IELTS Listening exam follows the same format for IELTS Academic and General exams. You will get 30 minutes to answer 40 questions in total. In case you are taking the paper-based exam, you will get an additional 10 minutes to transfer the answers.
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The IELTS Listening section is tough for many due to the different accents and pronunciations. But don’t worry – we have IELTS Listening practice tests to help! The IELTS Listening exam evaluates how well you understand spoken English in various situations. It’s the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams. This section tests your listening comprehension, focus, and attention span. The best way to get familiar with the accents, pronunciation, and question types is to regularly take listening practice tests during your IELTS preparation.
Go through each free IELTS Listening practice tests thoroughly, and work towards achieving a high Band 9 score in this section.
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The IELTS Listening section includes various types of questions aimed at assessing different aspects of a candidate’s listening abilities. To prepare effectively, practice with IELTS Listening tests categorized by question types, along with listening exercises for each format.
For IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions , you’ll choose one correct answer from three options. Sometimes there may be more options to pick from, or you may need to select multiple correct answers.
In the IELTS Listening Matching Questions , you are required to match a numbered list of items from the listening audio to a set of options from the question paper. You are marked on your ability to identify and understand the relevant information from a conversation on an everyday topic.
In this category of IELTS listening tasks like IELTS Listening Map Completion , you will be shown an image of a map , a diagram, or a plan from which certain graphical elements will be omitted. You are required to complete the image by filling in the missing details and information. Typically, there is a set of options given, and you are supposed to choose the answers from the given list.
In this task, you are given the outline of the listening audio. The outline focuses on the main ideas or features of the audio and you are required to fill in the gaps in the given outline. The outline may be in the form of:
A list of possible answers may be provided, or you may have to identify missing words from the recording. The word limit for your answers in this task is strictly tracked, and the word limit may vary depending on the given instructions. Writing more than the set word limit will impact your score for a particular question and you might not be marked for the same.
In IELTS Listening Sentence Completion , you are given a set of sentences that summarize the key information from the listening audios. Important words or phrases from these given sentences are left out and you are required to fill in the gaps using the information from the listening audio. This task also has a strict word limit and you will receive a lesser score for writing more than the stated number of words.
The IELTS Listening Short Answer Questions require you to read and answer a short question based on the information that is given in the listening audio. In this task, you are not given a list of possible answers, rather you have to create your own responses. This task also features a word limit that needs to be strictly followed.
Now let’s look at what’s covered in the IELTS test pattern for the listening section.
The IELTS Listening format is the same for both Academic and IELTS General tests. Here’s a breakdown of all the necessary details:
In the actual test, examinees will be given certain instructions and at the end, they will be asked to hand in the question paper. Let us check out the pointers given at the beginning of the test.
Overall, the IELTS Listening practice test assesses your ability to:
Remember: Both Academic and General Training tests use this format, although the content of the recordings might differ slightly to cater to the specific target audience.
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What is an IELTS practice without integrating IELTS Listening advice? No worries! Given below are the top IELTS Listening tips and tricks to help you ace your IELTS Listening practice test with audio and answers and achieve your desired band score in your actual exam.
If you need additional IELTS Listening tips and more IELTS Listening practice tests based on actual tests, don’t miss out on the comprehensive IELTS Listening guide !
If you are preparing for the IELTS Listening exam, we would recommend you to take up IELTS Listening test practise regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at solving the IELTS Listening test with audio and answers within the dedicated timeframe.
You can also enroll in our IELTS online classes to get your hands on the latest IELTS Listening practice tests or participate in our free IELTS online webinars to learn how to solve them directly from the IELTS experts.
How long does it take to solve the IELTS Listening practice test?
It usually takes 30 minutes to complete the four sections of the IELTS exam Listening Practice test. In the actual test, you will get 10 minutes extra to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Can I prepare for the listening test from my home?
Yes, you can definitely prepare for the Listening test from the comfort of your home through IELTS Listening test practise and familiarizing your ears to various English accents.
What are things that I need to review after completing an IELTS Listening practice test?
Make sure you've finished the listening portion of the test with full understanding. Next, verify which areas had the highest number of errors. Ultimately, evaluate the errors and make an effort to prevent them in the future.
Are Listening IELTS Academic practice tests different from IELTS Listening practice tests for General Training?
No, Listening IELTS Academic practice tests are not different from IELTS Listening practice tests for General Training as they follow the same format and have similar difficulty levels.
How is the IELTS Listening test with audio and answers helpful for preparation?
IELTS Listening test with audio and answers will help you figure out the areas where you are making more mistakes and need to improve for a better IELTS Listening band score.
Do you know if there are any special arrangements for people with disabilities during the IELTS Listening exam?
For people with disabilities, IELTS organizers will make special arrangements and if the person wants any modification in the arrangements then he/she should contact the specific test center, 3 months in advance.
How will I use the IELTS Listening practice test when I am practising offline?
If you are taking the IELTS listening practice test offline then you have to download the question paper as well as the blank answer sheet before taking the test. You can write the answers on the question paper using a pencil while listening to the audios played.
Can I skip any question while the IELTS Listening test practise or during the actual exam?
It is recommended not to skip any question while the IELTS Listening test practise or during the actual exam as there are no negative marking. Even if you don’t know the answer, try to predict it according to the context.
Is it important to brush up my vocabulary for IELTS Listening test practise?
Yes, it is important to work on your vocabulary for the IELTS Listening test practise as well as the actual exam as sometimes the words used in audio may not be the same as that of the question. So, if you don't know the synonyms or paraphrasing, it might be difficult to understand.
What are the ways of note-taking while taking up the IELTS Listening practice test?
vYou need to listen to the lectures and make the notes as the lecture goes on. Everybody has their own way of notes-making, so it is up to you to take meaningful notes. After you note down everything, check for the correctness of the spellings.
