IELTS Listening Test Format

Duration 30 minutes (+ 10 minutes transfer time for paper-based)

Questions 40 questions

Sections 4 recordings

Accents British, Australian, New Zealand, American, Canadian

Listening Band Score Chart

Correct Answers	Band Score
39-40	9.0
37-38	8.5
35-36	8.0
32-34	7.5
30-31	7.0
26-29	6.5
23-25	6.0
18-22	5.5
16-17	5.0

Quick Calculator

Enter your raw score to see your band:

Free Listening Practice Tests

Practice Test 1: Social Situations

Topics: Hotel booking, Campus tour, Job interview, Academic lecture on climate change

Note: Audio files are placeholder. Replace with actual IELTS practice audio.

Start Test Answer Key

Practice Test 2: Academic Focus

Topics: Library orientation, Research project discussion, Tutorial on economics, Lecture on marine biology

Note: Audio files are placeholder. Replace with actual IELTS practice audio.

Start Test Answer Key

Proven Listening Strategies

Read questions carefully - underline keywords
Predict answer types (number, name, date)
Note word limits for each question
Identify the type of information needed (specific detail, main idea, speaker's opinion)

Follow along with your finger
Write answers as you hear them
Don't panic if you miss one - move on
Listen for signposting words ("firstly", "however", "in conclusion")
Be ready for speakers to correct themselves
Pay attention to stress and intonation for speaker attitudes

Distractors

Speaker changes their mind or gives multiple options

Example: "The meeting is at 2pm... actually, sorry, it's been moved to 3pm"

Synonyms

Answer uses different words than question

Example: Question says "cost", answer says "price" or "fee"

Numbers

Similar sounding numbers (15/50, 16/60, 30/13)

Tip: Practice number dictation regularly

Spelling

Names and addresses must be exact

Tip: Learn the NATO phonetic alphabet

Question Types & Techniques

Multiple Choice

Strategy: Eliminate obviously wrong answers first, listen for synonyms

Read all options before listening
Be aware answers may not come in order
Listen for paraphrasing

Map/Plan Labelling

Strategy: Identify your starting point, follow directional language carefully

Study the map/plan during prep time
Understand compass directions
Know position words (opposite, adjacent, corner)

Form Completion

Strategy: Pay attention to spelling, numbers, and word limits

Predict what type of information is needed
Be ready for spelled-out words
Don't exceed word limit

Note Completion

Strategy: Read around the gaps, predict grammatical form needed

Check if notes follow a logical structure
Identify what part of speech fits each gap
Listen for signal words before answers

Tips for Each Section

Section	Content	Key Tips
Section 1	Social conversation between 2 speakers	Usually easiest section Focus on specific information (names, numbers, dates) Answers come in order
Section 2	Monologue on social topic	Often includes a map or plan Pay attention to sequencing words Speaker won't correct themselves
Section 3	Academic discussion (2-4 speakers)	Identify different speakers Focus on opinions and attitudes Watch for agreement/disagreement
Section 4	Academic monologue/lecture	Most difficult section No pause in middle Academic vocabulary required Take notes on main ideas

Additional Practice Resources

Daily Practice Routine

Morning: Listen to BBC Learning English or podcasts (30 min)
Afternoon: Complete one practice section with analysis (45 min)
Evening: Watch English news/documentaries with subtitles off (30 min)

Recommended Podcasts

BBC 6 Minute English
TED Talks Daily
The English We Speak

Video Resources

BBC iPlayer Radio
National Geographic
ABC Radio Australia

Study Materials

Cambridge IELTS Books
Official IELTS Practice
Road to IELTS

IELTS Listening: Complete Preparation Guide