Test Overview
Everything you need to know about the IELTS Listening test — section types, audio format, answer rules — plus a free practice test with instant scoring.
In this guide:
You have 30 minutes to listen to the recording and write your answers directly in the test booklet, then a further 10 minutes at the end to check and transfer your answers onto the answer sheet. The four sections increase in difficulty, each with 10 questions.
10 Qs — Easier
Two-person conversation, often a phone call on an everyday topic
10 Qs — Medium
Monologue on a social or general topic
10 Qs — Intermediate
Multi-speaker discussion in an academic setting
10 Qs — Harder
Academic lecture delivering complex information, no mid-section pause
Band cut-off scores may vary slightly with each test. Approximate thresholds:
Band 9
39–40 correct
Band 8
36–38 correct
Band 7
30–35 correct
Band 6
23–29 correct
There are 12 distinct question types in 5 overall categories. A single test will usually feature 6–7 different types, including multiple choice, matching questions, labelling (map/plan/diagram), completion (form, note, table, flow-chart, sentence, summary) and short-answer questions.
Questions test 6 core listening skills, broken down into 26 distinct sub-skills — including understanding details, recognising paraphrasing, identifying opinions, following directions, and understanding sequences:
Understanding Meaning
Paraphrase & Language Recognition
Tracking, Matching & Multi-Source Listening
Completion & Factual Retrieval
Spatial Understanding & Diagram/Map Skills
Focus, Memory & Attention Management
You get a dedicated 10-minute answer transfer period at the end — use the listening time to focus entirely on comprehension.
If your answer format differs from the instructions (even with correct content), it's marked wrong.
Speakers deliberately change their mind during recordings — the first thing you hear is designed as a distractor.
Missing an answer is recoverable: leave it blank and immediately shift attention to the next question's keywords — staying on a missed question causes cascade failure.
The Listening module covers everything you need — from question types to mastering each core listening skill:
28 lessons • All 4 skills • Expert-led
Develop the sub-skills needed for all listening question types.
One-time payment • Comprehensive materials • Real examiner support
Listen & Answer 10 questions with instant scoring. Time needed : ~ 8 min.
Take Free Listening Test NowNo account required • Get instant results