IELTS Listening Practice
Train your ear with full-length IELTS Listening tests and real exam audio. Answer all 40 questions, get instant results, and learn exactly how the listening band score is worked out.
Test format at a glance
The IELTS Listening test is the same for Academic and General Training. You hear four recordings — played once — and answer 40 questions, then transfer your answers on paper or type them on the computer-delivered test.
Duration
~30 min + transfer
Parts
4 recordings
Questions
40 questions
Audio
Played once
How the band score is calculated
Every correct answer in IELTS Listening is worth one mark. Your score out of 40 is converted to a band from 0 to 9 using a fixed table that is the same for Academic and General Training. Spelling matters — a misspelt answer is marked wrong.
| Band | Approx. raw score |
|---|---|
| Band 8 | 35–36 / 40 |
| Band 7 | 30–31 / 40 |
| Band 6 | 23–25 / 40 |
| Band 5 | 16–17 / 40 |
| Band 4 | 11–12 / 40 |
Boundaries shift a little between test versions, so treat these ranges as a close guide. Listening and reading bands are reported separately on your results.
Listening question types
The four recordings move from everyday conversation to academic monologue, and each can use any of these formats. Reading the questions before the audio starts is the single biggest time-saver.
Form & note completion
Fill in a form, notes or a table as you listen — usually names, numbers and dates in Part 1.
Multiple choice
Pick the right option; distractors often mention the wrong answer first.
Matching
Match a list of items to a set of options mentioned in the recording.
Plan, map & diagram labelling
Follow directions or a description to label a visual correctly.
Sentence completion
Complete sentences within a strict word limit.
Short-answer questions
Give short factual answers, keeping an eye on the word count.
Practise now — free, no sign-up
Take a complete four-part Listening test with authentic audio and instant answers, entirely free. When you're ready for more, a free account opens the full test library, transcripts and your listening analytics.
Start a free Listening test- Complete four-part tests with real exam audio
- Answers revealed instantly — no waiting
- Practice for every listening question format
Tips to raise your band
Read the questions during the pauses so you know what to listen for.
Write answers as you hear them — the audio plays only once.
Beware of distractors: speakers often correct themselves or mention a wrong option first.
Check spelling and grammar when you transfer answers; both are marked.
Predict the type of answer — a number, a name, a plural — before it is spoken.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IELTS Listening practice free?
Yes — you can take a complete four-part test with authentic audio and see the answers instantly, no account required.
How long is the IELTS Listening test?
The audio runs about 30 minutes and is played once. On the paper test you then get 10 minutes to transfer answers; the computer-delivered test gives you 2 minutes to check.
Is Listening the same for Academic and General Training?
Yes. The Listening test and its band-score table are identical for both modules.
Does spelling count in Listening?
Yes. An answer with a spelling mistake is marked wrong, so accuracy matters as much as hearing the word.
What score do I need for Band 7 in Listening?
About 30–31 correct answers out of 40, though the exact boundary varies slightly between test versions.
Practise the other IELTS skills
Free, exam-style practice for every part of the test.
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