IELTS Band Academy
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IELTS Listening

30 minutes · 4 parts · 40 questions · recording plays once

Four recordings that move from an everyday conversation to an academic lecture. On the computer test you type answers as you listen, then get two minutes to check them.

Question types

Form, note & table completion

Predict the word class (number, name, noun) before the audio starts.

Multiple choice

Speakers often mention every option; wait for the one they confirm.

Map, plan & diagram labelling

Find the starting point and follow the direction words: opposite, beyond, to the left of.

Matching

Read the list of options, not the questions, while you wait.

Sentence completion

Respect the word limit. "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS" means a third word is wrong.

Strategies that work

  1. 01

    Read ahead, every time

    Use each pause to read the next group of questions and underline the key words. You never get time back once the recording moves on.

  2. 02

    Listen for corrections

    Part 1 loves a change of mind: "the 14th — oh no, sorry, the 15th". The last version is the answer.

  3. 03

    Spelling counts

    Names and addresses are spelled out letter by letter. Practise the alphabet, especially A/E/I, G/J and double letters.

  4. 04

    Keep moving

    If you miss an answer, let it go. Chasing it costs you the next two.

Lessons

  1. 1

    Numbers, dates and spelling drills

    Foundation

    15 min
  2. 2

    Form completion: predicting the gap

    Foundation

    20 min
  3. 3

    Multiple choice distractors

    Band 6+

    25 min
  4. 4

    Following a map description

    Band 6+

    20 min
  5. 5

    Part 4 lectures: note-taking at speed

    Band 7+

    30 min