IELTS Listening test | What you need to know

The Listening test is part of the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams. In four recordings, you’ll have to answer 40 questions. Each of the four recordings contains a mix of monologues and conversations from various native speakers, and each is played only once. Each section of the listening test has ten questions. 

 

• In-depth explanations of facts and key ideas 
• Speakers’ perspectives and opinions 
• The purpose of an utterance 
• The ability to track and follow the progression of ideas. 

Details about the IELTS listening test

 

 

 

Recording

Following are the types of recording provided to students during the listening test:

Multiple choice 

There can be one correct answer or numerous correct solutions in multiple-choice questions. A multiple-choice question requires selecting one correct answer from a list of options. Read the question carefully to see how many responses are needed. 

• A question with three possible answers 
• The start of a sentence is followed by three different ways to conclude the sentence. 

You’ll be given a long list of possible answers, and from that, you have to choose more than one correct option in a multiple-choice question. 

A variety of skills are assessed using multiple-choice questions. You are expected to have a deep awareness of some concepts or a broad understanding of the listening text’s essential points. 

Matching 

The Matching test measures your ability to listen for and comprehend details in a discourse about a common topic, such as different types of hotel or guest home arrangements. It also puts your ability to follow a two-person conversation to the test.

You must match a numbered list of objects from the listening audio to a set of options on the answer sheet. The list of possibilities could function as a criterion. It can also assess your ability to recognize connections and relationships in the listening text. 

Labeling of plans, maps, and diagrams 

This assignment tests your ability to comprehend a description of a location, for example, and relate it to a visual representation. This may involve the ability to understand and follow directions expressed in words (e.g., straight-ahead/turn left/opposite). 

You’ll need to identify items on a plan (for example, a building), a map (for example, a section of a town), or a diagram (for example, of a piece of equipment). Most of the time, you can choose your answers from a list on the question paper. 

Form, note, table, flowchart, and summary completion

In this completion activity, you must fill in the gaps in an outline of some or all of the listening text. The primary ideas/facts in the text will focus on the system. These could be –

Form – Used to keep track of points like names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Note – Useful for summarizing information and explaining how different elements relate to one another by leveraging the layout. 

Flowchart – Used to summarize information that falls into distinct categories, for example, price, time, place, etc. 

Summary – Used to describe and summarize a process with distinct stages, with arrows indicating the process’ direction. 

In either case, you’ll choose the missing words –

• Answers must be chosen from a list provided on the question paper.
• Taken from the recording 

You must apply the exact words you hear on the recording and conform to the word count specified in the instructions.

Depending on the directions, the number of words or numbers you should use will vary, so read them carefully. The word limit could be from “no more than two words and the number” to “no more than two words and numbers. “If you go above the word limit, your response will be incorrect. Therefore, double-check the word limit for each question. 

Contracted words like ‘don’t’ will not be put to the test. Hyphenated words are treated as single words, such as ‘police-man.’ This gap-filling task focuses on the crucial points that a listener would naturally record in this type of situation. 

Sentence completion 

In this sentence completion problem, you must read a set of sentences that summarize significant information from one of the following sources –

• All of the IELTS listening material. 
• From a part of it. 

After that, you’ll fill in the spaces in each sentence with information from the listening text. A word limit can be like, ‘No more than one word and number.’ 

Depending on the directions, the number of words or numbers you should use will vary, so read them carefully. There is a word limit, such as “no more than two words and a number.” If you go above the word limit, your response will be incorrect. Therefore, double-check the word limit for each question. Contracted words like “don’t” will not be put to the test. Hyphenated words are treated as single words, such as “police-man.” 

Short-answer questions

In the short-answer question type, you must read a question and then compose a short answer using information from the listening text. Test takers are occasionally asked to mention two or three points in response to a question. 

A word limit can be like “no more than two words or a number.” If you go above the word limit, your response will be incorrect. Therefore, double-check the word limit for each question. Contracted words like “don’t” will not be put to the test. Hyphenated words are treated as single words, such as “police-man.” 

The capacity to listen for factual data in the listening text, such as places, prices, or times, is the subject of the short-answer section. 

Key Takeaways 

• The listening test will be divided into four sections, each with its own set of questions. Therefore, you must pay close attention to each part’s instructions.
• Make sure you don’t skip any of the questions. Make an effort to respond to everyone. 
• While listening to the audio, you can write your answer on the question paper.
• When writing the response on the question paper, use a pencil. 

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FAQs 

Q1. Is it possible for me to prepare for the IELTS listening practice test online from home?

Answer – Yes, you can prepare for the IELTS listening test online from your own home. 

Q2. What qualities do I need to improve to perform well on the listening test? 

Answer – You will need to work on developing the following skills to ace the IELTS listening test –

• Ability to understand synonyms and paraphrasing 
• Predicting skills 
• Understanding of various slang and signposting

Q3. What is an excellent approach to employ when practicing for the listening tests or any IELTS listening tips? 

Answer – Listen to the lectures and take notes while being delivered. Make an effort to bring valuable notes; this will be helpful while you answer the questions.