will have to listen intently since the audio is only played once. You will have a chance to read the questions before each section begins, and 10 minutes of extra time are provided at the end to mark your answers on the answer sheet. It is extremely important to be precise in spelling and grammar because you are penalised for mistakes.

Remember These Key Instructions:

Carefully read questions beforehand, before the recording begins – this ensures that you understand what to listen for.
Only listen once – the sound isn't repeated, so complete attention is required.
Make the most of the 10 extra minutes – write your answers down legibly and check spellings carefully.
Stay within the word count – several questions have strict word limit guidelines (e.g., "No more than two words"). Your answers should be grammatically correct – even if the facts are correct, the wrong grammar will lose marks.

About the Author:
Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalized instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How is IELTS speaking marked?

IELTS Speaking is marked based on four criteria:
Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Each criterion is scored out of 9, and the average of all four gives the final band score.
Examiners assess how naturally and accurately you speak, not your accent or opinion.

Q: Is there a penalty for incorrect answers in the IELTS listening section?

No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers in the IELTS listening section. It's better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank.

Q: What should I do if I don't understand a word or phrase during the IELTS listening section?

If you encounter a word or phrase you don't understand, try to infer its meaning based on the context. Focus on understanding the overall message rather than getting stuck on individual words.

Q: How can I improve my listening skills for the IELTS listening section?

To improve your listening skills, practice listening to a variety of English audio materials, such as podcasts, radio programs, and TED talks. Focus on understanding main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary.

Q: Can I listen to the recordings more than once during the IELTS listening section?

No, test-takers only have one opportunity to listen to each recording in the IELTS listening section. It's essential to listen carefully and take notes to answer the questions accurately.

Q: Are headphones provided during the IELTS listening section?

Yes, test centers typically provide headphones for test-takers to use during the IELTS listening section.

Q: Is it okay to have spelling errors?

No. The candidates must refrain from making spelling mistakes. This can severely impact their scores because often answers with spelling mistakes are not counted for final band score calculations.

Q: How can I improve my listening band score?

The best way to improve the listening band score is through constant practice. The candidates must be involved in as much as IELTS preparation listening practice tests. They can also seek help from IELTS listening preparation online articles. The IELTS listening preparation of the candidate can also be enhanced by making IELTS listening practice a part of their daily routine. This can be achieved by listening to English movies, songs, podcasts, shows and audiobooks of different accents regularly.

Q: How many sections are in IELTS listening?

The IELTS listening test consists of four sections. Each section features different types of recordings, such as conversations, monologues, and discussions, which gradually increase in complexity and difficulty. Candidates listen to recordings only once and answer a series of questions based on what they hear. Each section is designed to test different listening skills, such as understanding main ideas, details, opinions, and specific factual information.

Q: Is a 7.5 IELTS score good?

Yes, a 7.5 IELTS score is considered very good and reflects a high level of English proficiency. It is accepted by top universities, immigration bodies, and professional organizations worldwide.

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Questions related to IELTS

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to IELTS ?

can someone get admission in German private university with 52% in bachelor's and 6.0 band score in IELTS with 1 year gap with no experience

Hello,

Yes, admission to a German private university with 52% in bachelors, 6.0 IELTS band, and a 1-year gap is possible, but options are limited.

Private universities in Germany are more flexible than public ones. You can apply for courses in management, business, or IT fields. However, you must justify the gap year and ensure a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP).

It’s better to contact universities directly, as some may ask for additional documents or foundation courses before admission.

Hope you understand.

Read Complete Answer

Sankalp Agrawal

31 Oct'25

Which is the Best IELTS coaching center in Hyderabad?

Hello,

Here I have list out some best IELTS coaching in Hyderabad.

Manhattan Review – Experienced trainers, online & offline classes, realistic practice tests.

Manya – The Princeton Review – Tailored lessons, progress tracking, classroom & online programs.

First Academy – Cambridge-certified trainers, interactive sessions, personalized feedback.

IELTSguru – One-on-one guidance, focus on test strategies and language skills.

Abhyaas & Novus Education – Affordable, small batches, full coverage of all IELTS modules.

Choose based on batch size, demo classes, fees, and reviews before enrolling.

All the best.

Read Complete Answer

Sankalp Agrawal

25 Oct'25

can i get ielts test study material and mock test??

Hello,

Here are the links where you can get study material for IELTS :

1. IELTS Mock Test 2025

2. IELTS Preparation books and study materials 2025

Hope it helps !

Read Complete Answer

Prachi Kumari

9 Oct'25

Need to have address and date of paper based ielts academic exam in the month of September 2025

The national test dates are September 6, 13, 18, and 27 for ielts academic exam.

Test centers and their addresses are decided by IDP Education and are available in major cities across the country.

You can get address here IELTS TEST CENTRES

You are running short of time usually the ideal time would be 2–3 months prior,i advice that you start with your applications that you can quicky begin with your study abroad procedure.

good luck..

Read Complete Answer

Afreen

23 Aug'25

I have decided to do my masters in biotech from germany i had a question that along with ielts and german proficiency test do we have to also give gate or gre test

Hello,

It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.

You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.

Hope it helps !