Question Types in the IELTS Listening Test: The Listening test is one of the four parts of the IELTS exam pattern. This test assesses the ability of candidates to understand spoken English in a variety of situations, such as social, work, and academic situations. The IELTS Listening Test contains 40 questions. There are 11 main question types in the IELTS test: multiple choice, matching, map labelling, Diagram labelling, form completion, Note completion, Table completion, flowchart completion, Summary completion, Sentence completion, and Short-answer questions. Here, we have provided details on all 11 question types along with sample questions.
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Question Types in the IELTS Listening Test
The IELTS Listening test includes 11 main question types. Which are as follows:
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Multiple Choice Questions
In the multiple-choice questions (MCQs), candidates need to choose one correct answer or multiple correct answers from the given options. This type of question assesses the ability of candidates to gain an overall understanding of the main points from the audio recording.
Sample Question
Sample 1:
What does the woman say about the museum's opening hours?
A. It is open all week, including weekends
B. It is closed on Mondays
C. It only opens during the summer
Sample 2:
Why did the man choose to study at Weston University?
A. It offers lower tuition fees
B. It has a strong engineering program
C. His friends recommended it
Matching Questions
Matching questions assess your ability to listen for detail and understand connections between ideas or people. Candidates are provided with a set of options, and they are required to match a list of items with them.
Sample 1: Student Preferences
Instructions: Match each student with the type of extracurricular activity they are interested in.
Options:
A. Sports Club
B. Drama Society
C. Music Band
D. Volunteer Work
Students:
-
Emma – ___
-
Jack – ___
-
Lily – ___
-
Daniel – ___
Sample 2: Tourist Preferences
Instructions: Match each tourist with the type of activity they chose during their city tour.
Options:
A. Museum Visit
B. River Cruise
C. Guided Walking Tour
D. Food Tasting Experience
Tourists:
-
Alan – ___
-
Priya – ___
-
Lucas – ___
-
Mei – ___
Map/plan/diagram labelling
This type tests your ability to understand spatial language and follow directions. You’ll be given a map or floor plan and must label certain areas based on the speaker’s descriptions.
Sample Question
Form Completion
Form completion tests your ability to listen for specific factual information, such as names, numbers, and dates. These questions are common in booking scenarios, application forms, or service registrations.
Sample Question
Note Completion
In this task, you complete missing information in a set of notes summarizing part of the audio. It tests your ability to recognize and write down key ideas from a longer explanation or talk.
Sample 1: Lecture on Time Management
Notes:
-
Start the day with a __________ list.
-
Prioritize tasks based on __________.
-
Use a timer to stay focused on each activity.
Sample 2: Seminar on Climate Change
Notes:
-
Greenhouse gases trap __________ in the atmosphere.
-
Major contributors: fossil fuels and __________.
-
Average global temperature has risen by __________°C in the last century.
IELTS Listening Test Format
Table Completion
Table completion involves filling in missing pieces of information in a table, which may compare different items or summarize data. It requires attention to detail and the ability to follow structured information.
Flow-chart Completion
This format presents a process or sequence of events. You will complete a flowchart by listening to steps being described. This tests your ability to follow logical order.
Summary Completion
In summary completion, you are given a summary of a recording with missing words. Your task is to complete it using information from the listening passage. This tests your understanding of the overall theme and key details.
Sample 1 – Topic: Ocean Pollution
Audio Context: A lecturer is discussing the effects of plastic waste on marine life.
Summary Completion Question:
Complete the summary below using no more than two words.
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental issue. A significant amount of plastic waste ends up in the __________, where it is often ingested by marine animals. These animals mistake plastic for __________, which can lead to internal injuries and even death.
Sample 2 – Topic: Time Management Techniques
Audio Context: A seminar speaker gives advice on effective time management strategies for students.
Summary Completion Question:
Complete the summary below using no more than three words.
One of the most effective time management techniques is the use of a __________, which helps students allocate time blocks to specific tasks. It is also helpful to prioritize assignments by __________ to ensure deadlines are met efficiently.
Sentence Completion
In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete sentences using the words from the audio recording. Through the sentence completion, IELTS assesses the ability to understand key ideas and locate specific information.
Short-answer Questions
In this type of question, candidates are asked to identify specific information from the audio and respond with a word or short phrase.
Sample Question
Sample 1:
What is the name of the hotel where the conference will be held?
Answer: ___________________
Sample 2:
How many people can the restaurant accommodate at one time?
Answer: ___________________
Each format targets a unique listening skill and requires strategic preparation. Mastering the different IELTS Listening question types is key to achieving a strong score.
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