IELTS LISTENING

The Listening Test is the first test that you will complete on test day.

Format

You have 30 minutes to listen to the recording and write your answers directly on the test booklet; then a further 10 minutes at the end of the test to check and transfer your answers onto the answer sheet provided.

40 min
Total Duration
4
Sections
40
Questions

Assessment Criteria

The Listening Test is scored using a system that may slightly vary with each IELTS test. Band cut-offs are set after global results are analysed. Approximate scores are:

Band Score Targets

Band 9: 39-40 correct
Band 8: 36-38 correct
Band 7: 30-35 correct
Band 6: 23-29 correct

Key Skills Tested

  • β€’ Understanding main ideas and specific details
  • β€’ Following conversations and monologues
  • β€’ Identifying speaker attitudes and opinions
  • β€’ Recognising factual information

Question Types

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:

πŸ“

Missing Information

Fill in the gaps with the correct information you hear

Missing Information example
πŸ—ΊοΈ

Diagram Labeling

Label parts of a diagram based on the audio

Diagram Labeling example
πŸ”—

Matching Information

Match speakers to statements or opinions

Matching Information example
βœ…

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer from multiple options

Multiple Choice example
πŸ“‹

Sentence Completion

Complete sentences with words from the audio

Sentence Completion example
❓

Short Answer Questions

Answer questions with a few words or numbers

Short Answer Questions example

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.

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