IELTS Listening: Overview & Strategies

Correct Answers	Band
39–40	9
37–38	8.5
35–36	8
32–34	7.5
30–31	7
26–29	6.5
23–25	6
18–22	5.5
16–17	5
13–15	4.5
10–12	4

Test Structure & Format (Computer-Delivered IELTS)

Part 1 – Conversation between 2 people in a social setting (e.g., booking a hotel)

Part 2 – Monologue in a social context (e.g., talk on time management)

Part 3 – Discussion among 3-4 people in an academic setting (e.g., group of students)

Part 4 – Academic monologue (e.g., university lecture)

The IELTS Listening test has 4 parts and 40 questions total, with increasing difficulty. Both Academic and General Training candidates take the same Listening test. You will hear each recording only once, so it is crucial to stay focused and prepared. **Unlike the paper-based test, you will have 2 minutes at the end of the test to review your answers on the screen.**

Key Strategies for Each Question Type

1. Note Completion / Form Completion

Read the instructions carefully, especially word limits (e.g., "ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER").
Predict the type of word needed (e.g., a name, a number, a place).
Listen for keywords from the questions, but be ready for paraphrasing.

2. Multiple Choice Questions

Read all options (A, B, C) before the audio starts.
Listen for all three options mentioned in the recording; distractors are common.
The correct answer is often a paraphrase, so don't just listen for identical words.

3. Map/Diagram Labeling

Study the map or diagram and get your bearings (e.g., "north," "south," "left," "right").
Look at the starting point and try to follow the speaker's directions mentally.
Listen for direction words and prepositions (e.g., "on the corner of," "opposite," "next to").

4. Matching Information

Quickly scan both lists (e.g., list of people and list of opinions).
Listen for the names or key identifiers, then focus on the details they provide.
Be aware that speakers may change their mind or correct themselves. The final statement is usually the correct answer.

Common Listening Challenges & Solutions for Computer-Delivered IELTS

Challenge: Spelling Mistakes

Solution: You will have **2 minutes** at the end of the test to review your answers on the screen. Use this time wisely to double-check your spelling, especially for names and places. Practice spelling common English words regularly.

Challenge: Getting Lost in the Audio

Solution: If you miss an answer, don't panic. Move on to the next question and don't let it distract you from the rest of the test. You can guess later if needed.

Challenge: Synonyms and Paraphrasing

Solution: Build your vocabulary. When practicing, pay attention to how ideas are expressed in different ways. For example, "It was difficult" could be paraphrased as "It presented a challenge."

Challenge: Navigating the Computer Interface

Solution: Practice with the official Computer-Delivered IELTS practice tests to become familiar with the digital tools. You can use the on-screen notepad to make notes and highlight parts of the questions, which can be very helpful.