How is the IELTS listening test divided?

The listening test is divided into 4 sections, and they get gradually more difficult. Section 1 is aimed at intermediate level, while 4 is proficient. The type of listening will also be different in each section. The table below provides a breakdown of each section:

Listening Section	Type	Level
1	Daily social interaction; conversation	intermediate
2	Daily social interaction or media; it can be a conversation (e.g. interview) or a monologue (e.g. news report)	Upper-intermediate
3	Conversation in an academic context; it can involve 2 or more students or a student(s) and a supervisor/lecturer/tutor	Advanced
4	Lecture; academic context	Proficient

Section 1 normally involves a conversation between 2 people in a regular day-to-day interaction. The speakers do not normally know each other, as it is an interaction happening in a public place: doctor’s office, hotel reception, real state agency, etc. This section normally involves a form with personal information, like names, telephone numbers, addresses, etc. In the beginning of this section only, there will be an example for you to follow.

Section 2 is also a common daily situation. The main difference between section 1 and 2, is that section 2 is usually a monologue (one person speaking). It could be a radio show, a guided tour, or even an interview where one person does most of the talking. This part is a little more challenging than section 1, and may involve a map, a diagram, or some other visual material for you to label.

Section 3 involves a conversation within an academic context. It could be a conversation between students, or perhaps involving a tutor, lecturer, or supervisor. The dialogue usually takes place in a university and is centred around something happening there: a project, assignment, event, presentation, etc.

Section 4 is part of a lecture: one person (usually a lecturer) talks about a particular academic topic. This could involve any subject: geography, languages, biology, etc. You do not need to know about the subject itself, but enough English to understand the lecture. Some basic general vocabulary within the academic subject can certainly be helpful here, but you do not need to actually know the subject.

How do you practise your listening skills? Let us know in the comments! 😊