IELTS Listening: Test Format, Scoring, Question types, & Tips

IELTS Listening Overview

To begin with, the IELTS Listening section consists of four recordings featuring a range of everyday and academic situations. These include conversations and monologues set in social, educational, or training contexts. The recordings are taken from authentic sources, such as interviews, discussions, and academic lectures, designed to reflect real-life communication you may encounter while studying or living abroad.

You will have a total of 30 minutes to listen to all four recordings, plus an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet (for paper-based tests). In total, there are 40 questions covering various formats such as multiple choice, matching, map or plan labelling, form completion, sentence completion, and short-answer questions.

Overall, the IELTS Listening section tests four key listening skills: understanding main ideas, identifying specific information, recognizing opinions or attitudes, and following the development of an argument or conversation. These skills are essential for academic study, workplace communication, and everyday interactions in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS Listening Format

The IELTS listening test format is easy to understand and trouble-free once you get the idea of answering each question. It features four sections, and each of them consists of 10 questions; as a result, a total of 40 questions are asked. These four sections encompass recordings of conversation or monologue based on the academic and social content.

The test difficulty progressively increases from section 1 to section 4. Also, these recordings are listened to only once. Each recording lasts for around five minutes, and you get 30 minutes to solve this section.

Through the IELTS listening test with audio and answers, you can get familiar with the format, accents, and question types. Here is the explanation of all four sections of the IELTS listening section.

• Section 1: A conversation between two people related to the social context or everyday conversation.
• Section 2: An everyday monologue speech given by one person that carries a topic of everyday life, such as weather conditions.
• Section 3: A conversation between two to four people related to the educational basis
• Section 4: Monologue speech on an academic lecture. This is said by one individual only.

IELTS Listening Question Types

The IELTS listening test module contains 6 question types that test detailed comprehension through various formats such as filling gaps, choosing options or linking items. These IELTS listening question types assess different listening skills. As stated, it has four sections, and each of them consists of 10 questions. Here is the question types list.

1. Multiple choice
2. Matching
3. Map/Plan/Diagram Labelling
4. Form/Note/Table/Flow-chart/Summary Completion 
5. Sentence Completion
6. Short Answer Questions

For better IELTS preparation, we have provided detailed insights into the questions. Comprehend these IELTS listening question types, how to answer, tips to solve and samples for practising through the next sections

1. Multiple Choice

Choose one or more correct answers (A, B, C, D) from a list after listening to the audio. It assesses the ability to understand the main ideas, specific details or paraphrased content. This question can be asked in any section (1-4). 

How to Answer

1. Read and understand the question carefully, identify keywords in the prompt (name, numbers, place). Also, predict about the synonyms or paraphrases you may hear.
2. Listen for keywords, beware of in-between distractors. Look for signposts like “but,” “however,” “although,” as they can be the signal for a change or correction.
3. Make quick notes next to the options.
4. Review notes with answers to ensure you have completed and don't leave any blank.

Tips

• Listen and navigate paraphrasing or synonyms.
• Often uses distractors giving incorrect options that sound similar to the real answers to challenge you. So be focused.
• Don’t rush to answer without listening to the whole audio.
• Master note-taking skills to write important information shortly and crisply.

2. Matching

Link or match items from two different lists; numbered list (e.g., people, features) with a lettered list of options (e.g., descriptions, characteristics). Listen to the audio for details to link the numbered item to its correct description. It can appear in section 1 or 3 and assess skills to find out relationships and information. 

How to Answer

1. Quickly read the instructions and lists,
2. Underline keywords, and predict the answers
3. Listen to the paraphrased answers to find the correct answer.
4. Track order as questions are usually given in order, such as Q1 and Q2, but options might be scrambled
5. Note speaker changes as you listen for phrases such as “I think,” “I agree,” to identify who holds the right option.
6. Lastly, in the answer sheet or while noting, write letters next to the question number.

Tips

1. Understand instructions and skim lists
2. Try to predict the synonyms, and paraphrasing can be used in the
3. Questions are in order, so the answer to the first question might appear before the second, but the options might be shuffled.
4. Listen actively for the context and details. 

3. Map Labelling

Label parts of a map (like park, building layout, museum, etc.) by using words from the recording. It often involves spatial items and directional language, and is commonly asked in section 2.

How to Answer

1. Read the question and instructions carefully.
2. Locate quickly “you are here” or the starting point.
3. Orient yourself to identify north, south, east, and west if a compass is provided
4. Scan landmarks to understand the layout
5. Follow the sequence while listening and focus on prepositions like next to, opposite, behind, beyond, northwest, and on the left/right.
6. Try to identify the place, like a labelling room, building, or facility.

Tips

• Don’t get lost while listening. If you miss an answer, move to the next question immediately
• Use existing labels; the speaker will use known labels to describe unknown locations.
• Keep it short by using only the necessary noun.  

4. Plan Labelling

Label parts of a plan (like park, building layout, park, museum, etc.) by using words from the audio. Here, you have to match the description or direction to the number or lettered blanks on the visual. It often includes one or two words/ numbers.

How to Answer

1. Read the instructions to check the word limit
2. Find the starting point, such as the entrance, reception, gate or any alphabetic letter (X) point
3. Position yourself in any direction and check already labelled items
4. Follow the audio order as answers are in chronological order.
5. Physically draw the route mentioned by the speaker on the map. 
6. Use directional words, but be aware of the distractors to not get distracted
7. If you get lost, move ahead to the next question and listen for the next landmark to pick the location.
8. Use short labels, and if you give the box of options, try not to write words and write letters.

Tips

1. Orient yourself to find the starting point and compass, and predict before listening.
2. Listen for the starting point and signposting language
3. Speaker moves logically, listen carefully for phrases like “to your left”, “next to”, etc.
4. Manage your time and guess the answer which you have made.

5. Diagram Labelling

Just like a map, plan labelling, you have to fill in the missing labels of diagrams at the right point after listening to a monologue or conversation. This usually comes in section 2 or sometimes in 3.

How to Answer

1. Read the instructions, scan the diagram, underline the keywords and try to predict the answer type.
2. Listen to the audio sequence, answer the match question order
3. Focus on synonyms or paraphrasing of keywords, ignore extra info and be aware of distractors
4. Fill in the blanks, spell the correct spellings and don’t leave anything blank; guess if needed.

Tips

1. Read instructions and keywords first
2. Use the given layout and text to predict the answer type and visualise the location
3. Filter distractions and follow the order.

6. Form Completion

Fill in the missing details like name, number, and addresses on a form after listening to the recording. This is usually asked in Section 1. Here you will listen to a phone conversation between two people, often a phone call.

How to Answer

1. Read the instructions, predict the info, and identify keywords
2. Follow the order, use exact words, don’t change them.
3. If you miss any info or leave a blank, try to guess the answer
4. Check the word count to ensure you haven’t exceeded the word limit.

Tips

1. Strictly follow the word limits; writing more words, even if they are correct, can mark the answer wrong.
2. Use capital letters and check all the spellings
3. Watch for distractors and self-correction.

7. Note Completion

Fill in the missing words in the incomplete notes that summarise the details taken from the audio. It commonly appears in parts 1 and 4 of the test.

How to Answer

1. First, read the instructions to know the word limit
2. Add the title to the context and underline the keywords in notes.
3. As you listen, follow the notes sequentially, predict word types and listen for synonyms
4. ensure the answer fits grammatically and stays within the word limit
5. Double-check the answers and word count before submitting.

Tips

• Read headings and instructions to underline keywords
• Listen for paraphrasing and avoid distractors
• Follow the chronological order of the notes.

8. Table Completion

This task requires filling in the blanks with words or numbers that summarise the information from the audio recording. This task is often given in sections 2 and 4.

How to Answer

1. Quickly read the table to predict missing info
2. Note the word limit in the instructions and follow it strictly
3. Stay to match the answer with the audio flow.
4. Listen for the keywords and synonyms and write clearly.
5. Check the spelling and answer before submitting.

Tips

• By using headings, predict the answer type
• Note distractors like self-corrections
• Remember answer in the order given.
• Write exactly what you have heard within the word limit to avoid errors.

9. Flow-Chart Completion

The IELTS listening flow-chart completion task requires filling in words according to the diagram showing the steps of the process. This tests your ability to comprehend sequential information. This often appears in sections 2 or 3.

How to Answer

1. Preview the chart to know keywords and predict word types such as verbs, nouns, and numbers.
2. Use the arrow to follow the process sequence.
3. Listen for paraphrasing and avoid distractors
4. Focus on spelling and grammar as answers appear in order

Tips

• Predict missing word types before listening
• Write down exact words heard; you can also have capitalised for clarity.
• Check the grammar and spelling to ensure the answer fills the chart’s context and rules. 

10. Summary Completion

Fill in the missing words in a paragraph or summary after listening to the audio recording. It is often found in academic or general training tests. This task is often asked in sections 3 or 4.

How to Answer

1. Read the instructions for the word count
2. Skim the summary for keywords and predict the word type, like a noun or a number
3. Listen to the audio clearly for paraphrasing, synonyms and different structures.
4. Write answers to keep grammar and spelling correct.

Tips

• Maintain the word limit
• Don’t get evolved into distractors to get confused in answers
• Use keywords marked that can help to guide you through the audio in order.

11. Sentence Completion

In this, you are required to fill in the blanks by completing the sentences. After hearing the audio recording. This checks the skills to recognise specific details and paraphrased information. It can appear in any section, commonly asked in section 4.

How to Answer

1. Check the word limit after reading the instructions,
2. and identify keywords in the sentences to help focus on the correct part of the audio.
3. Listen for paraphrasing as not the exact words written in the sentences.
4. Check grammar and spelling, and don’t leave blanks; try to guess the answer.

Tips

• Read the questions and instructions to know the word limit and guess the answer type
• Underline keywords in the sentences to help you locate the answers in the recording
• Follow the right order of answering and don’t get easily distracted, as you may miss the correct answer.

12. Short Answer Questions

Write brief answers to questions based on the audio, usually it is 1-3 words + a number. Here, you have to follow a strict word count. This question is often asked in Section 2.

How to Answer

1. Firstly, read the instructions to check the word limit; ignoring this can lead to losing scores
2. Before listening, analyse the sentences to guess the types of information required
3. The audio may use synonyms, paraphrases and not the exact words written in the sentences
4. Ensure the words you use match grammatically with the sentence
5. Check spelling, as wrong spelling means a wrong answer.
6. Answers must appear in a similar order according to the recording.

Tips

• Read the question and instructions to understand the question and word limit
• Listen for the keywords and synonyms while focusing on the audio’s order
• Stick to the word count or limit; exceeding can lead to giving the wrong answer sign.

Scoring Criteria of IELTS Listening

Test takers who understand the scoring criteria of this section can easily acquire a high IELTS listening band score. IELTS listening scores are checked by giving one mark for each correct answer out of 40 questions. The raw score is converted to the 9-band scale according to the IELTS listening score chart, which ranges from 0 to 9.

Each correct answer receives one mark, and there is no penalty charged for a wrong answer. By using an IELTS listening mock test, you can familiarise yourself with the scoring pattern and prepare accordingly.

However, you have to pay close attention to the instructions for the word limit, spellings and grammar as mistakes lose marks. To get a clear overview of the scoring criteria, here is the IELTS listening band score table.

IELTS Listening Common Mistakes to Avoid and Its Solution.

 Many students keep crying over the split milk of not scoring well in the scoring section. For that, resolving mistakes is necessary, and many common mistakes need to be addressed. For that, the IELTS listening mock test is best. Here we have shared some common mistakes students make and IELTS listening tips as a solution. So, let’s explore mistakes and their fixes. 

1. Mistake: Not reading the question carefully.

• Solution: Always use the time given to read and understand questions before listening to the audio. This helps you to know which task requires underlining keywords and what the focus of the task is.

1. Mistake: Ignoring instructions and the word limit can cause trouble in undertaking the question type. 

• Solution: candidates must pay close attention to “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS or A Number”. These types of instruction are given in every question type. Neglecting this part can affect the overall performance.

1. Mistake: Getting distracted by distractors such as speakers providing answers but correcting themselves or giving information that sounds believable, but it’s not the correct answer.

• Solution: Giving incorrect information or deliberately misleading information in the audio to test the candidate’s comprehension and attention level. In this case, listen to the whole sentence to find the correct, final answer, not just the first one mentioned. 

1. Mistake: Not finding paraphrasing and Synonyms in the audio.

• Solution: The audio hardly uses the exact words from the question; learn to identify synonyms and various ways of saying the same thing. For instance, his daughter is "the king’s only child".

1. Mistake: Poor spelling and grammar can be a sign of losing scores.

• Solution: Write answers carefully, know the types of mistakes in plural "-s" (cat vs. cats) or basic grammar cost points. Check and proofread your answers after writing.

Conclusion

This has brought us to the conclusion of this blog on IELTS listening. This exam is one of the renowned and reputable language proficiency exams in the world. Consistent practice, understanding question types, using IELTS listening practice test, and improving on mistakes can lead you to score high bands in the IELTS exam. Also, by using at least 8-10 section-wise IELTS mock test, you can prepare for the exam. For more guidance and tailored study plans, you can enrol in IELTS online coaching at Gradding.com. Experts here will help you to pass this exam with an 8+ band score.

FAQ

1. How is the IELTS listening score calculated?

IELTS listening scores are calculated by counting the correct answers out of 40 questions to get a raw score. Later, it is converted to a 0-9 band score by using a conversion table. With each right answer, the test taker will earn one mark, and no penalty is charged for a wrong answer.

2. What are the question types in IELTS listening?

IELTS listening features various question types that test your ability to identify main ideas and specific information from the recording, in all four sections with increasing difficulty. Here are the question types of IELTS listening.

• Multiple choice
• Matching
• Map/Plan/Diagram Labelling
• Form/Note/Table/Flow-chart/Summary Completion 
• Sentence Completion
• Short Answer Questions

3. What is the listening format for IELTS?

The IELTS listening test has four parts containing 40 questions based on four recordings of conversations and monologues in an academic/ social context. This comes with different accents, which are also heard only once. It contains 6 question types, and you get 30 minutes to listen to the audio, 2 minutes to check answers on the computer-based, and 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet in the paper-based exam mode.

4. Is IELTS listening the same for academic and general?

Yes, IELTS listening is the same for both the academic and general IELTS exams. featuring identical audio, difficulty, and question types.

5. Which accents are used in IELTS listening?

The IELTS listening section uses a variety of accents of the native English language, including British, Australian, New Zealand and North American (US and Canadian)

6. How much time is given for the IELTS listening test?

The IELTS listening section has a 30-minute duration. You get an extra 10 minutes for writing down the answers in the answer sheet in the paper-based mode and 2 minutes in the computer-based mode for reviewing the answers.