IELTS Listening
Past Questions
25+ verified Listening past questions for IELTS. Step-by-step worked answers in 5 Nigerian languages.
Listening topics (1)
Sample Listening past questions
1. In Listening Section 1 you typically hear:
- A. A monologue
- B. A two-person conversation
- C. An academic lecture
- D. Group discussion
Answer: B
AI Explanation
**The reasoning** IELTS Listening has a clear structure. Section 1 is **always** a conversation between **two people** in an everyday social context — like booking a hotel, registering for a gym, or inquiring about a service. The test designers keep this consistent across all exams. Think of it as the "warm-up" section: you're listening to people chat about practical, daily-life matters, not lectures or formal talks. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A (Monologue)**: This appears in Section 2, where one person gives a tour or announcement. - **C (Academic lecture)**: Sections 3 and 4 are where the academic content lives — university discussions or formal lectures. - **D (Group discussion)**: Section 3 sometimes features 3–4 people, but Section 1 keeps it simple with just two. The confusion happens because students mix up which section does what. **Quick takeaway** Remember: **Section 1 = Two people, everyday conversation.** Picture yourself overhearing two people making plans — that's Section 1 energy! Lock this pattern in, and you'll never waste time second-guessing the format.
2. How many sections in IELTS Listening?
- A. 2
- B. 3
- C. 4
- D. 5
Answer: C
3. You hear answers in:
- A. Random order
- B. Same order as the questions
- C. Reverse order
- D. Skipping questions
Answer: B
AI Explanation
**The reasoning** This question tests your understanding of **basic listening comprehension structure**. In standard communication—whether it's a conversation, interview, or exam listening section—answers follow the same sequence as the questions asked. Think about it practically: If someone asks you three questions (1. Your name? 2. Your age? 3. Your school?), you naturally respond in that exact order. Listening exams mirror real-life dialogue. The audio presents information sequentially, and questions are arranged to match that flow. This makes comprehension logical and systematic. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A) Random order** seems possible if you're overthinking or experienced confusing audio before - **C) Reverse order** might appeal if you've seen "reverse chronological" formats elsewhere, but that's illogical for listening - **D) Skipping questions** could mislead you if you've encountered incomplete recordings, but standard exams don't skip intentionally **Quick takeaway** In listening comprehension, answers always flow **chronologically with the questions**—just like a natural conversation unfolds from start to finish.
4. In IELTS listening, you hear the recording:
- A. Twice
- B. Once
- C. Three times
- D. On request
Answer: B
5. You should read the questions ___ the recording plays.
- A. after
- B. before
- C. during only
- D. never
Answer: B
6. Section 1 of IELTS listening is usually a:
- A. Lecture
- B. Everyday conversation
- C. Debate
- D. Song
Answer: B
7. You should predict answers ___ listening.
- A. after
- B. before
- C. instead of
- D. without
Answer: B
8. Spelling counts in IELTS listening answers.
- A. False
- B. True
- C. Sometimes only
- D. Never
Answer: B
9. A 'distractor' in listening is information that:
- A. Is the answer
- B. Misleads you
- C. Is silent
- D. Repeats
Answer: B
10. IELTS Listening has how many sections?
- A. 2
- B. 3
- C. 4
- D. 5
Answer: C
AI Explanation
IELTS Listening has 4 sections: 2 social contexts and 2 academic contexts, 40 questions total.
11. Section 1 of IELTS Listening is usually:
- A. A university lecture
- B. A social conversation between 2 speakers (e.g. enquiry/booking)
- C. A formal academic monologue
- D. A debate
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Section 1 is a transactional conversation (e.g. booking accommodation) — typically the easiest part.
12. Section 4 of IELTS Listening typically features:
- A. A casual chat
- B. An academic monologue (e.g. university lecture)
- C. Two strangers meeting
- D. A song
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Section 4 is a monologue on an academic subject — formal and the most challenging section.
13. If the speaker says 'Sorry, I meant 25, not 35', your answer should be:
- A. 35
- B. 25
- C. Both
- D. Neither
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Speakers often self-correct. Always note the FINAL number the speaker confirms.
14. If the question says 'Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER', then writing 'three students' (2 words) is:
- A. Acceptable
- B. Too many words
- C. Too few words
- D. Always wrong
Answer: A
AI Explanation
2 words is within the limit. Always read the word-limit instructions carefully; exceeding them = automatic wrong.
15. Spelling errors in IELTS Listening answers are:
- A. Ignored
- B. Counted as wrong
- C. Half-marked
- D. Re-spelt by examiner
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Correct spelling is mandatory. Misspellings (even minor) are marked wrong — practise key vocabulary carefully.
16. British accents in IELTS Listening are:
- A. The only accent used
- B. Mixed with North American, Australian, NZ and other native accents
- C. Avoided
- D. Only on Section 4
Answer: B
AI Explanation
IELTS uses a range of native English accents — listeners must adapt to British, American, Australian, NZ, etc.
17. If the question asks 'How much did Tom pay?' and the speaker says 'twenty-five pounds, but with the discount it came to twenty', the answer is:
- A. £25
- B. £20
- C. £45
- D. £5
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Listen carefully — the FINAL amount after discount is £20. IELTS tests careful comprehension, not first-mention.
18. When the speaker says 'in other words' or 'that is to say', they're about to:
- A. Change topic
- B. Restate or clarify what was just said
- C. Stop speaking
- D. Disagree
Answer: B
AI Explanation
These phrases signal restatement — sometimes the clearer phrasing is the answer.
19. If the question requires capital letters, 'london' would be:
- A. Accepted
- B. Marked wrong
- C. Half-marked
- D. Auto-corrected
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Proper nouns like London, Tom, July MUST be capitalised — strict marking applies.
20. Map labelling tasks test your ability to:
- A. Translate maps
- B. Follow spatial directions (turn left, opposite, behind, next to)
- C. Draw maps
- D. Memorise countries
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Map questions follow directional and positional language — practise vocabulary like 'opposite', 'adjacent', 'behind'.
21. When the listening transcript appears 'Actually...', the speaker is usually:
- A. Confirming
- B. Correcting an earlier point or adding contrasting information
- C. Joking
- D. Repeating
Answer: B
AI Explanation
'Actually' often signals a correction or a more accurate version — listen carefully for the revised information.
22. BEST strategy when you miss an answer is to:
- A. Pause and go back
- B. Move on to the next question — you can't replay
- C. Ask for repeat
- D. Stop the test
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Audio plays ONCE. Missing an answer means moving on so you don't miss the next — do not dwell.
23. The phrase 'around the corner' in directions means:
- A. Very far
- B. Just nearby; close by around a bend
- C. Behind the building
- D. In front
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Common idiom — refers to something near, just around a bend or corner of a street.
24. In Section 3 (academic discussion between 2-3 speakers), you should:
- A. Listen for one speaker only
- B. Track who says what — speakers may disagree or correct each other
- C. Ignore disagreements
- D. Skip the section
Answer: B
AI Explanation
Section 3 is often a tutor + student(s) discussion. Tracking each speaker's view is essential.
25. When answering 'YES / NO / NOT GIVEN' questions, NOT GIVEN means:
- A. The statement disagrees with the passage
- B. The passage doesn't tell you the speaker's view either way
- C. The speaker is unclear
- D. You're confused
Answer: B
AI Explanation
NOT GIVEN means the passage simply doesn't provide enough information to confirm or deny — choose this carefully.
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