IELTS Listening Test
The IELTS Listening Test is the first part of the exam. It lasts approximately 30 minutes and consists of 4 sections, with approximately 10 questions in each.
| Section | Type of listening texts | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speakers have a discussion in a social situation. | Listen |
| 2 | 1 speaker talks about a non-academic topic. | Listen |
| 3 | Up to 4 speakers have a discussion in an educational or training situation. | Listen |
| 4 | One speaker gives a talk or mini lecture about a topic of general academic interest. | Listen |
You are given time to read the questions before you listen, but you only listen ONCE. While you listen, you can note your answers on the question paper. You have some extra time at the end to transfer your answers onto the exam answer sheet.
A variety of tasks are used, chosen from the following types:
- multiple-choice
- short-answer questions
- sentence completion
- notes/summary/diagram/flowchart/table completion
- labelling a diagram
- classification
- matching
FAQS
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
What can I bring into the examination room?
Only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room, including mobile phones and pagers which must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or keep it on you, you will be disqualified.
Which part do I take first?
You do the Listening test first following by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.
Does the Listening tape provide instructions and pauses?
Yes. At the beginning, you hear instructions and a sample question. Then you read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions. The same procedure follows for sections 2, 3 and 4. In the final 10 minutes, you transfer your answers onto the answer sheet.
How many times will I hear each recording?
You only hear each recording once.
Can I make notes while I’m listening?
Yes, you can make notes on the question paper.
Can I use a pen for the Listening test?
No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.
