The IELTS Listening test is conducted to test the ability of understanding and comprehending the different kinds of conversations, which an individual may come across once they move to an English speaking country.
How IELTS Listening Test Works ?
Duration |
30mins(10mins additional to transfer answers) |
Length |
4 Sections (Parts) |
No. of Questions |
40 |
When to Answer |
Answer while Listening |
The total number of correct answers (out of 40) is called your RAW Score and it then converted to it's equivalent band score.
See Raw to Band conversion table
Important information about IELTS Listening Test
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Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General candidates appear for the same listening test.
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For paper delivered IELTS Test, the test is conducted for 30 minutes and then you will be provided with additional 10 minutes to transfer the answers to an answer sheet.
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For computer delivered IELTS Test, there is no extra time given to transfer the answers, you are supposed to put answers directly. You are provided 2 minutes to review the answers.
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You are awarded 1 mark for each correct answer (Total 40 questions).
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No negative marking for incorrect answer.
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Recordings are played only once.
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No pause, rewind or forward allowed while the recording is being played.
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Answer while you listen.
Kinds of Questions in IELTS Listening Test
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Short Answer Questions (upto THREE Words)
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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Form Completion
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Table Completion
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Notes Completion
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Fill in the Blanks (complete a sentence)
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Plan Map Questions
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Matching Questions
Common Difficulties in IELTS Listening Test
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Unable to grab the accent
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Not knowing the subject matter
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Didn't understand the Natural Style of talking
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Losing place during multiple people talks
Common Mistakes during IELTS Listening Test
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Candidate didn't read the instructions properly.
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Candidate was listening the audio blindly without understanding.
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Didn't use the prediction skills
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Losing the focus
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Day dreaming
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Ignoring the given instructions for word limits
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Spelling mistakes
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Grammatical errors
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Leaving blank answers
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Trying to remember the spellings while listening to audio
How Bands are calculated in IELTS Listening Test ?
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
|---|---|
| 39 - 40 | 9 |
| 37 - 38 | 8.5 |
| 35 - 36 | 8 |
| 32 - 34 | 7.5 |
| 30 - 31 | 7 |
| 26 - 29 | 6.5 |
| 23 - 25 | 6 |
| 18 - 22 | 5.5 |
| 16 - 17 | 5 |
| 13 - 15 | 4.5 |
| 11 - 12 | 4 |