Listening
Listening consists of 4 sections mainly and there are ten questions in each section. Sections 1 and 2 are based on social survival in an English speaking country and sections 3 and 4 are based on a more educational and training orientation. The listening audio tape lasts for about 30 minutes and then you have 10 minutes at the end of the listening to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Listening
SECTION 1: Here you will listen to a conversation between 2 people. The conversation is divided into 2 parts. You have to answer 10 questions based on what you hear. At the start of section 1 you will have an example read out to you and then explained. This is then repeated when the listening starts properly.
SECTION 2: Here you will hear a monologue though it may include a second speaker asking questions in order to stimulate the monologue. The monologue is divided into 2 parts. You have to answer 10 questions based on what you hear.
SECTION 3: Here you will listen to a conversation between 2, 3 or 4 people. The conversation is divided into 2 parts. You have to answer 10 questions based on what you hear.
SECTION 4: Here you will hear a monologue though it may include a second speaker asking questions in order to stimulate the monologue. The monologue is divided into 2 parts. You have to answer 10 questions based on what you hear.
The listening tape is only played once. So, it is recommended that the examinee pays full attention to it. As there is no video showed so even lip sync can’t help. Therefore, it must be known to every candidate that conversation is to be properly listened.
COMMON LISTENING QUESTIONS
- Short Answer
- Multiple Choice
- Sentence Completion/Fill in the Blanks
- Notes/summary/diagram/flow chart/table completion
- Labelling a diagram with numbered parts
- Classification
- Matching lists/ phrases
All these question types are available in the IELTS Practice papers. As we know, practice is the key for all so it is advisable to practice hard.
Band scores for the listening test and the final band are given as a whole band or a half band.
The Academic type assesses a test taker’s readiness to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level by testing the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs and courses is based on the results of the Academic type. The Academic type is also suitable for professional registration.
