What is IELTS Listening Test Format?

Listening module is there in IELTS exam to assess listening abilities of a test taker. Listening module is same for both General Training and Academic candidates. A recorded audio is played in listening module that lasts for 30 to 35 minutes in which there are 4 sections. Each section has 10 questions, so there are 40 questions in total. Each question carries one mark and 40 marks are converted into 9 bands.

For example, if a student scores 23 to 26 marks out of 40, the bands will be 6 out of 9 bands. 10 extra minutes apart from the total time audio played will be given for transferring answers onto the answer sheet, the thing that should be taken care while answer transferring time is, answers must be transferred on the listening side of the answer sheet. If a person does not do so, he/ she’ll be rewarded with zero band score.

There is no hard and fast rule for writing the answers either in capital letters or lowercase since there is no rule stating whether you should use capital or small letters. But, it is recommended to write listening answers in capital letters to make answers legible and easy to understand.

Next thing, a test taker should keep a check on is, transfer answers correctly and pay attention to the spellings and grammar. Misspelt(ed) words will not be marked and you will lose marks even they are correct.

The IELTS listening exam has four sections.

Recording of section 1

The first part contains a conversation between two persons about a social context where they discuss about everyday situations. This is the easiest section and speaker talks quite slowly taking pauses. The key information is usually repeated.

Recording of section 2

The second part is a monologue (a speech by one person) set in an everyday social context, for example, a speech about local facilities, radio interview about lake, resort etc. But, a speaker takes fewer pauses than that in previous section.

Recording of section 3

Part three has a conversation between two, three or more speakers about educational or training situations, for example, a University tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
This section is harder than the two previous ones: speakers discuss topics at a faster Pace and sometimes, use advanced vocabulary.

Recording of section 4

This part is a monologue on an academic subjects for instance, a University lecturer/ speech about Global Warming and its effects etc.
It is the most difficult section. Most of the times, there is no break in the middle, the speaker talks at a faster pace and uses a wide range of vocabulary.

Types of questions in listening module:-

• Notes/ Summary/ Table/ Flow chart completion.
• Multiple choice questions.
• Short answer questions.
• Labeling a diagram, plan or map.
• Matching lists or phrases.
• Fill in the blanks

Tips to boost band scores in listening:

A range of English accents are used in the recordings, so practice as many accents as you can.
Listening module demands your complete focus because you get only a chance to listen to the recording, so don't lose concentration since audio won't be replayed. Practice listening to things only once.
ay attention to the number of words and numbers you need to write and transfer your answers accordingly. For instance, no more than two words means maximum two words can be written.
While moving to the next section, 30 seconds are given to recheck the answers attempted previously, this time can be utilized to have a look on the next questions.
The speaker uses signpost language. We use sign posting to connect ideas and indicate to the listeners that we are moving to a new idea. Signpost language includes words such as first, second, then, next, after that, finally..... So on.
In a map or plan labeling questions, you might hear phrases such as, *Moving on.... *Now we come to.... *Beyond the garden, you will come to the.... Recognizing signpost language will help you to follow the recording more easily and better understand what is being said.
Synonyms and paraphrasing are used. Listen for the keywords in the question but also different words and phrases that have the same meaning. Don’t expect to hear the exact words or phrases written in the question paper always.
Listen or watch out for Distractors where information is given but then corrected or changed and you may also find that the speaker mentions all the options with slight differences in meaning, so pay attention to the details.
In case you miss the question, don’t forget to use your brain for the guess work since there is no negative marking.

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