Category Archives: IELTS Listening

A Comprehensive Guide to IELTS Listening

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized as a reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to study, work, or live where English is the language of communication. One of the key components of the IELTS exam is the Listening section, designed to assess a range of listening skills. This article will take an in-depth look at the types of tasks you can expect in the IELTS Listening section, how they are marked, and resources for further study.

IELTS Listening Tasks in Detail

Task type 1 – Multiple Choice

In multiple choice tasks, candidates are presented with a question or an incomplete sentence, which they must complete by selecting the correct option from three given choices (A, B, or C). Sometimes, the question may require more than one answer, requiring careful reading of the instructions.

Multiple choice questions test a variety of skills, from understanding specific points to comprehending the overall gist of the listening text. The number of questions in this format may vary.

IELTS Listening
IELTS Listening

Task type 2 – Matching

In the Matching task, candidates must match items from the listening text to a set of options on the question paper. The options may be criteria of some kind.

This task tests listening for detail and comprehension of information given in everyday conversations, such as different types of accommodation. It also measures the ability to follow a conversation and recognize connections between facts in the text. The number of questions in this format may vary.

Task type 3 – Plan, Map, Diagram Labelling

Candidates will be required to complete labels on a plan (e.g., of a building), map (e.g., part of a town), or diagram (e.g., a piece of equipment). The answers are usually selected from a list on the question paper.

This task tests the ability to understand a description of a place and to relate it to a visual representation. It may involve following language expressing spatial relationships and directions. The number of questions in this format may vary.

IELTS Listening

Task type 4 – Form, Note, Table, Flow-chart, Summary Completion

Test takers must fill in the gaps in an outline of part or all of the listening text. The outline may take the form of a form, a set of notes, a table, or a flow-chart.

The focus is on the main points which a listener would naturally record in such situations. The number of words or numbers used to fill the gaps may vary, and candidates are penalized for exceeding the stated word limit. The number of questions in this format may vary.

Task type 5 – Sentence Completion

In Sentence Completion tasks, candidates read a set of sentences summarizing key information from the listening text and fill a gap in each sentence. The word limit will be stated in the instructions, and candidates will be penalized for writing more than the stated number of words.

This task focuses on identifying key information in a listening text and understanding functional relationships such as cause and effect. The number of questions in this format may vary.

Task type 6 – Short-answer Questions

Candidates are required to read a question and then write a short answer using information from the listening text. The word limit is given in the instructions, and candidates will be penalized for exceeding this limit. This task focuses on listening for concrete facts such as places, prices, or times. The number of questions in this format may vary.

IELTS Listening – How It’s Marked

The IELTS Listening test is marked by certificated markers, who are regularly monitored to ensure reliability. All answer sheets, after being marked, are further analyzed by Cambridge English. A Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of the Listening test, translating scores out

of 40 into the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Each correct answer in the 40-item test is awarded one mark. Candidates should be aware that poor spelling and grammar may lead to penalties.

IELTS Listening

Additional Resources

To achieve success in the IELTS Listening section, you’ll need thorough preparation. There are numerous resources available online to help you prepare, including IELTS listening practice tests, video tutorials, and other study materials. Official IELTS practice materials are particularly valuable, as they give you an idea of the test format and the types of questions you will encounter.

Remember, a high score in the IELTS Listening test can open many doors, and careful preparation is key to achieving your desired result. Best of luck with your studies!

Test Format of IELTS Academic Listening

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized English proficiency test for individuals who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. In this article, we will focus on the test format of IELTS Academic Listening.

Test Types and Options

IELTS Academic Listening

IELTS Academic can be taken in different formats: on paper, on a computer at a test center, or online from the comfort of your own home or another private location with a stable internet connection. On the other hand, IELTS General Training can only be taken on paper or on a computer at a test center.

Listening and Speaking Tests

For both IELTS Academic and General Training, you will take the same Listening and Speaking tests. However, the Reading and Writing tests differ depending on the test type. It is crucial to ensure that you are preparing for the correct test type, as the requirements and expectations may vary.

Test Schedule

The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of the IELTS test are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them. However, the Speaking test may be scheduled up to a week before or after the other tests. If you have booked the IELTS Online option, your Speaking test will generally take place before your other tests. The total test time for IELTS Academic is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

IELTS Academic Listening

Test Format – Listening Section

The Listening section of IELTS Academic lasts for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, you will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and answer a series of questions based on what you hear. The recordings will cover a range of topics and situations.

  • Recording 1: This is a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. For example, it could be a discussion about travel arrangements or a casual conversation between friends.
  • Recording 2: This is a monologue also set in an everyday social context. It could be a speech about local facilities or any other topic related to daily life.
  • Recording 3: This is a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context. It could involve a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment or a group of individuals collaborating on a project.
  • Recording 4: This is a monologue on an academic subject. It could be a university lecture or a presentation on a specific topic.

Assessment Criteria

During the Listening section, the assessors will evaluate your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, grasp the opinions and attitudes of the speakers, comprehend the purpose of the utterances, and follow the development of ideas.

Listening Section Description

In the paper format of the Listening section, there are four parts with ten questions each, making a total of 40 questions. The questions are designed so that the answers appear in the order they are heard in the audio.

The first two parts deal with situations set in everyday social contexts. Part 1 features a conversation between two speakers, while Part 2 involves a monologue. The final two parts deal with situations set in educational and training contexts. Part 3 includes a conversation between two main speakers, and Part 4 presents a monologue on an academic subject.

The recordings are played only once, and they include a range of accents from different English-speaking countries, such as British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian accents.

Timing and Question Types

The Listening section takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, with an additional 10 minutes for transferring your answers. The question types vary and may include multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, and sentence completion.

Answering and Scoring

Test takers write their answers on the question paper as they listen. At the end of the test, they are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet. It is essential to write the answers neatly and accurately on the answer sheet, as poor spelling and grammar can lead to penalties. Each question carries one mark, and the final score for the Listening section is calculated based on the number of correct answers.

Conclusion – IELTS Academic Listening

The IELTS Academic Listening section assesses your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. By familiarizing yourself with the test format, timing, question types, and scoring criteria, you can better prepare for this section of the exam. Practice listening to recordings of native English speakers from different backgrounds to improve your comprehension skills and perform well in the IELTS Academic Listening test.