IELTS Listening Computer Based Test
IELTS is an International English Language Testing System which can be conducted in two ways- paper based or computer based form. IELTS consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. In this article, IELTS listening computer based test will be discussed in detail.
What is an IELTS listening?
IELTS listening is same for both IELTS general and IELTS academic. It consists of four recordings and it lasts for 30 minutes. The first two recordings deal with social context while the last two discuss academic topics. Difficulty in questions increases gradually, as audio moves from one to forth. These recordings deal with different English accents such as American, Canadian, and British.
You as a test taker must be familiar with these accents in order to answer properly. Watching videos such as dramas, movies, and different podcasts in English will help you in familiarizing with English accent. To have more information related to IELTS listening, visit this websiteieltsdass.com
IELTS listening test format
IELTS listening consists of four sections, and each section has a different recording. The first recording deals with a dialogue that can be between student or teacher, shopkeeper and owner etc. Any topic related to social context is discussed.
The second recording is a monologue (speech of one person) rather than a dialogue. In this section, a person is speaking about any random topic related to social context.
The third and fourth recordings have academic content to discuss. The third audio is a conversation of two or more people discussing any assignment, or a conversation between teachers about college activities. In the final part, candidate will listen to a monologue such as university lecture, or speech on health.
Each recording comprises of 10 questions. Each question has a worth of one mark therefore total marks are 40. The marks are allotted to students in the form of band score ranging from 1-9.
IELTS listening question types
Question type varies in this section. Practicing some time will be helpful to get to know all these variations.
Following are the question types that can come in IELTS listening section:
Multiple choice questions
Matching
Labeling diagrams
Completing summaries
IELTS listening band score
IELTS listening band score is same for both IELTS paper based and computer based test. As each question carries one mark, the total marks are 40. The marks are then converted into band score according to the marks taken by students.
| Numbers taken | Band score |
| 35-36 | Band 8 |
| 30-31 | Band 7 |
| 23-25 | Band 6 |
| 16-17 | Band 5 |
| 10-12 | Band 4 |
| 6-7 | Band 3 |
Difference between IELTS listening paper based and computer based
If you take the IELTS listening paper based test, you will write answer while listening to the recording. You will be given 10 minutes to transfer these answer. But, if IELTS listening computer based test is preferred, then only 2 minutes are given to check your answer. Test will automatically be stopped after this time completion.
Which test should be preferred- IELTS paper based or IELTS listening computer based?
IELTS listening test is same either you choose IELTS computer based or IELTS listening paper based. Test type should be selected according to your comfort level. If candidate is okay with writing on computer, he should select this test. On the other hand, IELTS listening paper based test should be selected if candidate is comfortable with writing on paper while listening.
Preparation tips for IELTS computer based test
- Familiarize with the test format and understand the test structure of computer based test.
- Candidate has to answer questions while listening to the audios. Therefore, practicing it in a right direction is necessary.
- In IELTS listening four recordings are played and each recording deals with different accent. Practice listening podcasts, movies, dramas that deal with various accents such as American, British, Australian and Canadian.
- Try to predict answer before the start of recording. This technique is helpful to narrow down options and to listen actively.
- Read questions carefully before the start of recording. Also read carefully about instructions, how many words are asked by the examiner? Sometimes, the mistake of writing more words than examiner has instructed is the cause of wrong answer.
- Be aware of distractions, examiner loves to trick your mind and give wrong information and then correct it. Listen to the end of audio to avoid distractions.
- In IELTS listening computer based test only 2 minutes are provided to review the answer, so make sure to practice according to the test format.
Conclusion: IELTS listening computer based test
Having proper knowledge about the difference of IELTS listening paper based and IELTS listening computer based test will make it easy to deal with the question, which test should be preferred? IELTS listening computer based test only differs when it comes to time limit- in traditional paper 10 minutes are provided to transfer answer, while this time is limited to 2 minutes for computer based test. Candidate should select this paper according to their ease.
After paper selection, practice in the right way is the only tool which contributes to give high band score. Read the article, IELTS listening tips and tricks to know more about listening.
