IELTS: Crack the listening module

Structure of the listening test


The test occurs in four sections and there are generally around 40-42 questions that need to be attempted. The difficulty level increases as the test proceeds.

Section 1: is a conversation between two speakers about a social or semi-official topic. The speed of conversation is quite slow.

Section 2: is a monologue (spoken by one person only) on a non-academic subject. The speakers talk normally about social situations and needs.

Section 3: is a conversation among three to four speakers about an academic topic. As more than two speakers are involved, this section tends to create a lot of confusion. Also, the conversation is fast-paced.

Section 4: is again a monologue, a university style presentation of an academic topic.

The types of questions include:

Multiple choice

Short answers

Matching

Sentence completion

Table completion

Form completion

Completing notes/ summary

Candidates are allowed to write on the question paper. While listening, answers should be written on the question booklet only. The tape generally goes on for 30-35 minutes, after which you have around 10 minutes to write the answers on the transfer sheet.