LISTENING

🎧 IELTS Listening Test Guide

🔹 1️⃣ Overview

The IELTS Listening test checks how well you understand ideas, opinions, and specific information in different types of audio recordings.

Duration: 30 minutes
Extra Time: 10 minutes to transfer answers (only for paper-based test)
Total Questions: 40
Sections: 4 Parts

Pattern:

• Part 1: A conversation in an everyday social situation (e.g. booking a hotel)

• Part 2: A monologue about everyday situations (e.g. a guided tour)

• Part 3: A discussion between two or more people (e.g. a university tutorial)

• Part 4: A lecture or talk on an academic topic

🔹 2️⃣ Test Day Logistics

Before the Test:

• Arrive at least 45 minutes early

• Bring your valid ID or passport used for registration

• You’ll be given a seat number and instructions

What to Bring:

• ID or passport

• Pens, pencils, erasers (for paper test)

• Nothing else is allowed on your desk

During the Test:

• You will hear each recording only once

• Check your headphones before starting (for computer-based test)

• Stay calm and focused — if you miss one answer, move on

Checklist:
✅ Bring your ID
✅ Check your equipment
✅ Listen carefully
❌ Don’t panic or waste time on one question

🔹 3️⃣ Paper-Based vs Computer-Based Listening

Paper-Based:

• You write answers on paper

• 10 minutes extra to transfer answers

• May use shared or individual headphones

• No timer on screen

• Great for people comfortable with handwriting

Computer-Based:

• Type answers directly on the screen

• Only 2 minutes to check answers at the end

• Always individual headphones

• On-screen timer visible

• Quicker and more modern format

🔹 4️⃣ How to Answer (Paper-Based Test)

1. Read the questions quickly before the audio starts

2. Underline keywords and focus on what information you need

3. Write short notes or answers on the question paper while listening

4. After the audio ends, use the 10-minute transfer time to write neatly on the answer sheet

5. Check spelling, plural forms, and capital letters

Tips:

• Write in pencil

• Don’t leave blanks

• Double-check word limits

🔹 5️⃣ How to Answer (Computer-Based Test)

1. Read the questions before each section begins

2. Use the highlight or note tool for key words

3. Type short, clear answers — check for spelling

4. Move between questions using the “Next” or “Tab” key

5. You’ll get 2 minutes at the end to review

Tips:

• Watch the timer on screen

• Don’t over-edit your answers

• Focus on the audio flow — you can’t replay it

🔹 6️⃣ Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

❌ Writing answers while still listening → ✅ Focus first, write after each section
❌ Spelling errors → ✅ Check every word carefully
❌ Ignoring word limits → ✅ Follow “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” instruction
❌ Missing plurals → ✅ Check for ‘s’ endings
❌ Forgetting to transfer answers → ✅ Always use the 10 minutes wisely

🔹 7️⃣ Preparation Tips

✅ Practice with real IELTS sample recordings
✅ Listen to different accents (British, Australian, Canadian)
✅ Improve note-taking speed
✅ Pay attention to “signpost words” like however, finally, on the other hand
✅ Do timed practice tests regularly

🔹 8️⃣ Do’s and Don’ts

DO’s

• Check your headphones before starting

• Follow instructions carefully

• Review your answers before submitting

• Stay calm and focused

DON’Ts

• Don’t write more words than asked

• Don’t use all capital letters unnecessarily

• Don’t leave blanks

• Don’t panic if you miss one question

🔹 9️⃣ Final Tip

Listening is about understanding meaning, not just words.
Practice every day — podcasts, news, and IELTS samples — and you’ll build your ear for success! 🎯