The IELTS Listening test evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in academic, social, and everyday contexts.

• Duration: About 40 minutes (including 10 minutes to transfer answers on paper-based tests).

• Format: 4 recordings (increasing in difficulty), 40 questions total.

• Same for Academic and General Training candidates.

1. A conversation in a social setting

2. A monologue in a social context (e.g., a speech about local facilities)

3. A conversation in an academic/training context (e.g., university discussion)

4. A monologue on an academic subject (e.g., a university lecture)

You will encounter a range of question types, testing various listening skills:

• Multiple Choice

• Matching

• Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling

• Form, Note, Table, Flow-chart, Summary Completion

• Sentence Completion

• Short-Answer Questions

• Read questions before listening to predict answers and focus your attention.

• Underline keywords and listen for synonyms or paraphrased language.

• Don’t leave any blank answers—there’s no penalty for guessing.

• Check word limits for each answer; writing too many words means zero points.

• For maps and diagrams, listen for directions, locations, and spatial language.

• Practice listening for numbers, dates, and spelling, especially for forms.

1. Use Authentic Practice Tests:

   • Regularly simulate full tests under timed conditions.

2. Vary Your Listening Sources:

   • Practice with podcasts, news reports, TED talks, and academic lectures.

3. Focus on Weak Areas:

   • Identify which question types or accents challenge you most, and target them.

4. Review Transcripts:

   • Read while listening to improve word recognition and catch missed details.

5. Build Note-taking Skills:

   • Write down keywords and important details as you listen, but don’t try to write everything.

6. Analyze Your Mistakes:

   • Review incorrect answers, find out why you missed them, and learn from your errors.

• Get familiar with a variety of English accents (UK, Australian, North American, etc.).

• Practice multitasking: listen and read questions simultaneously.

• Improve spelling and grammar—incorrect spelling = zero score.

• Stay calm and focused: If you miss an answer, move on quickly.

• Use headphones in practice for a realistic test environment.