IELTS Listening Practice

This question tests listening for names and spelling. The receptionist spells the surname slowly, so the correct answer follows the letters exactly. Copying the spelling as you hear it prevents common mistakes such as missing the second r.

This question tests numbers and the phrase 'double three', which means two 3s in a row. The correct number is 07415 3398. Listen carefully for repeated digits and write them as a single string.

This question tests time expressions. 'Quarter past nine' means 15 minutes after 9 o'clock, so the answer is 9:15. The phrase 'in the morning' confirms the time is a.m., not p.m.

This question tests the difference between similar prices. 'Thirty-five pounds' is 35 pounds, not 45 or 55. The stress on the second part of the number usually helps you hear the final digit.

This question tests directions and sequencing. The guide gives two instructions: turn left at the cafe, then find the toilets on your right. Following landmarks in order is the key skill.

This question tests speaker intent and attitude. The tutor says the change is possible but mentions extra paperwork first, which signals reluctance. 'It is possible' means agreement, but the qualification makes it reluctant rather than enthusiastic.

This question tests spelling of place names. The caller spells B-R-A-D-F-I-E-L-D, so the street is Bradfield. Do not add letters or change the order when you write it down.

This question tests years. 'Nineteen ninety-eight' means 1998. Watch for similar-sounding years such as 1988 or 1898, and connect the century to the final digits.

This question tests times of day. 'Half past five' means 5:30. Listen for the phrase 'half past' and write the hour plus thirty minutes.

This question tests note-taking and organisation. The lecturer uses sequence markers 'first' and 'second' to order the project stages. Stage 2 is analysis, so the note should match the order of the talk.

This question tests academic vocabulary. The speaker defines 'nocturnal' directly after the word with the signal 'meaning'. Listen for definitions that follow unfamiliar terms in lectures.

This question tests everyday vocabulary. A 'return ticket' means a ticket for the outward journey and the journey back. Understanding common travel terms helps you answer without hearing extra details.

This question tests speaker intent. 'Unless something urgent comes up' introduces a condition that could change the plan. The speaker is agreeing to the meeting but warning that it may need to move.

This question tests numbers and prices. 'One hundred and twenty dollars' is written as 120 dollars. Be careful with numbers that contain 'and', because the amount is the whole number, not two separate parts.

This question tests counting and note-taking. The speaker lists three parts: safety, equipment, and first aid. Listen for list markers such as 'first' and 'and' to count the items.

This question tests the skill of hearing corrections. The speaker first mentions 9 o'clock but then corrects it to 9:30. In listening tests, the final stated information is usually the answer.

This question tests agreement and disagreement. The second student does not reject the idea outright but explains that statistics would make the presentation too long. Listen for a reason that follows an opinion.

This question tests speaker intent. The student says she 'planned to' consult the handbook, which shows she has not done it yet. Her explanation about the checked-out copy reveals why the task is incomplete.

This question tests cohesion and linking words. 'Nevertheless' introduces a contrast with the previous statement, so the data is still valuable despite the failed experiment. Understanding linking words helps you follow the argument.

This question tests academic vocabulary. 'Inconclusive' means the evidence does not clearly lead to a conclusion. The speaker may describe results as inconclusive even when the research was carried out correctly.

This question tests times in a sequence. The group meets at the entrance at 10 and then at the gallery at 10:30. Match each time to the correct place in the tour.

This question tests matching information to conditions. The question asks for the early registration fee, so 150 dollars is correct. The later fee of 180 dollars is a distractor, so always check which condition the question refers to.

This question tests numbers and calculation. The increase is 3 million minus 2.5 million, which equals 500,000. Do not simply repeat one of the numbers you hear.

This question tests numbers in a booking context. The caller is given room 12 on the third floor, so the floor and room number are separate details. Similar-sounding numbers can easily be swapped, so keep them in the right order.

This question tests overall attitude. The student praises the first chapter but could not finish the second, so her response is mixed. When a speaker gives both positive and negative comments, choose an answer that reflects both.

This question tests location language. 'Opposite the car park' tells you exactly where the ticket office is. Distinguish prepositions such as 'opposite', 'next to', and 'behind' when following directions.

This question tests discourse markers. 'Firstly' signals the beginning of a list of points, so it helps you organise notes. Words like 'however' and 'finally' have different functions in the talk.

This question tests listening for reasons. The speaker uses 'because' to link the instruction to its purpose: labels improve clarity. Listen for cause-effect signals when you need to complete a reason.

This question tests hearing corrections. The speaker says the course starts in October, not September, so October is the correct answer. The month mentioned first is a distractor.

This question tests academic vocabulary. 'Rigorous' means strict and thorough, and the speaker defines it as following strict standards. Paraphrases after words like 'meaning' are common in lectures.

This question tests implied meaning. The tutor contrasts time spent planning with time spent worrying, and suggests the student should plan more. The conditional structure expresses advice rather than a literal statement.

This question tests prices with decimals. 'Forty-eight pounds fifty' is 48 pounds 50. Listen for the whole number and the pence together, and do not reverse the digits.

This question tests letters and numbers. The seminar is in room B14, and it is opposite the lift. Letters such as B and D sound similar, so listen for the exact letter and number.

This question tests polite refusal. The colleague begins with a positive phrase but then gives a reason for not helping: a deadline tomorrow. The implied meaning is that she cannot help now.

This question tests note-taking and counting. The speaker says there are two limitations and then lists them. When a number is stated before a list, use it to check the items you note down.

This question tests cohesion. 'However' signals a contrast between breakfast being included and lunch not being included. Recognizing contrast markers helps you follow changes in meaning.

This question tests focus words. 'Most' students prefer the morning session, while 'a few' choose the evening. The question asks for the majority, so the morning session is correct.

This question tests academic vocabulary and reasoning. 'Correlate with' means the results change in relation to temperature, but it does not prove that one causes the other. Avoid choosing cause-effect answers when the speaker only describes a relationship.

This question tests dates and times. The appointment is on the 14th of May at 2 p.m. Similar options change the date or the time, so check both details carefully.

This question tests speaker intent in discussion. The student expresses doubt about the statistics, so she is questioning the conclusion. Her tone and the phrase 'I am not sure' indicate disagreement rather than support.

This question tests note-taking with locations. The guide places the cafe upstairs and the gift shop near the exit. Keep each detail attached to the correct place.

This question tests numbers and calculation. The fine is 15 dollars per day, so three days cost 45 dollars. The first number you hear is only the daily rate, not the final answer.

This question tests conditional information. The library closes at 5 at the weekend, and Saturday is part of the weekend. Choose the time that matches the condition in the question.

This question tests cause-effect language. 'Because' introduces the reason the proposal failed. Recognizing cause markers helps you identify why something happened in a talk.

This question tests academic vocabulary. 'Preliminary' means initial and not yet final, which is why firm conclusions are impossible. The explanation after 'so' confirms the meaning.

This question tests implied meaning. The student says he only looked at the first page, which suggests he has not completed the reading. A vague or partial answer often signals incomplete work.

This question tests letters and numbers in references. 'Double u' means the letter W, and 'double zero' means two 0s, so the reference is W7900. Write repeated items twice when you hear 'double'.

This question tests note-taking with process language. The speaker names three steps in order: input, processing, and output. Step 2 is processing, so the note follows the sequence.

This question tests time calculation. The flight from 18:40 to 20:15 lasts 1 hour and 35 minutes. Work out the difference between the two times instead of choosing one of them.

This question tests speaker attitude. The housemate says the flat is perfect but adds that the rent is higher than expected, so she sees a problem. The word 'except' marks the negative detail.

This question tests updated information. The original completion time is March, but the speaker says the new time is June. When a detail is changed, the latest version is the answer.

This question tests numbers and calculation. The difference between 1,200 and 1,800 is 600. Listen for both numbers and calculate the change rather than selecting one figure.

This question tests discourse markers. 'In fact' introduces emphasis or clarification, and here it strengthens the surprising result. Recognizing this marker helps you follow the speaker's focus.

This question tests academic phrases. 'Rests on' means the argument depends on certain assumptions. If the assumptions are removed, the argument may not stand.

This question tests speaker intent. The student uses 'would have' and a past reason to explain why the work was late. This is an excuse, not a description of the future.

This question tests directions and sequencing. The bank is the second building on the left after the fountain. Visualise the route and count the buildings on the correct side.

This question tests times with instructions. The talk starts at 7, but attendees should arrive by 6:45 to collect badges. Answer the question that is actually asked, not the first time you hear.

This question tests prices with conditions. In a double room, each person pays 60 dollars per night. The 80 dollar rate applies only when one person stays alone.

This question tests implied meaning in a polite refusal. The tutor explains the policy, which suggests the extension request may not be approved. Listen for a rule or constraint that limits what the speaker can do.

This question tests academic vocabulary. 'Anecdotal' evidence is based on personal stories rather than systematic research. The speaker contrasts it with a more reliable method.

This question tests matching details to conditions. The office opens at 9 on weekdays and closes at 4 on Saturdays. Statements that mix the two sets of hours are incorrect.

This question tests agreement and disagreement in discussion. The second student thinks the survey would take too long but finds the interview practical. Listen for which option each speaker supports.

This question tests lists in instructions. The guide mentions comfortable shoes and a bottle of water as items to bring. Items that are not mentioned are distractors.

This question tests note-taking from advice. The tutor recommends reading the introduction and skimming the headings. Advice that appears in a sequence should be written in the order it is given.

This question tests comparison language. Method A is faster but less accurate, while Method B is slower but more reliable. Map each adjective to the correct method.

This question tests exclusions. The librarian allows books and journals but not reference materials or DVDs. Listen for the word 'not' to identify what cannot be borrowed.

This question tests positive and negative feedback. The tutor praises the structure and the examples but criticises the conclusion and the sources. Sort each comment by whether it is positive.

This question tests note-taking from a list. The lecturer says rainfall affects farming, transport, and tourism. Count the items and ignore areas that are not named.

This question tests numbers in form-filling. The receptionist says room fourteen, so the form should contain 14. Write numbers in digits when the instruction says ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER.

This question tests spelling in form-filling. The caller spells L-I-N-D-S-A-Y, so the surname is lindsay. Copy each letter exactly and keep the answer lowercase.

This question tests time expressions. 'Half past nine' means 9:30. Convert the words into the time format expected by the note.

This question tests numbers in a lecture. The speaker states that the course has five modules. Write the number exactly as heard.

This question tests listening for cause. The speaker names overcrowding as the main cause, so the gap is overcrowding. Copy the exact word that follows the cause signal.

This question tests locations and short phrases. The exit is opposite the gift shop, so the note needs the two-word answer 'gift shop'. Listen for the exact noun phrase that completes the location.

This question tests matching people to transport. Each student mentions a different way of travelling, and each choice is used once. Match the keyword in each student's statement to the transport.

This question tests matching guests to room numbers. Similar numbers appear in the options, so listen for each guest's name before the room number. Writing the number next to the name as you hear it helps.

This question tests matching days to activities. The speaker describes the course timetable in order, so sequence words such as 'on Monday' are important. Each activity is used once.

This question tests speaker attitude in matching. Each speaker expresses a different level of support for the timetable. Listen for words that show enthusiasm, concern, or opposition.

This question tests matching and paraphrase. The guide describes each building's feature in a different order, so match the paraphrase to the building. Each feature is used once.

This question tests matching names to topics. The lecturers state their research topics after their names. Linking the name to the topic as soon as you hear it prevents confusion later.