Skip to articlePractise Listening on full mocks
IELTS Listening: question types, timing and strategy
Section-by-section strategy for the Listening test — question types, common traps, and how to catch answers the first time.
Practise Listening on full mocksThe test at a glance
- Time
- About 30 minutes
- Parts
- 4 recordings
- Questions
- 40
- Played
- Once only
- IELTS Listening tips: where each part loses marks and how to fix itSee where IELTS Listening marks are lost in Parts 1 to 4, follow a test-day routine for computer or paper, and practise with a 4-week plan.
- IELTS Listening spelling: the rules and the slips that cost marksLearn the official IELTS Listening spelling rules, see which 1- or 2-letter slips cost the most marks, and practise with a word list by topic.
- IELTS Listening multiple choice and matching: pick the right letterSee why you hear every option in IELTS Listening multiple choice and matching, avoid losing the second mark in choose TWO, and practise on a Part 3 script.
- IELTS Listening map labelling: direction phrases, traps and a practice mapLabel IELTS Listening maps and plans with a 5-step method, a table of direction phrases, error data by band and a practice map with its answer key.
- IELTS Listening form, note and sentence completion: how to fill every gapFill IELTS Listening form, note, table and sentence gaps: read the word limit, predict each answer, catch corrections and numbers, then practise.
- IELTS Listening band score: how many correct answers you needTurn your IELTS Listening score out of 40 into a band, see how many correct answers bands 6, 7 and 8 need, and learn the rules that cost easy marks.
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