IELTS Listening
IELTS Listening: format, question types and practice
The Listening test is the same for Academic and General Training. You hear four recordings once each and answer 40 questions in about 30 minutes.
Start Listening practice- Time
- About 30 minutes
- Parts
- 4 recordings
- Questions
- 40
- Plays
- Each recording once
What each part tests
Parts 1 and 2 are set in everyday situations: a conversation (for example booking a course) and a monologue (for example a tour guide). Parts 3 and 4 are academic: a discussion between students and a short lecture.
Question types you will meet
Most tests mix several of these formats:
- Form, note, table and sentence completion
- Multiple choice
- Matching
- Map, plan and diagram labelling
- Short-answer questions
Tips that raise your score
- Read the questions before each recording and predict the type of word you need.
- Watch the word limit — 'ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER' means exactly that.
- Listen for corrections: speakers often change their mind.
- Spelling counts, so practise common names, days and numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS Listening the same for Academic and General Training?
Yes. Both versions take exactly the same Listening test.
Can I hear the recording twice?
No. In the real test each recording is played once, which is why our exam mode also plays audio only once.