Category Details IELTS Listening Practice Test with Answers

The sample “Category Details Listening answers with audio” present a conversation between Francis, a student, and Bob who is selling his car. Francis asks about the car’s features, price and benefits of why he should buy it. Bob highlights points such as it is easy to park, highly manoeuvrable and easy to drive in the city.

By trying out this IELTS listening mock test, you get a chance to practice catching important details and opinions in real conversations. Now that you have seen this listening scenario, see the summary below for the key details of this exam and improve your accuracy and listening band score!

Key Highlights of the IELTS Listening Section

1. Overall Duration: The Listening component of the IELTS test is a total of 40 minutes, in which, 30 minutes are listening to audio and then 10 minutes for transferring your answers (only for the paper-based test). In the computer-based listening component, you will receive 2 minutes to check your answers after the audio recording has finished.
2. Number of Listening Parts: The listening test has 4 parts, 10 questions in each part, 40 total questions.
3. Increasing Difficulty: The listening test becomes progressively more difficult. Usually, part 1 has everyday conversations, whereas later parts have more academic discussions and more complicated topics.
4. Number of Recordings: You will listen to a total of 4 recordings. 2 will be conversations and 2 will be monologues. The recordings are each only played once, so great listening is necessary.
5. Type of Questions: The listening test usually has a selection of question types, which includes Multiple choice, Sentence completion, Form/note/table completion, Map/diagram labelling, Matching Information, Short answers
6. Test Format Consistency: Whether you take the Academic or the General Training version of the IELTS, you will have the same Listening test.
7. Transfer Time: Only the paper-based test will provide 10 extra minutes to transfer your answers (only). The computer-based test only gives you 2 minutes to check your answers.
8. Study Tip: Joining online IELTS coaching is a great idea. You will not only practice your listening skills but you also improve your overall band score.

Task Type in Category Details Listening Answers

In the above category details listening answers, you are required to solve two types of questions that are explained below. So, let us dive in.

Table Completion- This question type requires you to fill in the missing information in the tables with numbers, words, or both as per the audio recording. It evaluates your ability to locate specific details, understand the main idea of the text, recognize synonyms and paraphrasing, and properly use your vocabulary and grammar skills to fill in the gaps accurately.

Multiple Choice with Multiple Answers - This question type presents you with several choices that you must recognise the need for more than one answer (select three from seven, for example). It is a way of examining your comprehension of specific details and the speaker's opinion; you need to have a careful ear to listen and follow along with what the presenters are saying, ignore the distractors, and you only get one recording, so listen carefully.

Common Mistakes of the IELTS Listening Section

Several students make errors that are so casual while taking the IELTS exams that they end up reducing their marks. From spelling and grammatical errors to overlooking instructions and a lack of focus. So, let us go through these one by one and understand all!

Errors in Spelling

Spelling errors are one of the most common issues facing students in the listening test. Although students often hear the correct word in the audio, they do not spell it correctly and subsequently lose valuable marks. Regular vocabulary practice and taking mock tests can help improve this situation considerably.

Predicting Answers Too Early

Some candidates attempt to guess answers that match the keywords, even when they haven't heard the end of the sentence yet. They will then get their answer wrong. Always wait until you have heard the whole sentence before you answer.

Not Following Instructions

If a prior question said, “Write no more than two words," and you wrote three, it is wrong, even if the content is accurate. Read the instructions, and follow the word limit.

Losing Concentration During the Audio

Even a quick moment of lack of attention can result in missing important information. Remain mentally focused throughout the test, especially during long audio segments or quick conversations.

Forgetting Grammar and Plural Forms

Grammar mistakes (example: the verb tense is incorrectly referenced or plural forms are missing) can change the answer's meaning. Use practice material (for example, the Category Details listening answers or others) to become responsive to these types of mistakes.

Poor Time Management

Time management is crucial to score better and avoid making irrelevant errors. You can use some pauses between hearing questions to read ahead and prepare well for the upcoming section. It is beneficial and offers a smooth transition to the next part, making sure of your preparedness.

IELTS Band Calculation for Listening Section

As you know, the listening section of the IELTS exam consists of 40 questions, with each correct answer carrying one mark. For your better knowledge of scores, let us look at the table below:

Conclusion

To sum up, in this practice test, you explored the Category Details IELTS listening answers, then you studied the question types, key points, and issues students frequently have during the exam. Completing this sample, you improve your listening accuracy and learn how you can methodically approach numerous question types. To further improve your preparation, we recommend utilizing an IELTS self-help kit, all of which have practice materials, tips, and other strategies from Gradding’s experts. Combining all of these with consistent practice will upgrade your test results.