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.
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Test Types and Options
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.
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.
