IELTS Listening Test Format
The Listening test is identical for both Academic and General Training versions. It lasts approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes (in the paper-based test) to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Structure Breakdown
The test is divided into four sections, each with 10 questions.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Section 1 | A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. |
| Section 2 | A monologue set in an everyday social context (e.g., a speech about local facilities). |
| Section 3 | A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context. |
| Section 4 | A monologue on an academic subject (e.g., a university lecture). |
Key Facts
- Number of Questions: 40
- Total Time: ~30 minutes (+ 10 minutes transfer time for paper-based)
- Scoring: Each correct answer receives 1 mark. The total marks are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.
- Recording: You will hear the recordings ONLY ONCE.
- Answer Format: You can write your answers in all capital letters or a mix of upper and lower case.