ON DEMAND IELTS STUDY

LISTENING TEST

Question types

  1. Multiple Choice
  2. Candidates will be asked a question and then given several possible responses. They must then select the option that best represents the correct answer.

    In some cases, more than one answer will be correct, and test takers will need to choose multiple responses.

  3. Matching
  4. This question type requires candidates to make connections between different pieces of information. Questions of this nature provide candidates with a set of choices, which must then be paired with items from a numbered list.

  5. Map/Plan/Diagram Labeling
  6. These questions involve graphical representations of the topics being discussed in the recordings. Candidates will be shown an image, such as a map of a city or the diagram for a piece of machinery. Certain elements will be left off of the graphic, and candidates must fill them in.

    In most instances, candidates will be given a list of possible responses and asked to choose the most appropriate one for each blank.

  7. Table/Form/Note/Summary/Flow-Chart Completion
  8. The completion part of the Listening section requires candidates to finish incomplete outlines related to the recordings. Possible outlines include:

    • Tables: These will organize the key data in a recording according to well-defined categories, such as time, place, price, etc.
    • Forms: Examinees will be given a form containing details about the recording. For example, they might be given a shipping agency's quotation form and asked to fill in the dimensions and destination of a package, among other information.
    • Flow-Charts: These diagrams show the order in which a process moves from one stage to the next.
    • Notes: These appear in a variety of layouts and require an understanding of how different parts of a recording are linked. For example, test takers might be given a brief outline summarizing an arts center's history, amenities, and event schedule and asked to fill in the blanks.

    The number of words used to fill in each blank is strictly monitored. The question paper will provide clear directions on how responses should be filled out, including information on word limits ('no more than three words,' 'only one word,' etc.). Any student whose response exceeds the word limit will be penalized.

  9. Sentence Completion
  10. Questions in this category are composed of several sentences with important words and phrases omitted. Candidates will need to plug these gaps using content from the recordings.

    As with the other completion tasks, candidates can only use a certain number of words and will be penalized for writing too much.

  11. Short-Answer
  12. Unlike the previous question types that provide potential answers or text with gaps to fill in, this section requires candidates to create their own responses. Candidates will be asked questions related to the recordings, and will need to answer it in their own words.

eAge Tutor - IELTS - Listening Test