IELTS Listening Exam
The IELTS Academic Listening test assesses your ability to understand spoken English in a variety of contexts — from everyday conversations to academic discussions. You’ll listen to four recordings and answer a range of question types that test your comprehension, attention to detail, and ability to follow ideas.
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IELTS Listening
Overview
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The Listening test lasts about 30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
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You’ll listen to four recordings featuring different accents and situations — from casual conversations to academic lectures.
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The recordings are played once only, so it’s important to listen carefully and take notes as you go.
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There are 40 questions in total, each worth one mark.
Types of Questions
Types of Questions You Will Encounter
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Multiple choice – Choose the correct answer from a list of options.
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Matching – Connect items such as speakers, opinions, or information.
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Plan, map or diagram labelling – Identify and label visual information.
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Form, note, table, flow-chart, or summary completion – Fill in missing words or information.
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Sentence completion – Complete sentences using information from the recording.
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Short-answer questions – Write a brief response using a specific word limit.
What Each Section Involves
Section 1: Everyday Conversation
A short dialogue between two people in a daily situation, such as booking a service or asking for information.
Section 2: Social Monologue
A single speaker giving general information, for example an announcement, instructions, or directions.
Section 3: Academic/Training Discussion
A conversation between two or more people in an educational or training setting, often involving a task or assignment.
Section 4: Academic Monologue
A longer lecture or talk on an academic topic, usually more detailed and complex than the earlier sections.