Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official IELTS question types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a band score. For official sample tests, visit ielts.org.
Before you start
Do
- Read the instructions for word limits, like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS".
- Skim the passage first, then scan for answers.
- Check spelling: a misspelled answer is marked wrong.
- Leave no blanks. There's no penalty for wrong answers in IELTS.
Don't
- Don't spend too long on one question. Move on and come back.
- Don't write more words than the instructions allow.
- Don't replay the audio. In the real test you hear it once.
How the buttons work
- ▶ Start test starts the clock (15 minutes) and shows one part at a time, as in the real test. In reading, the passage stays on screen next to the questions.
- Move between parts with ◀ Back and Next ▶. As in the real test, you can go back and change answers until time runs out.
- Listening: each recording plays once. Read the questions first, then press play and answer as you listen.
- ❚❚ Pause stops the clock if you're interrupted (the real test can't be paused). End test finishes early and shows your results.
How it's marked
- Multiple-choice, fill-in and listening questions are marked instantly with the real test's rules. See exactly how we mark.
- At the end you'll see a results report by task type, with what to practise next.
Test paused. The clock has stopped.
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How this practice is marked
One point per correct answer, with spelling checked, as in the real IELTS. There's no penalty for wrong answers. We show points rather than a band, because IELTS converts raw scores using tables that vary by test version. See IELTS band scores explained and how our marking works.
Answers, explanations and transcripts
Finish the test first, then open each section to check your answers. Every answer has an explanation.
Listening
Transcript: Recording: enrolling in a class
Receptionist: Good morning, Riverside Community Centre. How can I help?
Caller: Hi, I'd like to enrol in the English conversation class.
Receptionist: Sure. Can I take your name?
Caller: It's Ana Silva. That's S-I-L-V-A.
Receptionist: Thanks. And which class are you interested in?
Caller: The evening class on Tuesdays.
Receptionist: That one starts at six thirty and finishes at eight. The fee is forty-five dollars for the whole term.
Caller: Great. Do I need to bring anything?
Receptionist: Just a notebook. And please arrive ten minutes early on the first night to fill in a form. The class is in Room 12, on the first floor.
Answer key (7 answers)
| # | Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name: Ana ___ | Silva | |
| 2 | Class day: ___ | Tuesday (also accepted: Tuesdays) | |
| 3 | evening. Start time: ___ | 6.30 (also accepted: 6:30, six thirty, 630) | |
| 4 | pm. Fee: $ ___ | 45 (also accepted: forty-five, forty five) | |
| 5 | for the term. Bring: a ___ | notebook | |
| 6 | Room: ___ | 12 (also accepted: twelve) | |
| 7 | What should the caller do on the first night? | B. Arrive ten minutes early | The receptionist asks her to arrive ten minutes early to fill in a form. |
Frequently asked questions
What's in IELTS listening practice test 1?
A recording with form completion questions, marked instantly with explanations.
Is it free?
Yes, with no sign-up.
Where can I take a full listening test?
Try our full IELTS Listening tests or the unlimited listening mock test.