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IELTS Listening Practice Tests

updated at

Updated on Sep 29, 2024, 14:35

Are you preparing for the IELTS Listening test? Then, you have come to the right place! Find all essential resources to master your test here.
 

Preparing for the IELTS listening test requires dedication and a focused approach. Consistent practice through mock tests is key to familiarising yourself with the test format and improving your listening skills.

 

We have compiled a set of sample questions to help you prepare. Don't forget to check the tips. The better you know, the easier it gets. 

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1. IELTS Listening Practice Test: Sample Questions

The IELTS Listening test consists of 4 parts and 40 questions. The questions are equally divided between all the parts. 

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2. IELTS Listening Practice Test: Part 1

Recording 1 of the IELTS Listening Practice test plays a conversation set in an everyday social context.

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3. IELTS Listening: Part 2

Recording 2 of the IELTS Listening Test plays a monologue set in an everyday social context. 

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4. IELTS Listening: Part 3

Recording 3 of the IELTS Listening Test plays a conversation set in an educational or training context. 

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5. IELTS Listening: Part 4

Recording 4 of the IELTS Listening Test plays a monologue on an academic subject. 

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6. List of IELTS Listening Answers 2024 Topics

Acing the IELTS Listening section requires regular practice.

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7. IELTS Listening Tips and Tricks

IELTS Listening can only be perfected by practice!

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1.

IELTS Listening Practice Test: Sample Questions

The IELTS Listening test consists of 4 parts and 40 questions. The questions are equally divided between all the parts. The 4 parts are as follows:

 

  • Part 1: Conversation between 2 people.
  • Part 2:  Monologue set in a social context. (e.g., speech or announcement about local services or events.)
  • Part 3: Conversation between 3-4 speakers in an academic context. (e.g., a tutor and students discussing an assignment).
  • Part 4: Monologue based on academic topics.(e.g., university lecture or a seminar)
     

We have compiled sample questions for your reference, with one question set in each part.

Things to Remember:

You cannot listen to an audio more than once. The audio will be played automatically. You cannot interfere to pause or resume them.

 

 

Here are some downloadable sample papers below for your practice. 

2.

IELTS Listening Practice Test: Part 1

Recording 1 of the IELTS Listening Practice test plays a conversation set in an everyday social context. This audio uses simple and familiar vocabulary you would have studied while starting your English learning process. 
 

You will hear a man enquiring about booking a hotel in the given audio. Listen to the audio and answer the given questions carefully.  

 

0:00

 

Questions 1-4

Instructions:

Complete the table below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND OR/ A NUMBER for each answer.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS

Mode of TransportCostArrangementsTravel Time to Town
Taxi 

Approximately

(1) £ ……..

Pick up from the hotel10 minutes
Bus £2 per personWalk down Oak Tree (2) ……..15 minutes
Walking 



 

--------

Walkthrough

(4) ……..


 

(3) ……..

 

Question Type: Complete the Table

 

In this question type, you are required to fill in missing information on a table based on the information you hear in the recording. These questions test your ability to listen for specific details and accurately transfer them to the table.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Understand what information you need to fill in (e.g., dates, names, figures).
  • Quickly scan through the entire table to get an idea of its structure and the type of information missing.
  • Pay attention to keywords and phrases in the table that may help you identify relevant information during the audio.
  • As you listen, write your answers neatly and legibly, ensuring they fit within the provided space.
  • Check spelling and grammar for accuracy.
  • Finalise your answers.

 

Answers with Explanation for Questions 1-4

 

1. 15/Fifteen

 

Explanation: 

The given recording plays a conversation between a customer and a hotel staff. According to the information given in the audio, the average taxi fare for a trip to the town has been increased from 12 pounds to 15 pounds. 
 

2. Avenue

 

Explanation: 

According to the audio, one of the transportation facilities that has been available in the town is the public bus. The bus fare is 2 pounds. A five-minute walk down the road from Oak Tree Avenue is recommended. 
 

3. The Nice Park

 

Explanation: 

Walking across the town is also recommended in the recording. While opting to walk, covering the locations might take some time. However, it does not cost anything, like other travel methods. In addition, there is a nice park on the way, which is popular among visitors to York. 
 

4. 30/Thirty minutes

 

Explanation: 

According to the recording, those interested in taking a walk can choose to walk across the town. A popular park is on the way, which takes around 30 minutes to cover. 

3.

IELTS Listening Practice Test: Part 2

Recording 2 of the IELTS Listening Test plays a monologue set in an everyday social context.  The audio has more descriptive usages and is more specific than Part 1.

 

In the given audio, you will hear a woman explaining about the volunteering program at a company named Time Abroad. 

 

Listen to the audio and answer the given questions carefully. 

 

0:00

 

Questions 5-8

Instructions:

Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C for each answer.

Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions

 

In this question type, you are required to choose the correct answer from a list of options. These questions may require you to select one or more answers, depending on the instructions.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Familiarise yourself with the questions before the recording starts to know what to listen for.
  • Pay attention to keywords in the questions and answer choices that may help you identify the relevant information in the audio.
  • If you are unsure, eliminate choices that you know are incorrect to increase your chances of guessing correctly.
  • The information in the audio may be paraphrased, so be prepared to recognise synonyms or different phrasing.
  • Verify and finalise your answers.

 

Answers with Explanation for Questions 5-8

 

5. The company expanded in

 

A. 2000

B. 2007

C. 2014

 

Answer: B

 

Explanation:

The recording plays the details given by staff at Time Abroad on the company’s formation, vision, and objectives. According to the information given, the company was formed in 2000. However, it was in the year 2007 that the company got expanded, by joining another company called PT Travel. 

 

6. The number of permanent staff is

 

A. 75

B. 90

C. 150

 

Answer: C

 

Explanation:

The information given in the audio confirms that the number of full-time, permanent staff at Time Abroad is 150. All the staff are well-experienced in their fields and are mostly posted outside the country.

 

7. Most volunteers join the program

 

A. In Winter

B. In July

C. When it is best for them

 

Answer: C

 

Explanation:

According to the recording, the volunteering abroad program is highly flexible, suiting your time preferences. No permanent starting dates have been set, and the program runs throughout the year. Most people join when it is best for them. 
 

8. Time Abroad receives all its income from

 

A. Partner organisations

B. Volunteers

C. The government
 

Answer: B

 

Explanation:

The informant in the recording declares that Time Abroad has not been receiving funds from specific religious bodies, political parties, or development organisations. Neither does it receive any from the government. It has been running purely based on the funds received from the volunteers. 

4.

IELTS Listening Practice Test: Part 3

Recording 3 of the IELTS Listening Test plays a conversation set in an educational or training context. The audio uses vocabulary that is related to academics. 
 

In the given recording, you will hear a woman enquiring more about a Media Studies course at a University.  

 

Listen to the audio and answer the given questions carefully.

 

0:00

 

Questions 9-10

Instructions:

Choose TWO letters from A-F.

Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions

 

Refer to question type Q5 - Q8 for information.

 

Q. Which two things must Louise have to join the course?

 

A. A bachelor's degree

B. Work experience

C. Either a bachelor's degree or work experience

D. Research experience

E. A completed thesis

F. Motivation

 

Answers with Explanation for Questions 9-10

 

9. C: Either a bachelor's degree or work experience

 

Explanation: 

The given conversation is between a student named Louise, who is applying for a Master’s Degree in Media Studies, and the head of the Media Studies course named Mark. According to the information given, the admission criteria include having a bachelor’s degree. If you do not have a bachelor’s, the application can still be processed if you have enough work experience. 
 

10. F: Motivation

 

Explanation: 

As per the audio, the most important criterion for joining a Master's Program in Media Studies is ample motivation. Unlike other criteria, it cannot be negotiated. 

5.

IELTS Listening Practice Test: Part 4

Recording 4 of the IELTS Listening Test plays a monologue on an academic subject.  It is the toughest audio for IELTS listening. However, the vocabulary remains basic and is more related to academics. 

 

The given recording plays a lecture on the history of the Indian Railway.
 

Listen to the audio and answer the given questions carefully. 

 

0:00

 

Questions 11-15

Instructions:

Complete the sentences below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Question Type: Sentence Completion

 

In this question type, you are required to fill in the blanks in given sentences based on information you hear in the recordings. This type assesses your ability to understand spoken English and accurately interpret details.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Familiarise yourself with the context and what information is needed before the recording starts.
  • Focus on keywords or phrases in the audio that match the blanks in the sentences.
  • Pay attention to the word limit specified (e.g., "No more than three words").
  • Verify and finalise your answer.

 

Answers with Explanation for Questions 11-15

 

11. Indian Railways is owned and________by the government of India.
 

Answer: Operated


Explanation:

The given audio plays a lecture on the history of the Indian Railway. According to the information given, the Indian Railway has been owned and operated by the government of India. It is administered through the Ministry of Railways.
 

12. There are more than_______million people working for Indian Railways.
 

Answer: 1.4

 

Explanation:

As per the lecture, the Indian Railway is the world’s ninth-largest commercial or utility employer. 1.4 million people are employed by the Indian Railway, working across the country.
 

13. The________of the railways from 1857 occurred under Robert Maitland Brereton.

 

Answer: Expansion

 

Explanation:
 

According to the audio, it was during the mid-nineteenth century that the Indian Railway began expanding across the country. The expansion began in 1857, under the supervision of Robert Maitland Brereton, a British engineer.
 

14. The joining of the East Indian Railway with the Great Indian Peninsula Railway led to a network of ________ Kilometres.

 

Answer: 6400/6,400

 

Explanation:

According to the audio, the first long rail network was established between the East Indian Railway and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. The network was 6,400 kilometres long, and it connected Bombay and Calcutta. 
 

15. The route from Bombay to Calcutta, opened in 1870, was an_______for the book Around the World in 80 days.
 

Answer: Inspiration

 

Explanation:

According to the recording, the Bombay to Calcutta rail network was started in 1870 by joining the East Indian Railway with the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. It became a major rail network and inspired the renowned French writer Jules Verne to write his book Around the World in 80 Days.

6.

List of IELTS Listening Answers 2024 Topics

Acing the IELTS Listening section requires regular practice. Actively listening to a variety of audio materials and accents can significantly enhance your comprehension skills and make you familiar with the test format.
 

Check out these 100 expert-curated practice tests of the IELTS listening section to achieve your desired band score.

100 samples available

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1

Holiday Rentals Listening Answers

 

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2

Job Enquiry Listening Answer

 

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3

Homestay Applications Listening Answers

 

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4

Library Information Listening Answers

 

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5

Family Excursions Listening Answers

 

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6

Public Library Listening Answers

 

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7

Hiring a Public Room Listening Answers

 

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8

Notes on Social Programme Listening Answers

 

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9

Accommodation Request Form Listening Answers

 

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10

Transport Survey Listening Answers

 

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11

Mic House Agency Repairs Listening Answers

 

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12

Free Activities In The Burnham Area Listening Answers

 

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13

Bankside Recruitment Agency Listening Answers

 

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14

Junior Cycle Camp Listening Answers

 

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15

Crime Report Form Listening Answers

 

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16

Transport From Airport To Milton Listening Answers

 

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17

Laptop For Sale Listening Answers

 

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18

Health Centers Listening Answers

 

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19

Preston Park Run Listening Answers

 

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20

Insurance Application Form Listening Answers

 

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21

Opening A Bank Account Listening Answers

 

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22

Cookery Classes Listening Answers

 

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23

The Events During Kenton Festival Listening Answers

 

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24

Customer Satisfaction Survey Listening Answers

 

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25

Jazz Band Listening Answers

 

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26

Car Insurance Listening Answers

 

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27

West Bay Hotel Listening Answers

 

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28

Mintons Car Mart Listening Answers

 

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29

Dreamtime Travel Agency Listening Answers

 

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30

Short Story Competition Listening Answers

 

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31

Hostel Accommodation In Darwin Listening Answers

 

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32

Total Insurance Incident Report Listening Answers

 

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33

Programme of Activities For First Day Listening Answers

 

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34

Hilary Lodge Retirement Home Listening Answers

 

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35

Alex Training Listening Answers

 

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36

Notes of Customer Information Listening Answers

 

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37

Copying Photos To Digital Format Listening Answers

 

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38

Self Drive Tours In The USA Listening Answers

 

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39

Rental Request Listening Answers

 

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40

Video Library Application Form Listening Answers

 

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41

Host Family Applicant Listening Answers

 

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42

Type Of Job Required Listening Answers

 

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43

Costwise Car Hire Listening Answers

 

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44

Accommodation Form Student Information Listening Answers

 

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45

Community Centre Evening Classes Listening Answers

 

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46

Festival Information Listening Answers

 

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47

Bank Account Opening Form Listening Answers

 

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48

Student Hostel Listening Answers

 

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49

Goodbye Party For John Listening Answers

 

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50

Italia Breaks Listening Answers

 

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51

Client Details Listening Answers

 

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52

Job Hunting Listening Answers

 

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53

Bus Pass Application Form Listening Answers

 

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54

Basic Details of Project Listening Answers

 

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55

Flanders Conference Hotel Listening Answers

 

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56

Future Directions in Computing Listening Answers

 

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57

University Club Listening Answers

 

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58

Accommodation Form Rental Properties Listening Answers

 

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59

Patient Record Listening Answers

 

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60

Request For Special Leave Listening Answers

 

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61

Student Union Registration Form Listening Answers

 

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62

North Residency Questionnaire Listening Answers

 

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63

Sidney Street Community Centre Listening Answers

 

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64

Request For Commercial Lease Listening Answers

 

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65

Transport From Bayswater Listening Answers

 

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66

City Library Listening Answers

 

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67

Courses Available Listening Answers

 

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68

Flagstone Listening Answers

 

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69

Details Of Order Listening Answers

 

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70

Small Claims Tribunal Listening Answers

 

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71

Conference Registration Form Listening Answers

 

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72

Short Stay Accommodation Listening Answers

 

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73

Student Employment Bureau Listening Answers

 

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74

Registration Form Listening Answers

 

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75

Hotel Reservation Listening Answers

 

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76

Moving Company Service Report Listening Answers

 

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77

Product Incident Report Listening Answers

 

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78

Clearpoint Telephone Company Listening Answers

 

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79

House Service Information Listening Answers

 

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80

Enquiry About Bookcases Listening Answers

 

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81

Birth Statistics Listening Answers

 

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82

Budget Accommodation In Queenstown Listening Answers

 

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83

Prime Recruitment Listening Answers

 

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84

Report On Abandoned Vehicle Listening Answers

 

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85

Health Club Customer Research Listening Answers

 

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86

Survey Form Listening Answers

 

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87

Second Hand Bedroom Furniture For Sale Listening Answers

 

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88

Midbury Drama Club Listening Answers

 

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89

Pan Asian Airways Listening Answers

 

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90

How Long Has Sally Been Waiting Listening Answers

 

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91

Easylet Accommodation Agency Listening Answers

 

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92

Customer Order Form Listening Answers

 

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93

Grandview Hotel Listening Answers

 

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94

Buying a Used Car Listening Answers

 

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95

Name of New Tenant Anders Listening Answers

 

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96

Ethnography in Business Listening Answers

 

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97

Advice on Plumbers and Decorators Listening Answers

 

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98

Talk to New Kitchen Assistants Listening Answers

 

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99

Four Business Values Listening Answers

 

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100

Enquiry About Booking Hotel Room for Event Listening Answers

 

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7.

IELTS Listening Tips and Tricks

IELTS Listening can only be perfected by practice! Preparing for the test is hard without listening to sample audio or familiarising yourself with various question types.

 

Make your IELTS Listening Test preparation wholesome!
 

By utilising our IELTS Listening tips, you will be able to cultivate a healthy learning habit that will help you crack the IELTS and improve your language acquisition. 

IELTS Listening Tips for Preparation
  • Understand the Test Pattern: The IELTS Listening Test consists of four parts and 40 questions. The Listening Module has six different types of questions. Understanding the test pattern, question types, and objectives will help you attend the test more easily. 
  • Listen to English Audio Clips: Listen to native English speakers and try to understand the content without the help of other resources like subtitles or captions. Attempt to communicate or conceptualise your ideas in English. 
  • Communication is the Key: Conversing is the quickest way to ace your language. Try to communicate with your English-speaking friends to get familiar with the language usages and styles. Try to listen, speak, write, and even think in English. 
  • Familiarise Yourself with Accents: Before attending the test, familiarise yourself with various accents. The Listening Test recordings are played in various accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, American and Canadian accents. Each accent has different variations in speech, cadence, and tonal inflexions. 
  • Learn the pronunciation of the alphabet: Certain questions ask you to write down some words spelt out in the audio. In this case, you need to be well aware of the pronunciation of each alphabet. For example, the alphabet ‘W’ is pronounced as ‘double-U’).
  • Practice with Precision: Cultivate the habit of attempting as many practice tests as possible. While taking mock tests, adhere to the given time duration. Do not listen to the audio more than once, and try to answer the questions within the given time frame.
IELTS Listening Tips Exam Day
  • Follow the Instructions Carefully: Pay attention to the exam instructions. Before the recording begins, read all the instructions carefully. This will help you identify the answers easily. Omitting instructions while answering will waste your time and marks. 
  • Stick to Word Limit: Note the word limits for each question set. If the instruction says, ‘Write NO MORE THAN TWO Words’, then adhere to the word limit. Exceeding the word limit will make your answers invalid. 
  • Proper Time Navigation: Use your time appropriately. You will be given separate time to read your questions, listen to the audio, and answer them. Do not spend too much time on the same question. A lack of proper time management will lead you to miss enough time to answer all the questions. 
  • Dealing with Difficult Questions: Answering all the questions is recommended since you won’t receive any negative markings for IELTS Listening. However, if you face trouble answering a question, skip it and move on to the next question. Don't waste your time on the same question and end up panicking. If you have time left in the end, pick them later.  
  • Read the Questions Carefully: Read the questions before the recording begins. In addition, you will be given time to read your questions during the test. Read all the questions carefully, and mark the keywords for your reference. 
  • Look for Keywords and Synonyms: While listening to the audio, be attentive and look for keywords or synonyms from the question. For example, if the recording says, ‘She reaches on time’, it could be reflected in the question as ‘She is punctual’. 
  • Do not Zone Out: Losing concentration while listening to something is common. Every detail in the IELTS Listening audio clip is important, so remain attentive throughout the test. Once you feel like losing your attention, try straightening your posture or stretching your arms. 
  • Use Extra Transfer Time: If you are taking IELTS on paper, you will be given an extra 10 minutes to transfer your questions from the Listening booklet to the answer sheet. However, this is not available for IELTS on computer
  • Seek Help If Needed: If you find any difficulty with the headphones or the audio is not properly audible, seek help from the examiner.  

     

Read more about Top 9 IELTS Listening Tips & Strategies To Improve Your IELTS Score

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FAQs

Q. What is the format of the IELTS Listening Practice Test?

Ans. The IELTS Listening Practice Test consists of 4 parts. There are a total of 40 questions in the IELTS Listening Test. Each part consists of a recording, followed by 10 questions. The exam pattern and question formats remain identical for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Listening Tests. This format ensures that all students experience the same level of difficulty and testing style, which is crucial for fairness in assessment.

Q. How can I improve my Listening skills?

Ans. You can improve your Listening skills through constant practice. Cultivate a habit of reading and listening. Maintain a habit of reading newspapers or magazines. This will boost your vocabulary and language skills. Listen to native English speakers regularly. For example, English radio podcasts, news reports, or even movies can help you understand the language better. You can also speak with your English-speaking friends or colleagues to get a grasp of the accents.

Q. Can I answer in all capital letters for the IELTS Listening Practice Test?

Ans. Yes, you can use either uppercase letters or lowercase letters while answering your IELTS Listening practice Test. During IELTS on paper, it is recommended to use all capital letters to enhance the clarity of your handwriting. However, it does not matter if you are using a computer-delivered IELTS. Using capital letters can help ensure that your answers are easily readable by the examiners.

Q. Which Spelling should I follow while answering the IELTS Listening Practice Test, British or American?

Ans. There is no strict regulation on using the US or the UK spelling rule while answering your IELTS Listening Practice Test. You can choose either of them according to your convenience. Try to stick to one format throughout the test. The most important element is whether your spelling is correct, no matter which spelling rule you use. Consistency in your spelling choice can help avoid confusion during the marking process.

Q. Are there free online resources available for IELTS Listening?

Ans. Yes, you can easily get free online resources for your IELTS preparation. However, be careful about their source. Not all websites are credible. Always opt for the official website for accurate information. You can also find IELTS Listening Practice Tests on our website. Utilising reputable resources can significantly enhance your preparation and boost your confidence.

Q. Which are some of the best IELTS Books for preparation?

Ans. There are numerous IELTS books available in the market. Here are some books you can depend on. 

 

  • Barron’s IELTS Superpack
  • The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
  • Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio
  • Official IELTS Practice Materials, written by official IELTS partners
  • Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7

 

You can also rely on IELTS Listening Practice tests for effective preparation. 

Q. What is the duration of the recordings in the IELTS Listening Practice Test?

Ans. The duration of the IELTS Listening recordings varies across the tests. On average, it takes 4-6 minutes to complete each audio. Recording 1 will be a conversation between 2 people in an everyday social context. Recording 2 is also set in a social environment but will be a monologue. The third recording is set in an academic or training context, with up to 4 people in the conversation. The final audio will also be a monologue but on an academic subject.

Q. Can I get extra time to transfer my answers to the answer sheet?

Ans. Yes, you can get an extra time of 10 minutes to transfer your answers into the answer sheet. However, this is only available for the IELTS on paper. In computer-delivered IELTS, you must answer all the questions within 30 minutes. This additional time allows you to double-check your answers for any mistakes before submitting them.

Q. What are the different question types in the IELTS Listening Practice Test?

Ans. The IELTS Listening Practice Test consists of six different question types. They are
 

  • Multiple Choice Questions
  • Matching Questions
  • Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling Questions
  • Form/Note/Table/Flowchart/Summary Completion Questions
  • Sentence Completion Questions
  • Short-Answer Questions
Q. What is a good score for the IELTS Listening Practice Test?

Ans. The raw score for the IELTS Listening Practice test is marked out of 40. On conversion, the highest band score is 9. Band 9 marks your skill level as an expert user. It means that you have a complete operational command of the language in terms of accuracy, fluency, and understanding. An average band score for the IELTS Listening Test varies between 6.5 to 7.5.

Q. What are some easy IELTS listening tips and tricks for getting a band 9 score?

Ans. Some of the tips to achieve a band 9 score in IELTS Listening are as follows:

 

  • Practise regularly with varied materials.
  • Listen to different accents.
  • Familiarise with test format and instructions.
  • Enhance vocabulary and note-taking skills.
  • Focus on keywords and understand the context.