IELTS Listening Pattern
The IELTS Listening test assesses how well you can understand spoken English in various contexts. This skill is crucial to survive in any English-speaking country like the UK, USA and Canada.
The IELTS Listening test lasts 30 minutes and is divided into 4 parts. You get an additional transfer time of 10 minutes if you’re writing the IELTS paper-based test. However, you don’t get any transfer time for the computer-based test since you enter the answers directly onto the computer screen.
Each of the four parts will play audio of 4-6 minutes. The first two parts revolve around audio clips set in everyday contexts, while the latter delve into educational and training scenarios. The audio can be conversations between two or more people, monologues, discussions, or lectures.
Each audio is followed by 10 questions related to it. You aim to grasp the concept from the audio and answer the corresponding questions.
At a glance:
The questions asked in the listening test are similar to those in the IELTS reading and come in various forms, such as matching information, matching headings, summary completion, and flow chart completion.
The IELTS Listening test is the same in both IELTS exams: Academic and General. You can take the test in Computer-based or Paper-based versions.
Everything about IELTS Listening
As mentioned earlier, the IELTS Listening test has four parts, each testing your ability to understand spoken English in different contexts. Each part is covered in detail on separate web pages.
Parts 1 and 2: Everyday Contexts
In Part 1, you’ll hear a conversation between two or more people about everyday situations—like making travel arrangements or booking accommodation. Part 2 features a monologue where the speaker discusses a topic related to social settings, such as a talk about local facilities.
Parts 3 and 4: Academic Contexts
In Part 3, you’ll hear a discussion between multiple speakers in an academic setting, often revolving around a specific subject or project. Part 4 is the most challenging part, featuring an informational lecture or presentation that requires a deeper understanding of the content.
General Instructions for the IELTS Listening Test:
- Only open the question paper when instructed.
- Follow the instructions for each part carefully.
- Attempt all questions, even if unsure.
- You can take notes on the question paper while listening.
- For paper-based tests, you get 10 minutes to transfer your answers.
IELTS Listening: Question Types
In the IELTS Listening test, you'll encounter six different question types, each designed to assess specific listening skills and comprehension.
Understanding each question type will help you focus on key details, whether it’s listening for specific information, understanding the main idea, or following conversations closely.
IELTS Listening Band Score
The IELTS Listening band score is equally important as other sections in the IELTS exam. It’s scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with a total of 40 questions where each correct answer earns 1 point. There’s no negative marking. Your final band score is determined by converting your raw score using a common conversion table for both Academic and General Training.
Also Read: IELTS general listening practice test with answers
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