LISTENING

In IELTS Listening, you will encounter a variety of question types that assess different listening skills. Here are the common IELTS Listening question types:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Task: Choose the correct answer from three or four options.
Skills Tested: Detail recognition, main ideas, specific information.
Tips:

• Read the questions carefully before the audio starts.

• Pay attention to synonyms and paraphrasing.

2. Matching Information

Task: Match a list of options (e.g., names, places, or events) to the correct description or criteria.
Skills Tested: Understanding relationships between ideas, identifying matching details.
Tips:

• Be aware of the sequence of the options in the audio.

• Use process of elimination.

3. Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling

Task: Label the parts of a diagram, map, or plan with the correct information.
Skills Tested: Spatial understanding, recognizing descriptions of locations.
Tips:

• Follow directions closely in the audio (e.g., “turn left,” “go straight”).

• Pay attention to keywords such as "next to," "opposite," and "behind."

4. Form, Note, Table, Flow-chart, or Summary Completion

Task: Fill in the blanks with the correct information from the audio.
Skills Tested: Recognizing key details, summarizing information.
Tips:

• Pay attention to the word limit (usually one word, two words, or a number).

• Write the exact words you hear in the recording.

5. Sentence Completion

Task: Complete sentences with information from the recording.
Skills Tested: Understanding specific details and paraphrased information.
Tips:

• Focus on grammar so that your answers fit the sentence structure.

• Be aware of distractors in the recording.

6. Short Answer Questions

Task: Answer questions using no more than a specified number of words and/or a number (e.g., “No more than two words”).
Skills Tested: Identifying precise information and details.
Tips:

• Look for the exact piece of information.

• Use keywords to predict the type of information (e.g., name, time, place).

7. Pick from a List (Selection Tasks)

Task: Select the correct options from a given list of answers (e.g., "Choose TWO answers").
Skills Tested: Listening for multiple pieces of related information.
Tips:

• The answers may not be mentioned in the same order as the options.

• Focus on clues and keywords to distinguish between distractors.

General Tips for IELTS Listening:

• Preview the questions: You get a short time to read the questions before each section.

• Keyword strategy: Underline keywords in the questions to help focus your listening.

• Stay focused: The audio is played once. Stay attentive and avoid distractions.

• Spelling and grammar: Incorrect spelling or exceeding the word limit can result in lost marks.

• Time management: Use the time given at the end to review your answers.

IELTS Listening Part 1: Overview

Format:

• A conversation between two people in a daily life context (e.g., making a reservation, asking for directions, or discussing a schedule).

• The questions usually involve form-filling, note-taking, or completing a table.

• There are 10 questions in this section, and the answers are usually simple factual information (names, numbers, dates, addresses, etc.).

Common Question Types in Part 1:

1. Form Completion

2. Note Completion

3. Table Completion

4. Sentence Completion

5. Short-Answer Questions

How to Answer IELTS Listening Part 1:

1. Read the Questions Before Listening

• You are given 30 seconds to review the questions before the recording starts.

• Identify the keywords (e.g., "date," "time," "name") so you know what specific information to listen for.

2. Anticipate the Type of Information Needed

• Look at the blanks:

  • Name: Could be a first or last name (listen for spelling hints).

  • Number: Could be a phone number, cost, or address (e.g., "$15", "555-9827").

  • Date/Time: Often mentioned in a variety of ways (e.g., "Tuesday, 5 PM" or "next Thursday").

3. Focus on Spelling and Numbers

• If a name or address is unfamiliar, it will often be spelled out (e.g., "S for Sugar, A for Apple").

• For numbers, listen carefully for patterns (e.g., “double three” = 33).

4. Be Careful of Distractors

• In Part 1, speakers may change their answers (e.g., "Oh no, sorry, it’s not 5 PM—it’s 6 PM").

• Keep listening until the end of the sentence to confirm the final answer.

5. Write Within the Word Limit

• Pay attention to the instructions (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS"). Writing more than the word limit will result in a zero score for that question.

6. Review Your Answers After the Audio Ends

• You’ll have some time to review your answers after the audio ends. Double-check spelling, grammar, and the format (e.g., "$15" instead of "15 dollars").

Sample Question Types with Examples:

1. Form Completion Example:

Question:

Name of guest: __________  

Date of booking: __________  

Contact number: __________  

Tips:

• Expect names and phone numbers to be spelled out.

• Listen for corrections: “Actually, the booking should be for the 12th, not the 11th.”

2. Note Completion Example:

Question:

Mr. Smith is visiting the __________ office at 2 PM on Monday.  

Tips:

• You might hear a variety of offices being mentioned: “First, go to the reception desk. The finance office is on the left, but he needs to visit the admissions office.”

3. Example:

Time--------------Activity-------------Cost

10:00-------------City Tour-----------........

__________

Tips:

• For the cost, listen for phrases like “the total comes to” or “that will be 20 dollars.”

Key Phrases to Listen For:

• Spelling: "That’s B-A-K-E-R.”

• Numbers: "Double five” (for "55") or "triple zero" (for "000").

• Corrections: "Sorry, I meant..."

Example Answer Strategy:

If the question asks for:

• Name: Be prepared for an uncommon name being spelled.

• Date: Pay attention to phrases like "the day after tomorrow" or "next Monday."

• Cost: Write the exact format (e.g., "£10," not "10 pounds").

Practice Question:

Audio Context: A person is booking a hotel room.

1. Arrival date: __________

2. Number of nights: __________

Tip:
For "arrival date," the speaker may say, "I'll be arriving on the 23rd but leaving on the 26th, so I’ll stay three nights." In this case, the correct answer is 23rd.

IELTS Listening Part 2: Overview

Format:

• A monologue or speech by one person (e.g., a tour guide, event speaker, or instructions from a manager).

• The context is typically social or general (e.g., describing a place, an event, or providing information about facilities).

• You will answer 10 questions in this section.

Common Question Types in Part 2:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

2. Matching Information

3. Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling

4. Sentence Completion

5. Table/Note/Flow-chart Completion

How to Answer IELTS Listening Part 2:

1. Read the Questions Before Listening

• Use the 30 seconds provided to read the questions carefully.

• Underline keywords (e.g., "date," "location," "feature") to help predict the type of information you need.

2. Focus on the Overall Structure

• In Part 2, the monologue often follows a logical order (e.g., introduction, main points, and conclusion).

• The speaker may give clues like “Let’s start with...” or “Finally, I’ll mention...”

3. Be Ready for Paraphrasing

• The wording in the audio may differ from the questions.

  • For example:

    • Question: "There is a free shuttle bus available to..."

    • Audio: "Visitors can take advantage of a complimentary bus service."

• Listen for synonyms rather than expecting exact matches.

4. Pay Close Attention to Directions (for Maps and Plans)

• If you need to label a map or diagram, listen carefully for prepositions (e.g., “next to,” “across from,” “on the right”).

• Visualize the layout while the speaker describes it.

• Common directions:

  • "Go straight," "turn left," "opposite to," "adjacent to," etc.

5. Be Aware of Distractors

• The speaker may provide extra information that is not relevant to the correct answer or may change their statement (e.g., "We were planning to open it on the 10th, but it was delayed to the 15th").

6. Manage Time Carefully

• After each recording, you will have time to review your answers. Double-check spelling, word limits, and grammar.

Common Question Types in Detail:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

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What is the purpose of the new visitor center?  

A) To offer guided tours.  

B) To provide information for tourists.  

C) To display historical artifacts.  

Tips:

• Focus on eliminating incorrect answers.

• Be cautious—sometimes all options may sound correct at first.

2. Matching Information

Example: Match the descriptions with the correct locations (A, B, or C).

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1. Has free parking.  

2. Has a children’s play area.  

3. Offers evening shows.  

Tips:

• Listen for specific details about each place.

• Keep track of which features are assigned to which place.

3. Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling

Example: Label the locations of different attractions on a park map.
Tips:

• Pay close attention to directional clues like "next to the entrance" or "opposite the café."

• Track the speaker's path as they describe locations.

4. Sentence/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion

Example:

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The new community center will open on __________.  

Tips:

• Follow the instructions regarding the word limit (e.g., "ONE WORD ONLY").

• Write the information exactly as you hear it (e.g., "Monday, 14th January").

Sample Practice:

Context: The speaker is giving an orientation at a museum.

1. The guided tours begin at: __________

2. The children’s section is located: __________

3. Visitors can watch a documentary at: __________

Tips for This Scenario:

• Listen for specific times and places.

• For map-related questions, visualize the museum layout as the speaker describes it.

Key Listening Tips for Part 2:

• Stay calm: Even if you miss an answer, quickly refocus to avoid missing the next one.

• Practice active listening: Regularly practice with IELTS Listening past papers and audio recordings to get familiar with the accents and pacing.

• Familiarize yourself with maps and diagrams: Get comfortable with interpreting locations and directions.

IELTS Listening Part 3: Overview

Format:

• A discussion involving 2-4 speakers, usually set in an academic context (e.g., a student and a tutor discussing an assignment, or a group of students working on a project).

• The discussion focuses on topics like research projects, presentations, lectures, or student experiences.

• There are 10 questions in this section, and the language is more complex compared to Parts 1 and 2.

Common Question Types in Part 3:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

2. Matching Information

3. Sentence Completion

4. Table/Note/Flow-chart Completion

5. Short-Answer Questions

How to Answer IELTS Listening Part 3:

1. Read the Questions Carefully Before Listening

• Use the 30 seconds provided to preview the questions.

• Underline keywords in the questions to focus on what specific information you need (e.g., "advantages," "challenges," "opinions").

2. Identify the Speakers

• Pay attention to who is speaking and what their roles are (e.g., the student is explaining their opinion, and the tutor is giving advice).

• Speakers may have different viewpoints on the same topic, which you need to distinguish.

3. Understand the Flow of the Discussion

• In Part 3, the discussion may involve agreements, disagreements, and clarifications.

  • Example phrases:

    • Agreement: “That’s right.” / “Exactly.”

    • Disagreement: “I’m not sure about that.” / “Actually, I think…”

    • Clarification: “What I meant was…” / “To be more specific...”

4. Be Ready for Paraphrasing

• The words used in the audio may be different from those in the questions.

  • Example:

    • Question: "What problem did the group encounter during their research?"

    • Audio: "The main issue we had was accessing the data."

  • Answer: "Data access problems."

5. Handle Distractors

• The discussion may mention incorrect options to mislead you before providing the correct answer.

  • Example: "We thought about using survey data, but in the end, we used interviews instead."

  • Correct Answer: "Interviews."

6. Be Precise with Time Management

• The recording plays only once. If you miss an answer, quickly move to the next question rather than dwelling on it.

Common Question Types in Detail:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Example:

Why does the student choose a specific research topic?  

A) It is a personal interest.  

B) It is a tutor’s recommendation.  

C) It is an easy option for a project.  

Tips:

• Focus on the main idea rather than getting distracted by unrelated details.

• Eliminate incorrect answers based on what is said in the discussion.

2. Matching Information

Example: Match the research topics with the correct student (A, B, or C).

1. Focuses on environmental issues.  

2. Explores modern architecture.  

3. Studies behavioral psychology.  

Tips:

• Note the names of each student and listen for their preferences and opinions.

• Track who is speaking and which topic they are describing.

3. Sentence/Table/Note/Flow-chart Completion

Example:

The tutor suggests that the students should use __________ to analyze the survey results.  

Tips:

• Listen for advice or instructions related to the project.

• Write exactly what you hear and follow the word limit (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS").

4. Short-Answer Questions

Example:

What type of data collection does the group use? __________  

Tips:

• Pay attention to direct mentions of specific data methods like "survey," "interview," or "experiment."

• Stick to the required word count.

Sample Practice for IELTS Listening Part 3:

Context: A group of students is discussing their group presentation with their tutor.

1. What problem did the students face during their research?

2. What does the tutor suggest to improve their data analysis?

3. Why did one student prefer using interviews over surveys?

Tips:

• Take note of opinions vs. facts.

• Be prepared for the discussion to contain contrasting viewpoints.

Key Phrases to Listen for in Part 3:

• Suggestions: “Why don’t you…” / “I’d recommend...”

• Opinions: “I believe...” / “I think…”

• Agreements/Disagreements: “I see your point, but…” / “You’re absolutely right.”

• Challenges: “We had trouble with...” / “The main issue was…”

General Tips for IELTS Listening Part 3:

• Practice different accents: The IELTS test may feature British, Australian, or American accents.

• Identify speaker roles: Know who is giving advice, who is agreeing, and who is explaining.

• Take notes: Jot down key points mentally as you listen to keep track of the discussion.

IELTS Listening Part 4: Overview

Format:

• A monologue (speech or lecture) by one speaker in an academic or general topic (e.g., a professor explaining a research study or a public talk on global issues).

• The content is usually more complex, involving facts, opinions, and sometimes detailed data or comparisons.

• There are 10 questions in this section, and you need to follow a continuous speech without breaks.

Common Question Types in Part 4:

1. Sentence Completion

2. Note Completion

3. Summary/Table/Flow-chart Completion

4. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

How to Answer IELTS Listening Part 4:

1. Preview the Questions Before Listening

• Quickly skim the questions and highlight keywords (e.g., "cause," "method," "result") to predict the type of information needed.

• Look for words that indicate the type of answer required (e.g., "year," "percentage," "material").

2. Anticipate the Type of Information

• Pay attention to the blanks:

  • Noun: Likely a thing (e.g., “building,” “method”).

  • Verb: Likely an action (e.g., “increased,” “analyzed”).

  • Adjective/Number: Often descriptive details (e.g., “five,” “important,” “largest”).

3. Focus on the Main Ideas

• The speech follows a logical structure (e.g., introduction, main points, conclusion).

• Listen for phrases that signal transitions:

  • “Now, let’s move on to…” (new point).

  • “To summarize…” (conclusion).

4. Handle Complex Information

• In Part 4, the speaker may mention technical details, comparisons, and examples.

• Ignore minor details unless they directly answer the question.

• If the speaker explains multiple examples, focus on the one relevant to the question.

5. Avoid Distractors and Clarifications

• The speaker may give additional explanations or corrections (e.g., “I initially thought… but later discovered…”).

• Don’t get confused by statements that are retracted or corrected.

6. Follow the Word Limit

• The instructions specify the word limit (e.g., "NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER"). Writing too many words will result in no points for that answer.

Common Question Types in Detail:

1. Sentence/Note/Summary Completion

Example:

The lecturer emphasized that the experiment’s main goal was to test the __________ of the new software.  

Tips:

• Focus on what the speaker emphasizes as important.

• Write the answer as it is heard (e.g., “accuracy” or “functionality”).

2. Table/Flow-chart Completion

Example:

Step--------------Process----------------------------Outcome

1--------------------Gather resources---------------.................

Tips:

• Follow the steps described in order.

• Pay attention to keywords indicating stages (e.g., “first,” “next,” “finally”).

3. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Example:

What did the researcher conclude about the study?  

A) It was inconclusive.  

B) It confirmed the hypothesis.  

C) It provided unexpected findings.  

Tips:

• Eliminate obviously wrong answers.

• Pay close attention to phrases like “the result was surprising” or “contrary to expectations.”

Sample Practice for IELTS Listening Part 4:

Context: A professor is giving a lecture about renewable energy sources.

1. The lecturer mentions that the primary drawback of solar panels is __________.

2. In comparison to wind energy, solar energy is considered more __________.

Tips:

• Focus on contrasts and comparisons (e.g., "unlike solar panels, wind turbines...").

• Be aware of cause-and-effect language (e.g., "because," "therefore").

Key Phrases to Listen for in Part 4:

• Examples: "For instance..." / "An example of this is..."

• Transitions: "However..." / "In contrast..." / "On the other hand..."

• Summaries: "In conclusion..." / "To sum up..."

• Clarifications: "What I mean is..." / "Let me clarify..."

General Tips for IELTS Listening Part 4:

• Stay focused: Since Part 4 is a long monologue, it’s easy to lose concentration. Practice listening to podcasts, lectures, and presentations to improve focus.

• Write as you listen: Avoid waiting until the audio finishes before writing your answers.

• Spelling and grammar: Incorrect spelling or grammar can cost points, so review your answers during the last minute.

Top IELTS Listening Tips for a High Score

The IELTS Listening test can be challenging, but with the right strategy and consistent practice, you can significantly improve your performance. Below are practical tips for IELTS Listening success:

Before the Listening Test

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format

• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes for transferring answers in paper-based tests).

• Sections: 4 parts, 10 questions each (40 questions in total).

• Accent Variety: British, Australian, American, and Canadian accents.

2. Practice with Realistic Materials

• Use official IELTS Listening practice tests to get familiar with the format.

• Listen to English podcasts, news, and lectures to build your listening stamina.

3. Build Vocabulary and Synonyms

• In the test, paraphrasing is common. For example, the word "cost" in the question might be mentioned as "price" in the recording.

• Familiarize yourself with synonyms, idioms, and commonly paraphrased phrases.

During the Listening Test

4. Read the Questions First

• You will be given 30 seconds to review the questions before each section.

• Underline keywords (e.g., names, dates, places) so you know what to listen for.

• Predict what type of answer is needed (e.g., a number, name, or place).

5. Be Aware of Distractors

• The recording often contains distractors (incorrect information before giving the correct answer).

• Example:
  Audio: “The event was first planned for July 10, but it was later moved to July 15.”
  Answer: July 15.

6. Pay Attention to Word Limits

• Carefully read the instructions for each section (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER").

• If you write more than the word limit, your answer will be marked incorrect.

7. Write While You Listen

• Don’t wait for the recording to finish—write your answers as you hear them.

• Keep answers short and clear to avoid errors when transferring them later.

8. Focus on the Context

• Each part has a different context:

  • Part 1: Everyday conversation (e.g., booking a hotel room).

  • Part 2: Speech or monologue about general information (e.g., museum tour).

  • Part 3: Academic discussion between 2-4 speakers (e.g., students discussing a project).

  • Part 4: Academic lecture or presentation by one speaker.

9. Listen for Numbers and Spelling

• In Part 1, names and addresses are often spelled out.

• Example: “Her name is Baker—B-A-K-E-R.”

• For phone numbers, listen for phrases like "double three" (meaning 33).

After the Listening Test

10. Use the Extra Time Wisely (Paper-Based Test)

• You have 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

• Check for spelling, grammar, and whether your answers fit the word limit.

11. Use Capital Letters (Optional)

• To avoid mistakes, you can write all your answers in capital letters (e.g., "LONDON" instead of "London").

12. Don’t Leave Any Blank Answers

• There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so guess if you’re unsure. Use contextual clues to make an educated guess.

General Listening Tips

13. Improve Your Listening Speed and Stamina

• Listen to English podcasts, TED Talks, and news reports regularly to improve your speed.

• Try summarizing what you hear to test your comprehension.

14. Practice Listening to Different Accents

• IELTS Listening includes accents from the UK, Australia, the USA, and Canada.

• Watch international content (e.g., BBC, ABC News Australia) to get used to these accents.

15. Avoid Losing Focus

• Part 4 is often the most challenging because it is a long academic monologue. Stay focused until the end by practicing sustained listening sessions.

16. Learn How to Skim and Scan Effectively

• Skimming helps you quickly understand the context, while scanning helps you find specific keywords or phrases.

Extra Practice Tips:

• Listen Actively: Instead of passive listening (just hearing), focus on picking up details and summarizing main ideas.

• Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Time yourself during practice tests to build familiarity with the test’s time constraints.

• Track Common Mistakes: After each practice test, review where you made errors and note the types of mistakes (e.g., spelling errors, missing keywords).

To help you prepare for IELTS Listening with a High score goal, here's an overview of giving directions, prepositions of location, and prepositions of movement with relevant examples:

1. Giving Directions in IELTS Listening

When giving or following directions, the speaker may use specific verbs, prepositions, and movement phrases. Pay attention to landmarks, distances, and key phrases such as "turn left," "go past," and "at the corner." Here's a breakdown:

Common Directional Phrases:

• Turn left/right: Turn right at the corner of High Street.

• Go straight ahead: Go straight ahead for 200 meters.

• At the end of: You’ll see the building at the end of the path.

• Next to/beside: The café is next to the bookstore.

• Opposite: The bank is opposite the post office.

• On your left/right: The entrance is on your left.

• Take the first/second turn: Take the second left after the traffic light.

2. Prepositions of Location (Where things are positioned)

These prepositions describe where something is:

• Next to/beside: The pharmacy is next to the library.

• In front of: The bus stop is in front of the school.

• Behind: The park is behind the museum.

• Between: The bank is between the coffee shop and the hotel.

• Opposite: The car park is opposite the train station.

• At: The statue is at the center of the square.

• On: The map is on the table.

• In: The meeting room is in the building.

3. Prepositions of Movement (How to move around places)

These prepositions describe the direction of movement:

• To: Walk to the end of the street.

• Into: Go into the building through the glass door.

• Onto: Step onto the platform.

• Across: Walk across the road carefully.

• Through: Go through the gate.

• Past: Walk past the supermarket.

• Up/down: Go up the stairs. / Go down the hill.

• Over: Walk over the bridge.

• Under: Walk under the archway.

• Out of: Come out of the elevator.

IELTS Listening Practice Example:

Audio Prompt:
"To get to the library, start at the main gate. Go straight ahead and take the first right. Walk past the café, and you’ll find the library opposite the science building."

Key Prepositions to Note:

• at the main gate (location)

• go straight ahead (movement)

• take the first right (movement)

• walk past the café (movement)

• opposite the science building (location)

Tips for a High Score in IELTS Listening:

1. Understand Keywords: Focus on prepositions like “next to,” “past,” and “opposite” as they are commonly tested.

2. Practice with Maps: Listening Section 2 often includes map labelling. Practice identifying locations and following directional prompts.

3. Anticipate Directions: Predict possible routes when the audio starts.

4. Check Spelling: Write down place names carefully—small errors can cost points.

5. Note Synonyms: Words like “go straight” and “continue forward” may be used interchangeably.

Would you like to practice with an example map question or more exercises?

In IELTS Listening, time-related terms such as half, quarter, and fractions like one-third are commonly used to describe not only clock times but also measurements, durations, and proportions. These terms can appear in contexts like recipes, schedules, distances, or amounts of time.

1. Time Expressions for Clock Time:

• Half past: 30 minutes past the hour (e.g., half past 5 = 5:30).

• Quarter past: 15 minutes past the hour (e.g., quarter past 3 = 3:15).

• Quarter to: 15 minutes before the next hour (e.g., quarter to 7 = 6:45).

Example:

• “The meeting starts at quarter past 10.”

  • Answer: 10:15 a.m.

2. Fractions in Time Durations:

• Half (1/2): Half an hour = 30 minutes.

• Quarter (1/4): A quarter of an hour = 15 minutes.

• One-third (1/3): 20 minutes (if referring to an hour).

• Two-thirds (2/3): 40 minutes (if referring to an hour).

Example:

• “The walk takes about half an hour.”

  • Answer: 30 minutes.

• “The presentation is one-third of an hour.”

  • Answer: 20 minutes.

3. Prepositions of Time with Fractions:

• In: Describes when something will happen.
  “The train will arrive in a quarter of an hour.” (15 minutes from now).

• By: A deadline or time limit.
  “The task must be done by half past four.” (4:30 p.m.).

• Within: A period of time.
  “You must complete the form within two-thirds of an hour.” (within 40 minutes).

4. Common Time Fractions in Different Contexts:

• Cooking:
  “Bake the cake for half an hour at 180°C.” (30 minutes).

• Travel:
  “It takes a quarter of an hour to get to the station.” (15 minutes).

• Exercise:
  “You should spend at least two-thirds of an hour doing cardio.” (40 minutes).

• Academic Tasks:
  “Allocate one-third of your study time to revising vocabulary.” (20 minutes if study time is an hour).

Practice Questions:

1. “The first part of the presentation takes a quarter of an hour.”

   • Answer: 15 minutes.

2. “The break between sessions is two-thirds of an hour.”

   • Answer: 40 minutes.

3. “The session will begin at half past 11.”

   • Answer: 11:30 a.m.

IELTS Listening Tips for Time Fractions:

1. Identify the context: Is it about a schedule, a recipe, or travel? Knowing the context helps you anticipate the fraction’s meaning.

2. Write while listening: Don’t wait—note down the fraction and convert later if needed (e.g., 1/3 hour = 20 minutes).

3. Listen for paraphrasing: IELTS often rephrases fractions. For example, “twice as long as a quarter” means 30 minutes.

Let me know if you'd like a personalized practice test or need more examples!