What would you like to do?
Exam structure — what to expect
S1
Section 1
Two speakers — everyday situationA conversation in a social context — booking, enquiry, or arrangement. The most straightforward section. Expect form completion or note-taking questions.
S2
Section 2
One speaker — general topicA monologue on a general-interest topic — a local event, guided tour, or community announcement. Slightly harder. Multiple choice and map labelling are common.
S3
Section 3
Up to 4 speakers — academic contextA discussion in an educational setting — students and a tutor, for example. More complex ideas and language. Matching and multiple choice are common.
S4
Section 4
One speaker — academic lectureThe hardest section. A university-style lecture with no pauses. Sentence completion and note completion are the most common question types.
Essential tips — before, during, and after
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.
Question type strategies — click any type to expand
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
Common spelling traps in IELTS Listening
⚠️ Spelling errors cost marks. A correct answer with one wrong letter receives zero. These are the categories students most commonly misspell in the listening exam.
Days & Months
Wednesday
Thursday
February
September
Numbers
Forty (not fourty)
Twelve (not tweleve)
Thirteen vs thirty
Fifteen vs fifty
Double Letters
Accommodation
Address
Reccommend
Necessary
Common Words
Receipt
Neighbour
Bureau
Schedule
British Spelling
Centre (not center)
Colour (not color)
Organise (not -ize)
Travelling
Commonly Confused
Their / There / They're
Hear / Here
Allowed / Aloud
Weather / Whether
Band Score Guide
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. |
Before you begin
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
Section 1
S1
Hotel Reservation
A conversation between a hotel receptionist and a customer making a booking
Section 1 — Listen to the hotel reservation call
Read questions 1–8 below, then press play
0:00--:--
💡 In the real IELTS exam you hear the recording once only. Challenge yourself to answer without replaying.
Questions 1–8: Complete the hotel booking form. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
🏨 Seaview Hotel — Room Booking Form
| 1 | Check-in date | ✓ Friday 14th (or: the 14th) The customer says "From Friday the 14th". Listen for the day name followed by the date. |
| 2 | Check-out date | ✓ Monday 17th (or: the 17th) The customer says "until Monday the 17th". Note the check-out date comes after "until". |
| 3 | Total number of guests | ✓ 3 (two adults and one child) The receptionist confirms "Two adults and one child". Either format is accepted. |
| 4 | Room type | ✓ Family room The receptionist offers "a family room" — listen for the room type, not the features it includes. |
| 5 | Price per night | ✓ $120 / 120 dollars The receptionist says "It's 120 dollars per night." Write the number only — $120 or 120 are both fine. |
| 6 | Guest surname | ✓ Harper The customer spells it out: "H-A-R-P-E-R". Always listen for spelling to be confirmed in Section 1. |
| 7 | Contact number | ✓ 555-8194 The customer gives "555-8194". Write digits exactly as you hear them. |
| 8 | Special request | ✓ Sea view The customer says "could we have a room with a sea view?" — the key words come at the end of the request. |
📄 Section 1 — Hotel Reservation Transcript — answers highlighted in yellowReceptionist: Good afternoon, Seaview Hotel. How may I help you?
Customer: Hi, I'd like to book a room for next weekend, please.
Receptionist: Certainly. What dates will you be staying with us?
Customer: From Friday the 14th until Monday the 17th.
Receptionist: And how many guests will there be?
Customer: Two adults and one child.
Receptionist: We have a family room available. It includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Customer: That sounds good. How much is it per night?
Receptionist: It's 120 dollars per night.
Customer: Okay, I'd like to book it.
Receptionist: May I have your full name, please?
Customer: Yes, it's Daniel Harper.
Receptionist: Could you spell the surname?
Customer: H-A-R-P-E-R.
Receptionist: Thank you. And your contact number?
Customer: 555-8194.
Receptionist: Great. Do you have any special requests?
Customer: Yes, could we have a room with a sea view?
Receptionist: I'll make a note of that.
Customer: Perfect. Thank you very much.
Receptionist: You're welcome. We look forward to seeing you next weekend.
Section 2
S2
Green Valley Wildlife Park
A tour guide giving information about the park to visitors
Section 2 — Listen to the park tour guide
Read questions 9–16 below before pressing play
⏳ Coming Soon
0:00--:--
💡 Challenge yourself — try to answer without replaying.
Questions 9–13: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
9 What time does the park close?⚠️ Distractor
10 Where does the bird presentation take place?⚠️ Distractor
11 What time does the reptile exhibition begin?⚠️ Distractor
12 Where is the children's play area?⚠️ Distractor
13 How long does each walking tour last?
Note Completion
Questions 14–16: Complete the notes. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
🦁 Green Valley Wildlife Park — Visitor Notes
| 14 | Café serves food until | ✓ 5 p.m. The guide says the café serves "until 5 p.m." — the distractor is the park closing time (6 p.m.). |
| 15 | Bicycle rental cost | ✓ $8 (or 8 / 8 dollars) The guide says "8 dollars per hour" for bicycle rental. Write 8 or $8 — both accepted. |
| 16 | Lost property — report to | ✓ Information desk The guide says "please visit the information desk near the exit gate." Information desk — not exit gate. |
Section 3
S3
University Project Discussion
A student and her tutor discussing a research project on recycling habits
Section 3 — Listen to the academic discussion
Read questions 17–24 before pressing play
0:00--:--
💡 This section uses more complex language — listen carefully for exact figures and dates.
Questions 17–20: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
17 What is Emma's research project about?⚠️ Distractor
18 How will Emma collect her data?
19 What does Professor Lewis suggest Emma should do?
20 What should Emma include in her introduction?🎯 Listen carefully
Short Answer
Questions 21–24: Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
📋 Project Details
| 21 | How many students will be surveyed? | ✓ 200 Emma says "Around 200 students". The word "around" is not required in your answer. |
| 22 | How long will data collection take? | ✓ Two weeks Emma says "I'll spend two weeks collecting data." Two weeks — not one. |
| 23 | How long will analysing results take? | ✓ One week Emma says "then another week analysing the results." One week for analysis. |
| 24 | When is the final report due? | ✓ May 28th Emma says "It needs to be submitted by May 28th." Listen for the exact date — not the month alone. |
📄 Section 3 — University Discussion Transcript — answers highlighted in yellowTutor: Hi, Emma. Thanks for coming in today to discuss your project.
Emma: No problem, Professor Lewis.
Tutor: So, I've read your proposal on recycling habits among university students. It's an interesting topic.
Emma: Thank you. I wanted to investigate why many students still don't recycle regularly, even though recycling bins are available across campus.
Tutor: That's a good research question. How are you planning to collect your data?
Emma: I'm going to use online questionnaires and short face-to-face interviews.
Tutor: Approximately how many students will you survey?
Emma: Around 200 students from different departments.
Tutor: Excellent. And have you decided on a timeline for the project?
Emma: Yes. I'll spend two weeks collecting data, then another week analysing the results.
Tutor: Good. One suggestion I have is to include first-year and final-year students separately. Their habits may differ significantly.
Emma: That's a great idea. I hadn't considered comparing age groups.
Tutor: Also, remember to mention environmental awareness campaigns run by the university.
Emma: Right, I'll add a section about those programs in the introduction.
Tutor: Finally, when is your final report due?
Emma: It needs to be submitted by May 28th.
Tutor: Perfect. I think you're on the right track.
Section 4
S4
Urban Farming
An academic lecture on urban farming and its growing importance in modern cities
Section 4 — Listen to the academic lecture
The hardest section — no pauses, academic vocabulary throughout
0:00--:--
⚠️ This is the most difficult section. Read all questions before playing and focus on key words.
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 . |
📄 Section 4 — Urban Farming Lecture Transcript — answers highlighted in yellowGood morning everyone. Today's lecture is about urban farming and its growing importance in modern cities.
Urban farming refers to the practice of growing food in cities rather than in rural areas. This can include rooftop gardens, indoor farms, and community vegetable gardens.
There are several reasons why urban farming has become more popular in recent years. First, it helps reduce transportation costs because food is produced closer to consumers. As a result, fewer trucks are needed to deliver fresh produce.
Second, urban farming can improve food security. In some cities, fresh fruits and vegetables are difficult to access, especially in low-income neighborhoods. Local farming projects can help solve this problem.
Another advantage is environmental improvement. Plants help reduce air pollution and lower temperatures in crowded urban areas.
However, urban farming also faces some challenges. One major issue is limited space. Land in cities is expensive, so farmers often need creative solutions such as vertical farming systems.
Water usage can also be a concern. Many urban farms now use special irrigation systems designed to reduce waste and save water.
Finally, researchers believe urban farming may create more local employment opportunities in the future, particularly for young people interested in sustainable agriculture.
Next week, we will examine successful urban farming projects in cities such as Singapore and Toronto.
Your Estimated Band Score
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Section 1
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Section 2
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Section 3
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Section 4
Keep building your skills
Practise the other modules too
Strong listening goes hand in hand with reading and vocabulary. Use these resources to build your overall band score.