Introduction to IELTS LISTENING MODULE

What are the components of the listening test?

The listening test consists a total of 40 questions which span over 4 sections covering a time limit of 40 minutes-30 minutes for the audio and 10 minutes to transfer the answer to a separate answer sheet.

Each section includes 10 questions covering a wide range of question types such as, fill in the blanks, multiple choice, matching information, labeling maps or diagrams etc.

Most importantly, unlike other Cambridge ESOL examinations, in IELTS, the listening audio is played only once.

At the beginning of the audio there will be time for you to read the instructions and questions. About10 to 15 seconds for this purpose depending on the number of questions. At the end of each section too you are given 30 seconds to check your answers.

The answer for the first questions is always done for you and that part of the audio will be repeated for the second time.

In SECION 1 candidates will have to answer 10 questions listening to a dialogue based on social needs. For example: a telephone conversation between a passenger and an airline ticketing official or a dialogue between a patient and a receptionist about making an appointment with a doctor etc.

In SECTION 2 you will be answering another 10 questions listening to a monologue on social needs. For example: talk of a representative of a particular company in terms of variety of services they provide customers, recorded message of an organization etc.

In SECTION 3 candidates will listen to a conversation usually among three or four speakers related to educational or training contexts. For example: a discussion among four university students with their lecturer regarding a research they have just undertaken etc. You have to answer 10 questions based on this.

In SECTION 4 a monologue pertaining. to an academic topic is played. For example: a scientist is giving a talk on global warming or a paleontologist is giving a lecture on the extinction of dinosaurs etc. candidates need to answer another 10 questions based on this.

Remember!

The standard of the topics and the difficulty level of the question types will increase when you move from section to the other.

Any of your personal queries about the listening test can be discussed in the Discussion Room.