IELTS Listening Overview: Format and Timing

The Listening test has four sections and 40 questions. It lasts about 30 minutes with extra time to transfer answers on the paper test.

Key Points

1. Section 1: a conversation about everyday matters
2. Section 2: a monologue in a social context
3. Section 3: a conversation among up to four people in an academic setting
4. Section 4: an academic lecture
5. You hear the recording only once

Expert Tip

Use the time before each section to read questions and predict answers.