Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Use the 30 seconds before each section
You are given time to read the questions before the audio plays. Use every second — identify the question type, underline key words, and predict what kind of answer is needed (a name? a number? a place?).
Write as you listen — don't wait
Write your answer the moment you hear it. Do not try to hold it in memory while continuing to listen — you will miss the next answer. Even a rough note is better than nothing.
Spelling counts — every single letter
A correct answer spelled incorrectly gets zero marks. If you are unsure, write what you hear phonetically and fix it during transfer time. Numbers written as words or figures are both accepted.
Watch for distractors — the first answer isn't always right
IELTS recordings deliberately include decoy answers — a speaker might say "Tuesday... actually, no, Wednesday." Always listen to the end of the relevant section before committing.
Follow the questions in order
Answers always appear in the same order as the questions. If you miss one, move on immediately — do not keep thinking about it or you will miss the next answer. Leave a gap and return during transfer time.
For maps and diagrams — orient yourself first
Before the audio starts, find a fixed point on the map and identify all labelled locations. When directions are given ("turn left... past the entrance...") you can follow without hesitation.
Train your ear with different accents
IELTS uses British, Australian, American, and Canadian accents. Watch TV, podcasts, and YouTube in different varieties daily. The BBC, ABC Australia, and NPR are all free.
Use the 10-minute transfer time wisely
After the recording ends, you have 10 minutes to transfer answers to the sheet. Check spelling, check word limits, and fill any gaps with a sensible guess — never leave a blank.
What it is
Fill in missing information in a form, set of notes, or table. The answer is usually a word, number, or short phrase heard directly in the recording. Common in Sections 1 and 2.
Common traps
- Writing too many words — check the word limit carefully
- Mishearing a letter in a name or address
- Writing the wrong number after a correction in the audio
Strategy
- Read the whole form before the audio — understand what type of answer each gap needs
- For names — listen for spelling to be given ("that's M-A-R-T-I-N-E-Z")
- For numbers — the speaker often repeats or confirms
- Write exactly what you hear — do not paraphrase
What it is
Choose one answer from three options (A, B, C) or multiple answers from five. Common in Sections 2, 3, and 4. The hardest type because all options are usually mentioned.
Common traps
- Choosing the first option you hear — it is usually a distractor
- Missing when the speaker corrects or contradicts themselves
- Paraphrasing traps — the correct answer uses different words from what you hear
Strategy
- Read all options carefully before the audio — underline key words in each
- Cross out options as they are eliminated
- The correct answer is often a paraphrase — listen for meaning not exact words
- For "choose TWO" — read all five options and expect both answers in the same section
What it is
Complete a sentence with words from the recording. Always has a strict word limit — usually one, two, or three words. Common in all sections, especially Section 4.
Common traps
- Writing more words than the limit — automatic zero
- Changing the grammatical form of the word you hear
- Including articles (a, the) that push you over the word limit
Strategy
- Read the sentence and predict the grammatical form needed
- The words in your answer must fit grammatically
- Copy words exactly from the recording — do not paraphrase
- Articles count as words — be careful with limits
What it is
Match a list of items to a list of options. There are more options than items so some will not be used. Common in Section 3.
Common traps
- Using the same option twice when each should be used once
- Assuming options appear in the same order as questions — they don't
- Missing when an option is eliminated early in the conversation
Strategy
- Read all items and all options before the audio starts
- Mark options as they are confirmed or eliminated
- Options are usually paraphrased in the recording
- The conversation often discusses items in the same order as the questions
What it is
Label a map, floor plan, or diagram using words from a box or from the recording. Usually appears in Section 2. Tests your ability to follow directions and spatial descriptions.
Common traps
- Getting disoriented — losing track of position on the map
- Confusing left and right from a different perspective
- Missing that the speaker describes a route — answers follow the path
Strategy
- Find a fixed starting point (entrance, reception) and orient yourself first
- Follow the route described — the speaker usually guides you logically
- Mark your position as you move through the description
- For diagrams — fully understand what is shown before the audio starts
What it is
Answer questions about the recording in your own words — within a strict word limit. Questions follow the order of the recording. Less common than other types.
Common traps
- Writing a full sentence when only a phrase is needed
- Exceeding the word limit — automatic zero
- Paraphrasing when the exact word from the recording is required
Strategy
- Underline the question word (What? Where? When? How many?) to know what type of answer you need
- Your answer must be grammatically complete on its own
- Exact words from the recording are almost always correct
- Questions follow the order of the recording
Listening Band Score Conversion
Raw score out of 40 — the same conversion applies to both Academic and General Training
| Band | Raw Score (out of 40) | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 16–20 correct | Can follow main points in clear, slow speech. Misses details in faster or more complex recordings. |
| 6.0 | 21–24 correct | Understands most straightforward speech. May miss information when speakers talk quickly or use idioms. |
| 6.5 | 25–27 correct | Follows spoken English well in most contexts. Occasional difficulty with complex phrasing or multiple speakers. |
| 7.0 | 28–30 correct | Comfortable with a variety of accents and idiomatic language. Few missed points even in nuanced dialogues. |
| 7.5 | 31–34 correct | Excellent grasp of detail, tone, and implied meaning. Only occasional slips on the most demanding questions. |
| 8.0 | 35–38 correct | Effortlessly follows all types of spoken English including fast speech, inference, and subtle corrections. |
How to use this practice test
- Work through all four sections in order — each one gets progressively harder
- Read the questions carefully before pressing play — just like the real exam
- Write your answers as you listen — do not wait until the recording ends
- You may replay the audio, but in the real exam you only hear it once
- Check each section as you go, or submit all answers at the end for your band score
- Spelling counts — a correct answer spelled incorrectly will be marked wrong
Hotel Reservation
A conversation between a hotel receptionist and a customer making a booking
Questions 1–8: Complete the hotel booking form. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
| 1 | Check-in date | ✓ Friday the 14th |
| 2 | Check-out date | ✓ Monday the 17th |
| 3 | Number of guests | ✓ 2 adults and 1 child |
| 4 | Room type | ✓ Family room |
| 5 | Price per night | ✓ $120 / 120 dollars |
| 6 | Guest surname | ✓ Harper |
| 7 | Contact number | ✓ 555-8194 |
| 8 | Special request | ✓ Sea view |
Green Valley Wildlife Park
A tour guide giving information about the park to visitors
Questions 9–13: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
Note Completion
Questions 14–16: Complete the notes. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
| 14 | Café serves food until | ✓ 5 p.m. |
| 15 | Bicycle rental cost | ✓ $8 / 8 dollars per hour |
| 16 | Lost property — report to | ✓ Information desk |
University Project Discussion
A student and her tutor discussing a research project on recycling habits
Questions 17–20: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
Short Answer
Questions 21–24: Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
| 21 | How many students will be surveyed? | ✓ 200 |
| 22 | How long will data collection take? | ✓ Two weeks |
| 23 | How long will analysing results take? | ✓ One week |
| 24 | When is the final report due? | ✓ May 28th |
Urban Farming
An academic lecture on urban farming and its growing importance in modern cities
Questions 25–32: Complete the sentences. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
| 25 | Urban farming means growing food in rather than in rural areas. |
| 26 | Examples of urban farms include gardens and indoor farms. |
| 27 | Urban farming helps reduce costs because food is grown closer to consumers. |
| 28 | In some cities, fresh food is difficult to access, especially in neighbourhoods. |
| 29 | Plants in cities help reduce and lower temperatures. |
| 30 | One major challenge of urban farming is limited in cities. |
| 31 | Many urban farms now use special systems to reduce water waste. |
| 32 | Next week's lecture will examine urban farming in Singapore and . |
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Practise the other modules too
Strong listening goes hand in hand with reading and vocabulary. Use these resources to build your overall band score.