IELTS Listening Test: Format, Scores & Practice
The IELTS Listening test has 4 recordings and 40 questions. It takes 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers.
Academic and General Training candidates take the same Listening test, and your band score depends only on how many answers you get right.
Here you will find:
- IELTS Listening test format
- IELTS Listening band score table
- How to prepare for IELTS Listening
- Practice materials
- 5 IELTS Listening tips
- IELTS Listening FAQ
IELTS Listening Test Format
In the IELTS Listening Test, you will hear 4 different recordings and you will have to answer questions on what you hear. There are 40 questions in total and you will be given 40 minutes to complete the test.
One Listening test for both modules
- 40 questions – you write your answers as you listen
- 4 recordings – conversations and monologues set in an everyday social context, an educational or training context and on an academic subject
If you want to see a more detailed overview of the IELTS Test Format, visit the British Council website.
IELTS Listening Score: How Many Correct Answers for Each Band?
You get 1 point for each correct answer, so your raw score is out of 40. It is then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale and reported as a whole or half band (e.g. 6.0 or 6.5). Find your number of correct answers in the table to see your band, or check your score right after taking our free practice test.
| Band | Correct answers |
|---|---|
| 9 | 39–40 |
| 8.5 | 37–38 |
| 8 | 35–36 |
| 7.5 | 32–34 |
| 7 | 30–31 |
| 6.5 | 26–29 |
| 6 | 23–25 |
| Band | Correct answers |
|---|---|
| 5.5 | 18–22 |
| 5 | 16–17 |
| 4.5 | 13–15 |
| 4 | 11–12 |
| 3.5 | 8–10 |
| 3 | 6–7 |
| 2.5 | 4–5 |
The band most students aim for
How to Prepare for the IELTS Listening Test
Follow these five steps to get started, then read how to practise effectively below.
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1
Get good practice materials
A Cambridge IELTS book has 4 full tests written by the test makers and shows you exactly what the real exam looks like. You can also start with our free IELTS Listening test from IELTS.org.
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2
Use an answer sheet
Print our custom answer sheet. It fits 4 tests on one page, so you practise transferring answers like in the exam.
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3
Know the test format
4 recordings, 40 questions, 30 minutes plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers. The sections get more difficult as you go.
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4
Take your first test without a time limit
Pause or rewind as much as you need, then check your answers to find your weak spots.
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5
Practise under exam conditions, at least 5 times
Allow only 30 minutes, play the whole test in one go rather than section by section, and make sure you understand every mistake.
Best IELTS Listening Practice Materials
You don't need many resources. These are enough to prepare well:
IELTS Listening practice test
A full official sample test from IELTS.org with audio, answers and a band score checker.
BooksCambridge IELTS series
Official past papers with audio, answer keys and tapescripts. Each book has 4 full Listening tests.
Free PDFAnswer sheet
Our printable answer sheet with space for 4 tests on one page.
OfficialIELTS.org sample questions
More official sample questions for each part of the test.
Which Cambridge IELTS book should you choose?
Any of the newer books in the series is a good choice, as they match the current test format. Each book has 4 Listening tests, so two books give you enough material for 8 full practice tests. Choose the Academic or General Training version: the Listening tests are the same in both.
