The IELTS Listening Test is the same for both Academic and General Training candidates. It evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in everyday and academic situations. With proper practice and strategy, scoring Band 7+ in listening is very achievable.
This guide covers the IELTS listening format, question types, marking system, tips, and preparation advice for Bangladeshi students.
IELTS Listening Test Format
| Feature | Details |
| Total Sections | 4 |
| Total Questions | 40 |
| Test Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (paper-based only) |
| Audio Played | Once only |
| Accent | British, Australian, American, Canadian |
Sections of the IELTS Listening Test
Section 1 – Conversation
- Everyday social context
- Example: Booking a hotel, renting a house
- Question types: Form completion, note completion
Section 2 – Monologue
- One speaker giving information
- Example: Tour guide, facility introduction
Section 3 – Academic Discussion
- Conversation between 2–4 people
- Example: Students discussing an assignment
Section 4 – Academic Lecture
- University-style lecture
- Most difficult section
- Test vocabulary and concentration
Types of Questions in IELTS Listening
- Multiple Choice
- Sentence Completion
- Note / Table / Flowchart Completion
- Map / Diagram Labelling
- Matching
- Short Answer Questions
Spelling and grammar matter – wrong spelling = wrong answer.
IELTS Listening Band Score Chart
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
Tips to Score High in IELTS Listening
Read Questions Carefully
- Predict answers before listening
- Identify keywords and synonyms
Follow the Audio Flow
- Answers come in order
- Don’t panic if you miss one
Focus on Spelling & Numbers
- Dates, prices, and phone numbers are common
- Use correct plural forms
Practice with Real Tests
- Use Cambridge IELTS books
- Simulate exam conditions
Improve Vocabulary & Pronunciation
- Learn common synonyms
- Practice British & Australian accents
Common Mistakes in IELTS Listening
- Writing more than the required words
- Wrong spelling
- Losing focus after missing an answer
- Not checking grammar in answers
Why Choose Banglay IELTS for Listening Preparation?
- Expert Trainers: IELTS-certified instructors with proven success records
- Section-wise Practice: Focused training for all 4 listening sections
- Weekly Mock Tests: Real exam-style listening tests with band prediction
- Error Analysis: Identify weak question types and fix mistakes
- Vocabulary & Accent Training: Improve understanding of different accents
- High Success Rate: Many students achieve Band 7–8+ in Listening
Banglay IELTS ensures smart strategies, not guesswork.
FAQ – Listening Test IELTS
1. Is IELTS listening the same for Academic and General?
Yes, the listening test is exactly the same for both.
2. How many times is the audio played?
Only once.
3. Can I write answers in capital letters?
Yes, both capital and small letters are accepted.
4. Is spelling important in IELTS listening?
Yes, incorrect spelling means incorrect answer.
5. How can Bangladeshi students improve their listening quickly?
By practising mock tests, learning synonyms, and getting expert feedback from Banglay IE
Contact us today to get started.
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