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Content Curator | Updated On - May 2, 2024

Highlights: 

  • The IELTS listening test has several types of questions like MCQ, match the following, sentence completion, and diagram labeling
  • Most of the common listening topics are based on education, healthcare, tourism, and psychology. 
  • IELTS listening scores are based on the main idea, the ability to follow the conversation, and the development of ideas. 
  • Short-answer questions and summary or flow chart completion are also a part of the question types. 

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Wondering about the IELTS listening topics? The IELTS listening test consists of 40 questions within 30 minutes. You are going to hear four recordings, which are a mix of monologues and conversations from a range of native speakers. You will come across audio that contains a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. In the second recording, a monologue set in an education or training is played. For the third recording, you will hear a monologue on an academic subject, for example, a university lecture. You need to answer 10 questions for each of the recordings. 

IELTS Listening Topics

While practising the IELTS listening test, it is important that you explore the listening topics. Mentioned below are the topics that candidates might come across in this assessment:

Topics Sample
School Life

Conversation Between a Librarian and Students IELTS Listening Answers
Conversation Between a Student and a Salesman IELTS Listening Answers

Student Services IELTS Listening Answers

The Benefits of Student Work Placement IELTS Listening Answers

Advice on Writing a Dissertation IELTS Listening Answers

A Conversation between 2 Students about Culture Shock IELTS Listening Answers

Interview A Radio Interview About a Lakeside Resort IELTS Listening Answer
A Radio Presenter Interviewing a Doctor IELTS Listening Answers
Application

A Monologue of an Immigration Officer explaining the Visa Application Process IELTS Listening Answers

Conversation About A Video Library Application Form IELTS Listening Answers

Tourism

Monologue About The Growth Of Tourism IELTS Listening Answers
A Monologue On Tourism IELTS Listening Answers

Asking a stranger or passer-by for directions Directions on A Map IELTS Listening Answers
Self-Drive Tours in the USA IELTS Listening Answers
Renting a room (flat)` Holiday Rentals IELTS Listening Answers
Conversation between an Agent of House Services and Customer IELTS Listening Answers
Asking information at a bank or post-office A Conversation between a Man and a Customer Service Manager of a Bank IELTS Listening Answers
An Interview Conversation Between a Banker and a Customer IELTS Listening Answers
Attending holiday and leisure activities

Travel to Distant Mountains IELTS Listening Answers
Camber’s Theme Park IELTS Listening Answers

Booking Tickets for Events IELTS Listening Answers

Theatre Trip To Munich IELTS Listening Answers 

Adbourne Film Festival IELTS Listening Answers

The Horton Castle Site IELTS Listening Answers

Planning for a Picnic IELTS Listening Answers

Notes For Holiday IELTS Listening Answers

Family Excursions IELTS Listening Answers

Visiting The Sheepmarket Area IELTS Listening Answers

Listening to an introduction about a scenic spot by a tour guide

Tourist Attractions at Manham IELTS Listening Answers
Visiting The Sheepmarket Area IELTS Listening Answers

A Monologue on Apsley House IELTS Listening Answers

Psychology`

Psychology Study IELTS Listening Answers
Conversation Between 2 Psychology Students IELTS Listening Answer

A Conversation among 3 Psychology Students discussing the Project they are Working on for the Seminar  IELTS Listening Answer

Medical A Conversation Between Two Medical Students Discussing Options for Courses IELTS Listening Answers
A Lecture describing Some Investigations into the Sense of Taste Listening Answers

IELTS Listening Questions

Each part of the IELTS Listening Section comprise 10 questions which can be framed in a variety of ways. You should be familiar with the IELTS exam pattern. Given below is a list of the ways in which you could get questions in IELTS Listening Section:

Matching

This type of question is particularly common in Part I and Part III of the IELTS Listening Section. You must practice each and every question type for getting a higher IELTS listening score. Here you have to listen to a recording of a conversation between two people on a general or academic topic. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to listen in detail and follow everyday conversations between two people.

Sample:

Matching

Multiple Choice

This type of question requires the aspirants to choose the correct answer from the given list of possible answers. To get a high IELTS band score, you must solve sample papers.  The students must carefully listen to the recording before answering such questions. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to get a detailed understanding of a conversation or monologue.

Sample:

Multiple Choice

Sentence Completion

This type of question requires the aspirants to fill up the gaps by adding words in each sentence after listening to a recording. IELTS score overall depends on how you anaylse the conversations in different accents. In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to identify the key information in a conversation.

Sample:

Sentence Completion

Form Completion

This type of question is quite common in Part I and Part III of the IELTS Listening Section. The question pattern is same for both IELTS Academic and general.Here candidates have to listen to a recording of a conversation between two people on a general or academic topic. In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words and the type of information that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to record details naturally during a conversation.

Sample:

Form Completion

Note Completion

This type of question requires the aspirants to fill up the gaps with the help of missing words after listening to an audio. IELTS listening tips will help you to solve all the questions easily.  In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words and the type of information that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to record details naturally during a conversation.

Sample:

Note Completion

Table Completion

This type of question requires the aspirants to fill up the gaps. Candidates with the help of missing words in the given rows and columns of a table after listening to a recording. In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words and the type of information that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to record details naturally during a conversation. You can enroll in IELTS online classes that will teach you techniques to handle different question types. 

Sample:

Table Completion

Summary Completion

This type of question is the most challenging type in the IELTS Listening Section. It is quite common in Part IV of the IELTS Listening Section. Here the aspirants have to listen to a recording of a monologue on an academic topic and fill in the gaps within the given summary with the help of missing words. In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words and the type of information that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. IELTS preparation is very necessary to get accustomed with the different types of question. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to record details naturally during a conversation.

Sample:

Summary Completion

Short Answer Questions

This type of question is quite common in Part II of the IELTS Listening Section. Here the aspirants have to listen to a recording of a monologue on a general situation that occurs in an everyday social setting. The aspirants are required fill in the gaps with the help of missing words after listening to the given audio. Sometimes, more than one answer can be asked for a single question. In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words and the type of information that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to efficiently record factual information during a conversation or monologue. If you continue to practice the listening test, you can easily achieve the IELTS cutoff for top universities. 

Sample:

Short Answer Questions

Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling

This type of question requires the aspirants to fill in the labels. Like of a plan (for example, of a building), a map (for example, of a part of city or town) or a diagram (for example, the parts of an equipment) from a given list of words. This type of question is one of the easiest types of question in IELTS Listening Section. There are many websites for IELTS where you can access various types of questions for the listening test. Since the aspirants can get multiple clues from the labels on the given graphic image. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to understand information and relate the same to visual representation.

Sample:

Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling

Flow Chart Completion

This type of question requires the aspirants to fill up the gaps in the given graphic image. Candidates need to summarize the steps of a process with the help of missing words after listening to a recording. In order to avoid getting penalized, the aspirants must notice the number of words that they are allowed to use while filling the gaps. This type of question assesses the ability of the aspirants to record details naturally during a conversation. IELTS preparation books also has all the listening question types that you can practice. 

Sample:

Flow Chart Completion

IELTS Listening Practice Test Papers

Candidates can also prepare themselves by practising questions from IELTS Listening topics with answers. The table shows below highlights the IELTS Listening Practice Test Paper samples for more guidance:

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 1- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 2- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 3- Audio  

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 4- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 5- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 6- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 7- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 8- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 9- Audio 

IELTS Listening Practice Paper 10- Audio 

Candidates need to prepare attentively to ace the IELTS academic listening exam. Aspirants can follow the listening band score list to get an idea of the IELTS scoring in detail.

FAQs

Ques. What types of recordings can I expect in the IELTS listening test?

Ans. The IELTS listening test includes a range of recordings such as conversations between two people, monologues, speeches, interviews, and discussions on academic or everyday topics.

Ques. How many sections are there in the IELTS listening test?

Ans. There are four sections in the IELTS listening test, each with a different focus and difficulty level.

Ques. What is the duration of the IELTS listening test?

Ans. The IELTS listening test lasts for approximately 30 minutes, including the time given to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

Ques.Can I take notes during the listening test?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to take notes while listening to the recordings. It's advisable to jot down key points or keywords to help you remember details.

Ques. Is there a break between sections in the IELTS listening test?

Ans. No, there is no break between sections in the IELTS listening test. The recordings play continuously, and you'll have to listen carefully from the beginning to the end.

Ques. Are headphones provided for the IELTS listening test?

Ans. Yes, headphones or earphones are provided at the test center for the listening test. You'll use them to listen to the recordings.

Ques. Can I listen to the recordings more than once in the IELTS listening test?

Ans. You'll only listen to each recording once. It's essential to concentrate and listen carefully the first time to catch all the necessary information.

Ques. What happens if I miss some information during the listening test?

Ans. If you miss some information during the listening test, don't worry. Focus on the remaining questions and try to gather as much information as you can. You can also use context clues to help you answer questions.

Ques. Are there different accents in the IELTS listening test?

Ans. Yes, the IELTS listening test features a variety of accents, including British, American, Australian, and others. It's essential to familiarize yourself with different accents before the test.

Ques. How can I prepare for the IELTS listening test?

To prepare for the IELTS listening test, practice listening to various English recordings, such as podcasts, news reports, and academic lectures. Familiarize yourself with the test format and practice with sample listening tests to improve your listening skills and time management. ​ ​

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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