IELTS Listening: An Overview

ScottsEnglish

The IELTS Listening test is the first module you will encounter on test day.

Here's what to expect...

• The Listening test is the first module of the IELTS test.
• It takes around 30 minutes. You are given an extra 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers from your Question Booklet to your Answer Sheet.
• There are four sections. The sections become progressively more difficult, with Section 4 being the most difficult.
• The recording is played only once.
• There are a total of 40 questions (10 questions per section). Different types of questions are used in the Listening test (e.g., Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Form Completion, etc.).
• You are given time to read the questions before you listen and time to check your answers after you listen.
• You must use a pencil to write your answers on your Answer Sheet because it is scanned by a computer. You cannot use a pen.
• You will be given a Question Booklet containing the questions. You should write your answers in the Question Booklet as you listen to the test. You will have 10 minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet.

Note you will hear a variety of different accents in the Listening test, for example, British, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, American and Indian.

For some listening practice go here.