Free IELTS listening sprint
IELTS Listening sprint
You are about to start a short Listening practice. Every question comes from a real IELTS test. After you submit, you also get an explanation of the answers.
About 10 questions, 10 minutes.
What you are practising
A real Listening paper has four parts. Part 1 is a social conversation, Part 2 a social monologue, Part 3 a discussion in an academic setting, and Part 4 a lecture. This sprint gives you one of those parts so you can finish a focused set instead of a full 40-question paper.
You hear the recording in the browser and keep the questions on screen while it plays.
For a full timed paper, take a free mock test. To see how a question type works, read the Listening guides.
Question types you may see
- 1Form, note, table, and sentence completion, often with a word limit.
- 2Multiple choice and matching, including maps and plans.
- 3Short-answer questions that follow the order of the recording.
A short method
Read the questions before you press play and underline the word that the answer must fit.
Write what you hear, then check spelling. Answers that break the word limit are marked wrong in the exam.
If you miss one item, skip to the next. The recording does not repeat the fact later.
Example
Two examples of the question styles in a Listening sprint.
Note completion: the library tour starts at _____ a.m.
Write a time such as 9:30 or 10. Watch for a speaker who corrects the time a moment later.
Multiple choice: Why is the bus delayed?
The last reason the speaker confirms is the answer. Earlier reasons are often cancelled.
Listening sprint questions
Is this a full Listening test?
No. This is one professional practice part, usually about 10 questions, so you can finish a focused set in one sitting. A full Listening paper is four parts, about 30 minutes of audio, plus transfer time on paper.
Can I replay the audio?
In this practice set you can use the player controls. In the real test you hear each section once.
Why do I sign in for the answers?
Sign in with a free account to see your score, the correct answers, and a short explanation.
How many times can I start a set?
Yes. If you have just started several sets, wait a short while and try again, or take a mock test.
What should I do after the score?
Open a free mock test for a full paper, or the Listening guides for the question type you missed.