Getting a degree or job abroad is one of the many dreams of youngsters these days. While achieving this dream is no greasy pole to climb, taking the IELTS test is one inevitable step that might be challenging. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures a non-native speaker’s proficiency in the English language. One of the four sections of the IELTS test is the listening section, which assesses a person’s ability to understand spoken English. All it takes to ace the test like a pro is familiarising yourself with the IELTS listening format and nature. Read on to learn more about the IELTS listening format, including the time format and the structure of the test.
The IELTS listening test structure is such that it is 30 minutes long and consists of four sections. Each section serves varied purposes to test a person’s listening ability to understand main ideas, pay attention to detail like the attitudes and opinions of the speaker, and infer meaning. The sections are in the order of increasing difficulty, with the first section being the easiest and the fourth section being the most challenging.
Now let’s dive deep into IELTS listening format section-wise! But before that, remember that the listening test is the same for IELTS academic and general.
Section One
The first section, “Social Survival,” tests a person’s ability to understand basic spoken English in everyday situations. The section comprises a conversation between two speakers, such as a customer and a salesperson, or between friends. The questions in this section are multiple-choice and assess a person’s ability to understand the main idea of the conversation.
Section Two
The second section, “Work and Study,” evaluates a person’s ability to understand spoken English in a work or study context. The section includes a monologue, such as a lecture or a talk, and the questions test a person’s ability to understand details and specific information. The questions in this section are also multiple-choice.
Section Three
The third section, “Listening for Specific Information,” analyses a person’s ability to understand spoken English in a more complex context. The section includes a conversation or a monologue, and the questions examine a person’s ability to understand specific information and infer meaning. The questions in this section are mainly multiple-choice.
Section Four
The fourth section, “Listening for Attitude and Opinion,” checks a person’s ability to understand spoken English in a more challenging context. The section includes a conversation or a monologue, and the questions analyse a person’s ability to understand the speakers’ attitudes and opinions. The questions in this section are multiple-choice.
The IELTS listening test format includes 40 questions, with ten questions in each section. The test is conducted on a cassette tape, and the test taker will hear the recording twice. After the first listening, the test taker will have time to read the questions and transfer the answers to the answer sheet. After the second listening, the test taker will have time to check the answers.
Talking about the IELTS listening time format, the IELTS listening test is 30 minutes long, which includes 10 minutes for the test taker to transfer the answers to the answer sheet and check them after the second listening. The test taker should be able to finish the test within the given time limit, as they will not get any extra time.
Apart from multiple-choice questions, the test contains other types of questions, like matching, plan, map and diagram labelling, summary and sentence completion, and short-answer questions.
Let’s have a look at each of these question types in detail.
- Multiple-choice – In multiple-choice questions, the test-taker should pick the correct answer(s) from the list of options. One should listen to the recording carefully and understand the main points to answer the questions correctly.
- Matching – Here, the test taker should match a particular list of items to a set of options on the question paper. These types of questions assess a person’s attention to detail.
- Form, note, table or summary completion – In this task, the test taker should fill in the gaps in a text based on the recording.
- Sentence completion – In sentence completion, the test taker should fill in the gaps of a sentence based on the recording. This task assesses a person’s ability to identify key information from a recording.
- Short answer questions – For short answer questions, one should read the questions and write short answers based on the recording.
In essence, the IELTS listening format evaluates a person’s ability to understand spoken English in different contexts. The test has four sections with varying levels of difficulty, and it includes a total of 40 multiple-choice questions. The test is 30 minutes long, and the test taker will hear the recording twice. It is important to note that the test taker should be able to finish the test within the given time limit. By understanding the IELTS listening format, test takers can prepare better and increase their chances of success.
FAQs
1. What is the format of listening in IELTS?
The listening IELTS format includes four recorded monologues and conversations. Test takers are required to listen to each recording and answer a series of questions. The recordings include a range of accents and will be played only once. The questions will be in the form of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, or matching.
2. What are the four sections of listening in IELTS?
The four sections of listening in IELTS are: Section 1: A conversation between two people in an everyday social setting, Section 2: A monologue on a general topic, Section 3: A conversation between two or more people in an academic or training setting, Section 4: A longer monologue on a more complex or specialised topic
3. Does the IELTS listening format only contain MCQs?
Multiple choice questions mainly appear in sections 2, 3 and 4 of the IELTS listening test.
4. What is the most difficult section in the IELTS listening format?
In most cases section 4 is considered to be the most difficult with its long and complex monologue.
Thank you for reading this blog on ‘A Beginner’s Guide To The IELTS Listening Format’. Intrigued to learn more about the steps to migrate to a different country? Check out these blogs:
- IELTS Listening Tips And Tricks
- IELTS Score For Canada – Minimum Requirements
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further