IELTS Academic listening practice tests

Preparing for your IELTS Listening test

We want you to feel ready when you sit your test. These official sample materials will help you prepare for the IELTS Listening test, which is the same whether you're taking Academic or General Training.

The Listening test consists of four sections, with recordings featuring a range of accents and contexts — from everyday conversations to academic discussions. With these official practice materials you can:

• get used to the Listening test format and the four section types
• practise following spoken English in both social and academic contexts
• work through questions under timed conditions, just as you will on test day
• review your answers and use model responses to understand the marking criteria.

Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (one answer)

You will hear an extract from a Part 3 recording in which a student called Judy is discussing her research with her tutor and fellow students.

For each question, click on the correct answer. 

Multiple choice (more than one answer)

You will hear an extract from a Part 1 recording in which two people are discussing a guide to a library.

For each question, click on the correct answers.

Listening Sample task Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling (Type A)

You will hear an extract from Part 2 of the test in which a tour guide describes different places in a US town.

For each question, click on the correct space in the table.

Listening Sample task Note Completion

You will hear an extract from a Part 1 recording in which two people are discussing second-hand furniture.

For each question, write your answer in the gap.

Listening Sample task Table Completion

You will hear an extract from a Part 4 recording in which a university lecturer is giving a talk about research into ‘learner persistence’.

For each question, write your answer in the gap.

Listening Sample task Sentence Completion

You will hear an extract from a Part 3 recording in which two friends are discussing studying with the Open University.

For each question, write your answer in the gap.

Listening Sample task Short Answer Questions

You will hear an extract from Part 2 of the test in which a representative from a clothing company is giving a talk to high school students.

For each question, write your answer in the gap.

Even more IELTS Academic - paper sample tests

Listening (30 minutes) 

The Listening test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training and consists of four recorded monologues and conversations.

The following IELTS Listening sample tasks are to be used with the Answer Sheet and MP3 audio files and/or transcripts. Each answer sheet indicates which recording to listen to, or if a transcript is provided.