Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.
Like the first practice test, this test follows the structure of IELTS Listening: four parts, ten questions each, 40 in total, getting harder as you go, with the questions in the same order as the audio. All the topics are new.
This time, the test also brings together the skills from the second half of the course:
For a realistic result:
| Part | Situation | Speakers | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Joining a rowing club's beginners' course | Two people, phone call | 1–10: form completion |
| Part 2 | Welcome talk for summer staff at an outdoor centre | One speaker | 11–15: multiple choice; 16–20: matching |
| Part 3 | Discussing a study of calorie labels | Two students and a tutor | 21–25: multiple choice; 26–30: matching |
| Part 4 | Lecture on biomimicry | One speaker | 31–40: note completion |
Before Part 3, try this short example. The question is: What do the students decide to do about their survey?
Listen and decide before you read the walkthrough.
Answer: B (paper). All three options are mentioned, which is typical of Part 3. Online (A) is Amira's first idea, and doing both (C) is the tutor's suggestion. Joel objects to C, Amira then changes position (Joel's right about online response rates), and Let's just go with paper is the final decision.
Use the same habits throughout the test: note who proposes each idea, wait for the final agreement, and move on as soon as a new item starts.
You will hear a phone call between Nadia, who wants to learn to row, and Paul, who works at a rowing club. First, read the form. Then listen and complete it.
Complete the form. Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
You will hear Joanna Burke, the operations manager of an outdoor activity centre, welcoming new summer staff. First, read the questions.
Choose the correct answer.
What does the speaker say about each area of the centre? Choose the correct description for each area. There are two descriptions you do not need.
You will hear two students, Ines and Callum, discussing a research project with their tutor, Dr Okoro. The project studied calorie labels in a university canteen. First, read the questions.
Choose the correct answer.
What does the tutor advise the students to do with each section of their report? Choose the correct advice for each section. There are two pieces of advice you do not need.
You will hear part of a lecture about biomimicry. First, read the notes. There is no break in this part.
Complete the notes. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Count your correct answers out of 40 and compare them with your score on the first practice test. This test has not been trialled like a real exam, so treat the ranges below as a rough guide, not an IELTS band score.
Then look at each answer you missed in the transcript and decide why: a correction I didn't wait for, the wrong speaker, the wrong figure, a word I didn't know, or I lost my place. Your most common reason tells you which lesson to review.
Save words to review them later with flashcards.
“Wear close-fitting clothes so nothing gets caught in the equipment.”
“New staff shadow experienced instructors for three days.”
“The first-aid course is compulsory for everyone.”
“All paddles must be signed out from the boat store.”
“The reason for the change is only speculation.”
“Mention the timing as a limitation of the study.”
“The fall in desserts was the most striking result.”
“Living things have been refined by evolution.”
“Imitating a natural shape is easier than imitating how it was made.”
“Solutions that work for insects don't always scale up.”
“The building is cooled through vents and chimneys.”
