How IELTS Listening Test is Conducted: A Complete Guide

Among most IELTS aspirants, the Listening module is considered to be the least complicated section among the four. Even though very few people might find it difficult, the best way to overcome the challenge is to get acquainted with the fundamentals of this section and know the way the IELTS Listening test is conducted.

So, in this article, let us delve deeper into how the IELTS listening test is conducted to set a goal and prepare for the best!

How is the IELTS Listening Test Conducted?

According to the new update in the sequence of the IELTS exam, the IELTS Listening test is administered after the IELTS Writing test, followed by IELTS Reading and Speaking.

The IELTS Listening exam is conducted in Paper-based format, where candidates are provided with pen, pencil, eraser, question paper and answer sheet, as well as on a computer at a test center.

Now, let us check how they are conducted in the above-mentioned formats.

How is Listening Test Conducted In IELTS Paper-Based?

Once you arrive at the IELTS test center and the verification process is done, you will be seated in your respective seats. After that, the below mentioned steps are followed for the Listening Test conducted In IELTS Paper-Based:

• Candidates will be provided with the test booklet, a headphone and an answer sheet. The booklet and the answer sheet cannot be opened or used without permission.
• After 1 or 2 minutes, the recording will start and they can open the question book.
• Each section will be introduced by the woman/man on the audio. The audio will begin with something like: “You will hear a conversation between an officer of the small claims tribunal and the consumer who wants to make a claim. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 6.”
• A short gap is provided between this instruction and the actual audio so that the candidates can go through the questions, which helps them figure out the answers quickly as they listen to the audio.
• After the four sections are completed, the candidate will have 10 minutes to fill in the answer sheet.
• Meanwhile, candidates have to put on the headphones even when the recording has stopped. They can remove it only when the time is up, after which they have to put it on the table and leave as instructed and guided by the examiner.

Difference between the Paper-based and Computer-based IELTS Listening Test 

The process of how is listening test conducted in IELTS is almost the same. But, let us not leave the minor differences to cause any confusion for you later.

Advice for IELTS Listening Test Day

Apart from sharing the way the IELTS Listening test is conducted, here are some quick tips that candidates should keep in mind for the actual test day.

• Remember that the IELTS Listening Test time limit is 30 minutes. So, plan your strategy beforehand.
• Carefully read and follow the instructions from the audio. Many students lose easy points by misreading or failing to adhere to straightforward directions.
• Use the time between the instructions and at the end of the exam wisely.
• Circle the keywords while going through the questions and note down the answer, while listening to the audio on the test paper.
• Make sure to transfer the answers carefully to the answer sheet at the end.
• One can use all capital letters when writing down the answers. Moreover, note down the words neatly so that there is no confusion in the final transfer.

But do you think that only knowing the way the IELTS Listening test is conducted is enough for you to proceed with your preparation?

Well, the answer is not definitely NO!

So, to build a strong foundation before taking on the recent IELTS Listening test with answers, let us go through the basics of IELTS Listening in brief.

Facts on IELTS Listening

IELTS Listening is the second section that a candidate needs to take while taking the IELTS exam. Also, it is considered the easiest compared to the other three- Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Once candidates acquaint themselves with the different accents, with the help of English sitcoms and movies, and have enough practise to align their Listening and writing skills, they can definitely achieve a high band score.

Duration of IELTS Listening Exam

Here are some pointers about the duration of the Listening Exam:

• The IELTS Listening test lasts for 30 minutes.
• Candidates will have an additional 10 minutes to write their responses on an answer sheet if the test is on paper.
• For an exam that is given on a computer, candidates will have two minutes to review their responses.

Test Format of IELTS Listening

The IELTS Listening test is divided into 4 sections, each of which is more challenging than the last.

There are a total of 40 questions, and each answer is worth one mark. As a result, the total score is 40, one mark for each correct answer.

Types of Questions in IELTS Listening

There are five major types of questions that are given in the Listening section, namely:

• Matching Questions
• Multiple-Choice Questions
• Form, note, table, flow-chart, sentence, summary completion
• Map, diagram, plan labeling
• Short Answer Type Questions

Only learning how they are solved or their objectives might not be enough for candidates to master each of these types. Therefore, one can try checking the latest edition of IELTS Listening Test Book for 2024 by IELTSMaterial.

It provides an in-depth understanding of each type with examples, along with more than 10 practice tests with audios based on the updated pattern. What’s best about it is that it has a study guide that will help candidates plan their preparation, tips for becoming a good listener and lots more in a comprehensive manner.

Now that you are aware of the basic details of the way the IELTS Listening test is conducted, it is best for you to put your knowledge into practice by taking some practice tests!

IELTS Listening Practice Tests: Best Way to Score Well

From our experience with IELTS for the past years, we have been in the field, each member at IELTSMaterial knows how important practice is for every individual. Therefore, we put in the best efforts to prepare the ebooks (which you can check out in the store), reference materials as well as practice tests.

Apart from these sets, you can also check out the Listening Tests (Vol – 1) in PDF, which will lead you to the remaining two volumes for a wholesome Listening practice.

Also Check:

•  IELTS Listening Tips 2024 
• IELTS Band Score Calculation – Calculating General and Academic Band Scores
• How to Improve IELTS Listening Section 3 and 4?
• 1200 Commonly Repeated Words – IELTS Listening Spelling List for a top score
• IELTS Listening Answer Sheet