Table of Contents
You will be made to listen to four recordings of 40 questions each during the IELTS listening test. The format will remain similar in both the IELTS academic test and the IELTS general training. The recordings will consist of monologues, conversations, and discussions between individuals. Once you have heard the recording, you will be asked a series of questions. These questions will be marked against the IELTS listening score chart.
You can expect the following types of questions during the listening test. Ensure that you give in your undivided concentration, as this is what will decide your fate when being marked against the IELTS listening score chart –
- What was the main idea behind the discussion?
- Can you detail the facts mentioned during the conversation?
- What are your thoughts about the opinions?
- What do you think about the ideas of the speakers?
- What is the purpose of the discussion?
- Comment on the flow of the discussion.
Let us talk in detail about the IELTS listening test pattern
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) listening test is a crucial component. The results are calculated while referring to the IELTS listening score chart. We talk about the IELTS listening score chart in further detail below. However, let us start by understanding what the test consists of!
Students who migrate to English-speaking nations must obtain an IELTS score in a qualifying band. If you pass the test, you qualify for secondary education, higher education, job authorization training, and professional registrations. It is a win-win situation.
IELTS listening consists primarily of several recordings that test-takers can hear only once before answering the related questions –
- After listening to four separate recordings, candidates shall respond in writing to ten questions for each (40 in total).
- Each recording will only be played once.
Part #1
Conversation between two individuals
Part one of the listening test will include a conversation between two individuals. They are having a general discussion, so you need not worry about attempting to understand the complexities. Once you are done listening to the conversation, you will be presented with ten multiple-choice questions.
Part #2
Monologue on a subject
The second part of the listening test will feature a monologue on a particular subject. It can be based on a shop, an event, or a related topic. Once you are done listening to the conversation, you will be presented with ten multiple-choice questions. IELTS only recently updated the format of this exam. Another one of those tests that make it challenging to do well in the IELTS listening score chart.
Part #3
Conversation between four individuals
Many consider this test the trickiest because there is an ongoing conversation between four individuals. They are based in an educational or training setting. Thus, the talks will also be complex. For instance, it may include discussions about an assignment. Once you are done listening to the conversation, you will be presented with ten questions.
Part #4
Monologue on academics
Part four is very similar to part two. The only difference is that this part will include a monologue focusing on academics. Parts three and four, in a way, require utmost focus because the topics discussed are slightly complex. The IELTS band listening score chart gets influenced by this test.
An in-depth view of the IELTS listening tasks
Students can encounter one of six different listening task types on your test. The many task types include-
First task | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
There may be one right solution or several correct responses for multiple choice questions. Candidates will be shown a long list of potential solutions. They will be informed that they must select more than one answer in a multiple-choice question (having more than one correct answer).
Second task | Matching
Candidates should match a numbered list of answers from the listening segment to a list of possible responses on the question paper. The list of choices may include any sort of criteria.
Third Task | Arrange, design, and classify
The questions usually have a list of answers that are chosen.
Fourth task | Designing, flow chart, notes, and summary completion
In an outline of all or a portion of the listening material, candidates must fill in the blanks. The essential points/facts in the text will be highlighted in the outline.
Fifth Task | Completing sentences
Candidates must read a series of phrases that summarize the most critical details from the entire listening passage or any specific section. They then use the information from the listening text to complete any gaps in each sentence.
Sixth Task | Short answer questions
Candidates must read a question and quickly compose a response utilizing details from the listening passage. Contracted words will not be put to the test. Words with hyphens count as separate words. Candidates may occasionally be asked to mention two or three points in response to a question.
What is the big deal about the IELTS listening score chart?
The IELTS listening and reading score chart is what decides your fate. Students shall learn about the IELTS listening score chart beforehand to respond to all the 40 questions in the listening test. Student responses can only be correct or incorrect. Each accurate response will earn students one mark, and the total marks will determine the total band score. The table below shows the marks needed to get each IELTS listening band score.
Number of correct answers | 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 |
Key takeaways
- Since each section is timed and done individually, individual scores are provided for each section. The total represents the candidate’s overall band score in the IELTS listening test.
- According to the IELTS listening score chart above, candidates have good listening and vocabulary skills if they receive a score of 7 or higher.
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FAQs
Q1. How do non-English speakers obtain a 9 on the IELTS listening band?
Answer – Non-English speakers occasionally find it challenging to perform well on the IELTS listening test. But, achieving a band 9 is doable by completing a lot of IELTS listening practice papers, taking tests, being motivated, etc.
Q2. What is the minimum IELTS score for India?
Answer – To pass the IELTS exam, no minimum score has been set. Band 1 to band 9 (highest) are the bands used to calculate an IELTS score.