The IELTS Listening practice test on this page is one of several full official tests available for free online.
My advice is to use only official tests for exam practice as only these fully replicate the real exam paper that you will take on the day of your test.
One of the
best sources of genuine tests is the Cambridge English series of authentic exam
papers. These books are excellent. Each contains four complete test
papers. Make sure that the copies you buy include an audio CD for the listening
test as some versions do not and you have to buy them separately.
There are also many IELTS Listening practice tests available that have been created by teachers like myself to teach you the skills needed to do well in your test and allow you to practice them. It’s fine to use these for this purpose.
To get the full benefit of this practice test, complete it under exam conditions. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Read the instructions and information first, then, start a 30 minute timer as you begin the test.
I have set the test out in the 4 sections with the recordings for each section followed by the sets of questions related to that recording.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll find PDF’s of the answers and a sample answer sheet.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Do not open this question paper until you are told to do so.
Write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page. Listen to the instructions for each part of the paper carefully.
Answer all the questions.
While you are listening, write your answers on the question paper.
You will have 10 minutes at the end of the test to copy your answers onto the separate answer sheet. Use a pencil.
At the end of the test, hand in this question paper.
INFORMATION
FOR CANDIDATES
There are four parts to the test. You will hear each part once only. There are 40 questions.
Each question carries one mark.
For each part of the test, there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.
Click this link for the audio: Section 1 Recording
Click this link for the audio: Section 2 Recording
Click this link for the audio: Section 3 Recording
Click this link for the audio: Section 4 Recording
Source: British Council website
Answers:
Click this link to see the answers to the questions in this practice test: Answers
Answer Sheet:
At the end of the test, you will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet. Click this link to see a sample of a Listening Test Answer Sheet.
Official Website:
To see this test on the official website, click here: Official Practice Test
For lessons on how to answer the different types of questions in this test paper, click the appropriate links in the menu below.
IELTS Listening Test – Understand the format & question types. Know what skills are assessed. Also, discover 3 important marking tips.
Listening Strategies – Learn 3 essential listening strategies – question analysis, answer prediction & how to use keyword clues.
Listening Skills – Learn the 4 key listening skills needed for a high score highly. Examples from real questions.
Listening Exercises – 8 listening exercises to help you recognise & learn vocabulary for 6 common topics – time, numbers, prices, dates, letter names & addresses.
The 10 Question Types – Examples of all 10 types of Listening questions. Learn how to recognise & understand them. Links to 10 step-by-step lessons.
Listening Tips – Top 10 tips to bring you success in your Listening test. Essential information you need to know to achieve a high score.
How to Improve Your Listening Skills – 6 simple strategies essential for achieving a high score in the test.
Listening Practice – 4 practice techniques to develop your listening skills
Map & Plan Vocabulary – Learn the vocabulary you need for your test. 5 maps & plans with sample sentences containing common vocabulary of location & direction.
Listening Practice Samples – Short activities to improve your listening skills & help you learn topic vocabulary.
Genuine Full Practice Tests: