IELTS Listening format

 

IELTS test format explained

Test takers who understand the format of IELTS are at an advantage. Make sure you’re familiar with how IELTS testing works.

There are two IELTS tests available, IELTS academic and General Training. 

. Both tests are graded in exactly the same way. 

You’ll take the first three parts of the test on the same day, in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing (there are no breaks between these tests). Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or after that, depending on local arrangements.

The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess a wide range of listening skills, including how well you

• understand main ideas and specific factual information
• recognise the opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker
• follow the development of an argument

Format	You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions. Recording 1: a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. Recording 2: a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities Recording 3: a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment. Recording 4: a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture
Timing	The IELTS Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes, and you are allowed an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet.
Number of Questions	40 questions
Task Types	A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.
Marks	Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.