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The IELTS Listening test assesses your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, ranging from conversations to academic discussions. This section is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. It lasts for 30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for transferring answers (paper-based test) or 2 minutes (computer-based test).
Test Structure
The Listening test is divided into four sections with a total of 40 questions. Each section becomes progressively more challenging.
Section 1:
Type: Conversation between two people in a social or everyday context (e.g., booking an appointment, asking for information).
Purpose: Tests understanding of basic information, such as dates, names, or numbers.
Section 2:
Type: A monologue in a general social context (e.g., a speech about local facilities or a tour guide’s explanation).
Purpose: Focuses on identifying specific details and main ideas.
Section 3:
Type: Conversation between two to four people in an academic or training context (e.g., a discussion about a group project or coursework).
Purpose: Assesses your ability to follow complex discussions and distinguish between speakers.
Section 4:
Type: A monologue on an academic subject (e.g., a lecture or a presentation).
Purpose: Tests comprehension of detailed information and complex ideas.
Question Types
The Listening test includes various question types:
Multiple Choice: Select the correct answer from three or more options.
Matching: Match items from a list to the correct options (e.g., names to statements).
Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling: Identify labels based on spoken instructions.
Form/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion: Fill in missing information with no more than the specified word limit.
Sentence Completion: Complete sentences using information from the recording.
Short-answer Questions: Write short responses based on the audio.
Scoring
The Listening section is scored out of 40.
Raw scores are converted to band scores on a scale of 0–9.
For example:
39–40 correct answers = Band 9
30–32 correct answers = Band 7
23–26 correct answers = Band 6
Tips and Strategies
Before the Test
Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with accents (e.g., British, American, Australian) by listening to podcasts, news, or lectures.
Improve Note-taking Skills: Practice summarizing main points quickly.
Familiarize Yourself with Question Types: Understand how to approach each type of question.
During the Test
Read Instructions Carefully: Pay attention to word limits and question requirements.
Preview Questions: Use the time before each section to skim through questions and predict the type of information you’ll need.
Focus on Keywords: Listen for synonyms and paraphrasing, as the recording may not match the questions verbatim.
Don’t Pause: If you miss a question, move on and come back later if time permits.
Check Spelling and Grammar: Incorrect spelling or exceeding word limits can result in lost marks.
For Specific Sections
Section 1: Be prepared to listen for basic information like names, dates, and numbers.
Section 2: Pay attention to directions or sequences (e.g., left, right, next to).
Section 3: Follow transitions between speakers carefully.
Section 4: Focus on the speaker's main arguments and conclusions.
Common Challenges
Accents: Exposure to different English accents is vital as speakers may have varying pronunciations.
Distractors: Beware of extra information or changes in what the speaker says.
Time Management: Stay focused; answers often come in quick succession.
Simultaneous Listening and Writing: Practice multitasking to avoid missing information.