If you’re preparing for the IELTS Academic Exam in 2026, regular IELTS Listening exam practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your band score. As part of your IELTS Exam Preparation, it’s essential to understand the test format, become familiar with different English accents, and practise answering questions within the given time limit.

Whether your goal is to study in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or another English-speaking country, performing well in the IELTS Academic Listening exam is a key step towards achieving your study abroad dreams.

The IELTS Listening exam is the same for both Academic and General Training candidates. It consists of 40 questions divided into four sections, and you will hear each recording only once. The test gradually increases in difficulty, beginning with an everyday conversation and progressing to an academic lecture.

Throughout the exam, you’ll encounter a range of question types, including Form Completion, Note Completion, Multiple Choice, Map Labelling, Matching, Table Completion, Sentence Completion, and Summary Completion.

This comprehensive IELTS Exam Preparation guide provides original Sample Questions and Answers designed to closely reflect the format and difficulty level of the official IELTS Academic Exam. Each section includes IELTS-style practice questions, a complete audio script, answer keys, detailed explanations, vocabulary, and practical tips to help you build confidence and improve your performance in the IELTS Listening exam.

What You’ll Practise in This Guide

• Section 1 (Questions 1–10): Everyday conversation – Form Completion
• Section 2 (Questions 11–20): Social monologue – Map Labelling & Multiple Choice
• Section 3 (Questions 21–30): Academic discussion – Multiple Choice & Table Completion
• Section 4 (Questions 31–40): Academic lecture – Note Completion & Summary Completion

To get the best results from this IELTS Listening exam practice guide, complete each section under exam conditions before checking the answers. Once you’ve finished, review the answer key, study the explanations, and compare your responses with the audio script. Consistent practice with high-quality Sample Questions and Answers will help improve your listening accuracy, expand your vocabulary, and increase your confidence on test day.

Let’s begin your IELTS Exam Preparation with Section 1 of the IELTS Academic Listening exam.

Section 1 Practice Test (Questions 1–10)

Section 1 is the easiest part of the IELTS Academic Listening test and is designed to assess your ability to understand everyday English conversations. You will hear a conversation between two speakers discussing a common social situation, such as booking accommodation, making an enquiry, registering for a course, or arranging a service.

This section tests your ability to listen for specific factual information, including names, dates, numbers, addresses, prices, and personal details. Common question types include Form Completion, Note Completion, Multiple Choice, Short Answer Questions, and Sentence Completion. Since the conversations are based on real-life situations, careful listening and accurate spelling are essential to score well in this section.

IELTS Listening Section 1 Overview

Practice Test 1 – Student Accommodation Booking

Listen to the Audio

🎧 Play the audio and answer Questions 1–10 before checking the answers.

 

Instructions:

• Questions 1–10
• Complete the form below.
• Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Questions:

Student Accommodation Application Form

1. Student’s surname: __________
2. University: Western City __________
3. Move-in date: __________
4. Length of stay: __________
5. Room type: __________
6. Weekly rent: $__________
7. Internet charges: __________
8. Electricity is charged __________
9. Mobile number: __________
10. Booking confirmation will be sent by __________

Answer Key

Answer Explanations

Question 1

The student clearly says his surname is Sharma.

Question 2

The full university name is Western City University, so the missing word is University.

Question 3

Listen carefully for dates. The student says 15 September.

Question 4

The student plans to stay for 12 months.

Question 5

The receptionist offers a single room, which the student accepts.

Question 6

The weekly rent is $195.

Question 7

The receptionist states that internet and water are included in the rent.

Question 8

Electricity is charged separately, so the correct answer is Separately.

Question 9

Always pay close attention to numbers. The student’s phone number is 9876543210.

Question 10

The receptionist says, “I’ll email your booking confirmation today.”

Vocabulary from This Test

Tips for Indian IELTS Candidates

• Read the instructions before the recording starts.
• Underline keywords in the questions.
• Practise writing dates (e.g. 15 September) and numbers accurately.
• Be careful with spellings. Incorrect spelling can result in a wrong answer.
• If you miss one answer, don’t panic—focus on the next question.

 

Section 2 Practice Test (Questions 11–20)

In Section 2 of the IELTS Academic Listening test, you will hear one speaker talking about a general topic, such as a campus orientation, public event, museum tour, travel information, or community services. Unlike Section 1, there is no conversation—you’ll need to follow a continuous monologue and identify key details.

This section tests your ability to understand directions, locations, facilities, schedules, and factual information. Common question types include Map Labelling, Plan Labelling, Diagram Labelling, Multiple Choice, and Matching Information.

IELTS Listening Section 2 Overview

Practice Test 2 – University Campus Orientation

Instructions

You will hear a university guide welcoming new international students and introducing the campus facilities.

First, you have some time to look at Questions 11 to 20.

Pause for 20 seconds.

Listen to the Audio

🎧 Play the audio and answer Questions 11–20 before checking the answers.

 

Questions 11–15

Label the campus map below.

Choose the correct letter (A–F) for each answer.

(Insert your campus map illustration here.)

11. Student Information Centre ______
12. Library ______
13. Cafeteria ______
14. Science Building ______
15. Sports Centre ______

Questions 16–20

Choose the correct answer A, B or C.

16. The university library is open

A. 24 hours a day

B. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

C. Until midnight

17. Students can reserve online

A. Classrooms

B. Laboratories

C. Study rooms

18. Which facility is NOT available at the Sports Centre?

A. Swimming pool

B. Gymnasium

C. Tennis court

19. The Health Centre provides

A. Visa assistance

B. Medical consultations

C. Banking services

20. The main purpose of the talk is to

A. Explain examination rules

B. Introduce campus facilities

C. Discuss student accommodation

Answer Key

Answer Explanations

Question 16

The speaker clearly mentions that the library is open from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., making Option B the correct answer.

Question 17

Students are informed that they can book study rooms online, so the correct answer is Option C.

Question 18

The Sports Centre includes a gym and swimming pool, but there is no mention of a tennis court. Therefore, Option C is correct.

Question 19

The speaker states that the Health Centre provides free medical consultations for enrolled students. The correct answer is Option B.

Question 20

The talk is designed to familiarise new students with the university campus and its facilities. Therefore, Option B is correct.

Vocabulary from This Test

Tips for Indian IELTS Candidates

• Read the map or plan before the recording begins.
• Pay attention to direction words such as left, right, opposite, beside, behind, and straight ahead.
• Highlight keywords in multiple-choice questions before listening.
• The speaker may mention incorrect information first and then correct it—always listen until the sentence is complete.

Section 3 Practice Test (Questions 21–30)

Section 3 of the IELTS Academic Listening test is generally considered more challenging than the previous two sections. You will hear a discussion between two or more speakers, usually students and a tutor or lecturer discussing an academic project, assignment, research, or presentation.

This section assesses your ability to follow opinions, identify key information, understand agreements or disagreements, and recognise changes in ideas. Since multiple speakers are involved, it’s important to pay attention to who is speaking and how the conversation develops.

IELTS Listening Section 3 Overview

Practice Test 3 – Research Project Discussion

Instructions

You will hear a conversation between two university students and their lecturer discussing a research project.

Listen to the Audio

🎧 Play the audio before attempting Questions 21–30.

First, you have some time to look at Questions 21 to 30.

Pause for 30 seconds.

Now listen carefully and answer Questions 21 to 30.

 

Questions 21–25

Choose the correct answer A, B or C.

21. What is the main topic of the students’ research project?

A. Climate Change

B. Sustainable Urban Transport

C. Student Accommodation

22. How many students participated in the survey?

A. 300

B. 400

C. 500

23. Which mode of transport was used by most students?

A. Bicycle

B. Public Transport

C. Private Car

24. According to the survey, what is the biggest problem?

A. Traffic congestion

B. High parking costs

C. Poor road conditions

25. How will the students present their findings?

A. Research Poster

B. Video Documentary

C. PowerPoint Presentation

Questions 26–30

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Answer Key

Answer Explanations

Question 21

The lecturer asks about the research topic, and Arjun clearly says it is Sustainable Urban Transport.

Question 22

Emily confirms they received responses from 500 students.

Question 23

Emily states that public transport was the most common mode of travel.

Question 24

Arjun explains that the main issue identified was the high cost of parking, not traffic congestion.

Question 25

Emily says they will prepare a PowerPoint presentation with graphs and charts.

Questions 26–30

These answers come directly from the discussion about the presentation schedule and project recommendations.

Vocabulary from This Test

IELTS Tips for Indian Students

• Section 3 usually includes three speakers, so identify who is speaking before writing your answer.
• The correct answer is often paraphrased, not repeated word for word.
• Focus on opinions, agreements, disagreements, and decisions.
• Don’t choose an answer until you’ve heard the complete discussion—speakers may change their minds.

Section 4 Practice Test (Questions 31–40)

Section 4 is the most challenging part of the IELTS Academic Listening test. You will hear one speaker, usually a university lecturer, delivering an academic lecture on a subject such as science, history, business, education, technology, or the environment.

Unlike the previous sections, there are no conversations or pauses between speakers. The lecture is delivered continuously, so you must listen carefully for key points, examples, and supporting details. The language is more academic, and many answers are paraphrased rather than stated exactly as they appear in the questions.

IELTS Listening Section 4 Overview

Practice Test 4 – Lecture on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Cities

Instructions

You will hear a university lecturer talking about renewable energy and sustainable cities.

Listen to the Audio

🎧 Play the audio before attempting Questions 31–40.

First, you have some time to look at Questions 31 to 40.

Pause for 30 seconds.

Now listen carefully and answer Questions 31 to 40.

 

 

Questions 31–35

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Lecture Notes

Renewable Energy

31. The three main renewable energy sources discussed are __________, wind and hydroelectric power.
32. Modern solar panels have become more __________ for households.
33. Wind farms are commonly built in __________ and rural regions.
34. Governments are investing heavily in __________ systems.
35. Renewable energy helps reduce __________ in large cities.

 

Questions 36–40

Complete the summary below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Although the 36. __________ can be expensive, governments continue investing in cleaner technologies.

Scientists are improving 37. __________ efficiency to produce more electricity.

The widespread use of renewable energy will help reduce 38. __________ emissions.

Cleaner energy also improves 39. __________ health and reduces pollution.

Experts believe renewable energy will support long-term 40. __________ development.

Answer Key

Answer Explanations

Question 31

The lecturer identifies solar energy, wind energy and hydroelectric power as the three renewable energy sources discussed.

Question 32

The lecturer explains that technological improvements have made solar panels more affordable.

Question 33

Wind farms are often located in coastal and rural areas because of stronger, more consistent winds.

Question 34

The lecturer explains that governments are investing in battery storage systems to store excess electricity.

Question 35

Renewable energy helps reduce air pollution, resulting in cleaner and healthier cities.

Question 36

The lecturer states that initial installation costs are one of the biggest challenges for renewable energy projects.

Question 37

Researchers are improving solar panel efficiency to increase electricity production.

Question 38

Renewable energy is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Question 39

Cleaner air contributes to better public health by reducing pollution-related illnesses.

Question 40

The lecture concludes that renewable energy supports sustainable economic development in the future.

Vocabulary from This Test

IELTS Tips for Indian Students

• Section 4 contains one continuous lecture, so stay focused from start to finish.
• Expect more academic vocabulary and paraphrased information than in earlier sections.
• Listen for signpost words such as first, however, in addition, therefore, and finally, as they indicate important ideas.
• Always check the word limit. If the instructions say NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS, longer answers will not receive marks.
• Don’t stop listening if you miss one answer. Move on quickly and concentrate on the next question.

Quick Revision

Congratulations!

You have now completed Practice Test 1 of the IELTS Academic Listening Sample Questions and Answers (2026 Edition).

To improve your IELTS Listening score, complete this test under timed conditions, review the transcript, analyse your mistakes, and repeat the audio until you can confidently understand every answer. Consistent practice with original IELTS-style tests is one of the most effective ways to achieve your target band score.

Ready to Achieve Your Target IELTS Band Score?

Preparing for the IELTS exam doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right guidance. At Abroad Gateway, our certified IELTS trainers provide personalised IELTS coaching, regular mock tests, one-on-one feedback, and proven strategies to help you achieve your target band score on your first attempt.

Whether you’re planning to study, work, or migrate abroad, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Book Your FREE IELTS Counselling Session Today!