The IELTS Listening test is the same for General Training and Academic. It has four parts and 40 questions, takes about 30 minutes, and you hear each recording only once. This page explains the format, the question types and the habits that save marks, then gives you a short practice script with questions.

Everything here is original practice written in the IELTS format. It is not official IELTS material.

The four parts

Each part has 10 questions, the parts get harder as you go, and the questions follow the order of the recording. You’ll hear a range of accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand and North American.

On the paper-based test, you write answers on the question paper as you listen, then get 10 minutes at the end to transfer them to the answer sheet. On the computer-delivered test, you type answers as you go, and there’s a short check at the end instead of transfer time.

Question types

• Multiple choice: choose one answer from three, or choose more than one from a longer list.
• Matching: match items from the recording to a list of options.
• Plan, map or diagram labelling: label a building plan, a map of part of a town, or a piece of equipment.
• Form, note, table or flow chart completion: fill gaps with words from the recording or from a list.
• Sentence completion: complete sentences that sum up key information.
• Short answers: answer questions about facts such as places, prices or times.

Tips that save marks

1. Use the reading time. Before each section plays, you get time to look at the questions. Underline key words and predict the kind of answer: a number, a name, a day, a noun.
2. Follow the word limit exactly. If the instructions say “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER,” a three-word answer is marked wrong, even if the meaning is right.
3. Spelling counts. Practise spelling common words, days, months and the letters of the alphabet, since names are often spelled out.
4. Listen for corrections. Speakers often change their minds: “Saturday… oh no, sorry, Sunday would be better.” The final answer is the one that counts.
5. Expect paraphrase. The question might say “cost,” while the speaker says “it comes to.” Listen for meaning, not the exact word.
6. Don’t get stuck. If you miss an answer, let it go and move to the next question. The recording won’t wait.
7. Answer everything. There’s no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a gap.
8. Practise with varied accents. Listen to podcasts, news and talks from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Practice: read this Part 1 style script

There’s no audio on this page, so read the script once at normal speed, as if you were hearing it, then answer the questions without looking back.

Receptionist: Good morning, Lakeview Community Hall.

Caller: Hi. I’d like to book the hall for a birthday party on Saturday the 14th.

Receptionist: Let me check. The main hall’s already booked that day, I’m afraid, but the Garden Room is free from two until six.

Caller: That should work. How many people does it hold?

Receptionist: Up to forty standing, or thirty if you want everyone seated at tables.

Caller: We’ll want tables, but we’re only expecting about twenty-five, so that’s fine. What does it cost?

Receptionist: It’s thirty-five dollars an hour, or a hundred and twenty for the whole afternoon.

Caller: The whole afternoon, please. We’ll need time to set up.

Receptionist: No problem. Can I take a name for the booking?

Caller: Jenna Kowalski. That’s K-O-W-A-L-S-K-I.

Receptionist: Thanks. And just so you know, the kitchen’s included, but you’ll need to bring your own tablecloths.

Questions

For more on the whole test, read the IELTS General Training test guide and the time management tips.