IELTS Listening: Question Types and All the Basics, from the British Council

In this blog:

1. IELTS Listening: All the Basics, from the British Council

• Section 1: Social Conversation
• Section 2: Monologue
• Section 3: Conversation in an Academic Context
• Section 4: Academic Monologue

2. Sample Questions and Solutions

• Section 1: Social Conversation
• Section 2: Monologue
• Section 3: Conversation in an Academic Context
• Section 4: Academic Monologue

3. Types and Formats of Questions on the IELTS Exam

• Matching
• Plan, Map, Diagram Labeling
• Form, Note, Table, Flow-Chart, Summary Completion
• Sentence Completion
• Short-Answer Questions

4. FAQs on IELTS and IELTS Listening

IELTS Listening: All the Basics, from the British Council

The IELTS Listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. It consists of four sections, each with a different listening task. To help you familiarize yourself with the test format, let’s take a closer look at each section:

Section 1: Social Conversation

In this section, you’ll hear a conversation between two speakers set in a social context. It could be a conversation between friends, colleagues, or people in everyday situations. The aim is to test your ability to understand general information and the speakers’ attitudes and opinions.

Section 2: Monologue

Section 2 involves a monologue, where a single speaker provides information on a specific topic. It could be a lecture, speech, or presentation. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to follow detailed information, such as instructions or explanations.

Also read: IELTS Exam Date 2023

Section 3: Conversation in an Academic Context

In Section 3, you’ll listen to a conversation between multiple speakers in an academic setting. The topic will be related to a university or college context, such as a discussion between a student and a tutor. This section evaluates your ability to understand academic language and complex ideas.

Section 4: Academic Monologue

The final section features an extended monologue on an academic subject. It could be an academic lecture or a presentation. The purpose is to test your ability to comprehend complex academic language and follow a detailed argument or explanation.

Also read: How to register for the IELTS exam?

Now that you have a better understanding of the IELTS Listening sections, let’s move on to some sample questions and solutions.

Sample Questions and Solutions

Section 1: Social Conversation

Question 1: What is the main reason for the conversation?

Solution: The main reason for the conversation is to discuss weekend plans. Listen for keywords like “weekend,” “plans,” or specific activities mentioned.

Question 2: Where is the conversation most likely taking place?

Solution: The conversation is most likely taking place in a café. Listen for clues like background noise, mentions of ordering food or drinks, or the description of the setting.

Section 2: Monologue

Question 3: What are the three steps for applying for a visa?

Solution: The three steps for applying for a visa are completing the application form, gathering the required documents, and paying the application fee. Listen for transitional phrases like “first,” “next,” or “finally” to identify the steps.

Question 4: What is the deadline for submitting the application?

Solution: The deadline for submitting the application is the 15th of June. Listen for specific dates or keywords related to deadlines.

Section 3: Conversation in an Academic Context

Question 5: What is the main subject of the conversation?

Solution: The main subject of the conversation is a research project on climate change. Listen for keywords like “research project,” “climate change,” or specific research methods mentioned.

Question 6: What is the speaker’s opinion about the impact of human activities on climate change?

Solution: The speaker believes that human activities significantly contribute to climate change. Listen for phrases indicating opinions, such as “it is clear that” or “research has shown.”

Section 4: Academic Monologue

Question 7: What is the main argument presented in the lecture?

Solution: The main argument presented in the lecture is that creativity enhances problem-solving skills. Listen for keywords related to creativity, problem-solving, or the benefits of thinking outside the box.

Question 8: What are the two examples of famous creative thinkers mentioned?

Solution: The two examples of famous creative thinkers mentioned are Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci. Listen for specific names or descriptions related to renowned figures in history.

Types and Formats of Questions on the IELTS Exam

Exploring Different Question Types and Their Formats in the IELTS Exam

When preparing for the IELTS exam, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the various question types and their formats. This knowledge will help you understand the requirements of each question and improve your chances of obtaining a high score. In this section, we will delve into the different question types commonly found in the IELTS exam, including matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion, and short-answer questions. Let’s explore each of these question types in detail, along with sample questions and solutions.

Matching

In the matching question type, you will be presented with a list of options and a set of statements or descriptions. Your task is to match the options to the corresponding statements based on the given information. Here’s an example:

Question: Match the sports listed below with their corresponding descriptions.

Options:

1. Basketball
2. Tennis
3. Football
4. Golf

Statements:

1. Played on a grass field with two teams of eleven players each.
2. Involves hitting a ball over a net using a racket.
3. Players aim to score points by throwing a ball through a hoop.
4. A game where players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes.

Solution:

1. C – Football
2. B – Tennis
3. A – Basketball
4. D – Golf

Plan, Map, Diagram Labeling

In this question type, you will be provided with a plan, map, or diagram that contains numbered labels. Your task is to match the labels with the corresponding features or locations. Let’s look at an example:

Question: Label the parts of the flower using the following words: petal, stamen, pistil, sepal.

Solution:

1. Petal
2. Stamen
3. Pistil
4. Sepal

Form, Note, Table, Flow-Chart, Summary Completion

This question type requires you to complete a form, note, table, flow-chart, or summary using the information provided in the listening or reading passage. You will often encounter this question type in the IELTS Listening section. Here’s an example:

Question: Complete the table below using information from the passage.

Solution:

Sentence Completion

In sentence completion questions, you will encounter incomplete sentences that require you to fill in the missing words or phrases based on the context or information provided. Here’s an example:

Question: Complete the sentence using the appropriate word or phrase.

“The ____________ is the world’s largest tropical rainforest.”

Solution: The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

Also read: IELTS for UK visa and immigration

Short-Answer Questions

Short-answer questions require you to provide brief answers based on the information provided. These questions often appear in the IELTS Listening section. Here’s an example:

Question: What is the capital city of Australia?

Solution: Canberra

Now that you have familiarized yourself with these different question types and their formats, make sure to practice with sample questions to enhance your skills and confidence.

Remember, the IELTS exam assesses your ability to understand and respond to various question types. By practicing and becoming familiar with the formats, you will be well-prepared to tackle any question that comes your way.

FAQs on IELTS and IELTS Listening

1: What is the British Council?

The British Council is a globally recognized organization that offers IELTS exams and provides reliable resources for test takers. They are the authority when it comes to IELTS-related information and guidance.

2: How long is the IELTS Listening test?

The IELTS Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes, including the time given to transfer answers to the answer sheet.

3: Can I use a pen or pencil to write my answers during the test?

No, you must use a pencil to write your answers. Make sure to carry a sharpened pencil and an eraser with you to the test.

4: Can I listen to the audio more than once during the test?

No, you will only listen to each audio recording once. It’s crucial to pay close attention and take notes as you listen.

5: Can I make spelling mistakes in my answers?

Yes, you can make spelling mistakes in your answers. However, it’s essential to ensure that your answers are still clear and understandable.

6: How are the scores for the IELTS Listening test calculated?

The scores for the IELTS Listening test are based on the number of correct answers. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s always worth making an educated guess.

Bottom Line

Now that you have familiarized yourself with these different question types and their formats, make sure to practice with sample questions to enhance your skills and confidence.

Remember, the IELTS exam assesses your ability to understand and respond to various question types. By practicing and becoming familiar with the formats, you will be well-prepared to tackle any question that comes your way.

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