The IELTS Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3 is a highly important practice test for candidates aiming to achieve Band 6.5–8+ in the real IELTS exam. Published by Cambridge Assessment English, this test closely matches the real exam in terms of difficulty, structure, and question types.
Practising this test properly helps you improve accuracy, concentration, and confidence, especially for academic listening sections.
About IELTS Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3
Cambridge IELTS 12 is an official preparation book, and Listening Test 3 mainly focuses on academic discussion skills, which many students find challenging.
Key features:
- Real IELTS-level difficulty
- Natural accents (British, Australian)
- One-time audio play
- Same scoring system as real IELTS
Test Format: IELTS Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3
The listening module contains 4 sections and 40 questions.
Section 1 – Social Context
- Topic: Everyday situations
- Question types: Form or note completion
- Focus: Spelling, numbers, dates
Section 2 – Social Monologue
- Topic: Public information or facilities
- Question types: Multiple choice, sentence completion
- Focus: Specific details
Section 3 – Academic Discussion (Main Focus)
- Topic: Students discussing an academic project
- Question types: Multiple choice, matching
- Focus: Opinion, contrast, agreement
Section 4 – Academic Lecture
- Topic: University lecture
- Question types: Note or summary completion
- Focus: Academic vocabulary and key ideas
Common Question Types in Test 3
- Multiple Choice
- Matching Information
- Note Completion
- Sentence Completion
- Short Answer Questions
These are 100% real-exam-style questions.
Why Students Lose Marks in Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3
Many candidates lose easy marks due to:
- Incorrect spelling
- Confusing similar options in Section 3
- Writing extra words beyond the limit
- Missing plural forms (s / es)
- Poor prediction skills
One small spelling mistake = zero mark.
IELTS Listening Score Chart
| Correct Answers | Band |
| 18–22 | 5.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3 is ideal for predicting your real IELTS band score.
How to Practice the Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3 Effectively
- Sit in a quiet place
- Read questions before the audio starts
- Predict answers (noun/number/place)
- Listen carefully for paraphrasing
- Write answers clearly
- Review spelling and grammar mistakes
Repeat the test after analysis for better results.
Who Should Practice This Test?
- Students targeting Band 6.5 or higher
- Candidates struggling with Section 3 discussions
- Academic IELTS candidates
- Computer-based and paper-based IELTS takers
Why Choose Banglay IELTS for Listening Accuracy?
Banglay IELTS focuses on improving listening accuracy using official Cambridge materials.
Why Banglay IELTS is Different
- IELTS-certified expert trainers
- Special training on spelling, numbers & prediction skills
- Weekly Cambridge-based mock tests
- Deep analysis of listening mistakes
- Personalised feedback for writing & speaking
- Online & offline classes across Bangladesh
- Strong track record of Band 7–8+ achievers
Banglay IELTS helps students turn Cambridge practice into real exam success.
FAQ – IELTS Cambridge 12 Listening Test 3
Is Cthe ambridge 12 Listening Test 3 difficult?
It is slightly challenging, especially Section 3, but it matches the real IELTS level.
Is Cambridge 12 still valid for IELTS preparation?
Yes. Cambridge IELTS books are always reliable and never outdated.
Can I use this test for computer-based IELTS?
Yes. The difficulty and question types are the same.
How many times should I practise this test?
At least 2–3 times with proper mistake analysis.
Does Banglay IELTS use Cambridge 12 in practice classes?
Yes. Banglay IELTS regularly uses Cambridge listening tests with expert guidance.
Contact us today to get started.
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