Introduction to the IELTS Test
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LESSON CODE: IE2401_01

Introduction to the Listening Test

(30 mins)

  • Listening Test Format and Question types
  • Example Listening Test questions
  • Listening Test question practice


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    Listening Test Format and Question types

    The Listening Test is the first test that you will complete on test day. The test lasts for 40 minutes. You have 30 minutes to listen to the recording and write your answers directly on the test booklet, and then a further 10 minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answers onto the answer sheet provided.

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    The listening test is made up of 40 questions in four sections:

  • Section 1 takes the form of a conversation between two people;
  • Section 2 is a monologue based on social topics and situations;
  • Section 3 of the listening test is a conversation between up to four people;
  • Section 4 will be a monologue set in an educational context.

    • There are 6 main types of question and the questions increase in difficulty as the test progresses. All questions are worth 1 mark.


    The questions will usually be formatted in one of the following ways:


  • 1) Missing information
  • 2) Diagram labeling
  • 3) Matching information
  • 4) Multiple choice
  • 5) Sentence completion
  • 6) Short answer question

    • Below you can see examples of the different styles of question you will encounter in the Listening Test.

    • ielts listening missing information
    • ielts listening diagram labeling
    • ielts listening matching information
    • ielts listening multiple choice
    • ielts listening sentence completion
    • ielts listening short answer

    It's very important that you accurately follow the instructions for each set of questions: if the format of your answer differs from instructed, even if the correct information is included, your answer will be marked WRONG.

    Example Listening Questions

    Watch the 3 Listening question tutorial videos below:

    1) Missing information
    Listening missing information Q
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    Watch VE vid
    2) Diagram completion
    Listening Diagram completion Q
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    Watch VE vid
    3) Matching information
    Listening Matching information Q
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    Watch VE vid
    Listening question practice

    TASK: Complete these three Listening question practice exercises. Enter your answers on the answer sheets provided before checking your answers in the video beneath.

    [Don't watch the answer video until you have completed the practice exercises!]

    1) Missing information
    Listening missing information Q
    Q17 - 20 audio
    answer sheet
    2) Diagram completion
    Listening missing information Q
    Q16 - 20 audio
    answer sheet
    3) Matching information
    Listening missing information Q
    Q27 - 30 audio
    answer sheet

    Answers

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    End of Intro Lesson 01

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