Curated resources to boost your IELTS preparation. Practise with authentic English materials used by successful candidates.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will take a look at my top 5 picks from TED Talks.
Listening to talks or lectures will really help you to develop your listening skills for the IELTS Listening Test. Listening to something that interests you can make studying more fun and can raise your enthusiasm. If you just practised listening with IELTS test papers you might get bored and lose interest. Dividing up your listening practice into sections, where you study both listening test papers and other sources will be helpful.
Listening to various sources like TED Talks, will not only help you to develop your listening skills but also to improve your use of general English. Non-native speakers often develop their language skills by watching TV shows or movies. For more academic content, listening to TED Talks or TED-Ed is a great way to listen to different accents and test your listening abilities.
Take a look at my top 5 TED Talks below and let me know what you think in the comments!
1. Do Schools Kill Creativity? - By Sir Ken Robinson
This talk is not only saying a lot about the education systems around the world but the speaker is very funny. When I first watched this video, I was laughing so much and I thought that he was not only an excellent public speaker, engaging with the audience but he supported his key points with really funny moving stories. I also share his views about the arts being seen as lesser subjects in schools and colleges and I am hopeful that one day that mindset will change.
Listen to the talk and see what you think, make some notes on the following questions >>
What are the key points?
What do you think of the speaker?
Did you enjoy the talk?
What is his opinion on the school systems?
How did the talk make you feel?
Did you write down any unknown vocabulary?
2. What I saw In The War - Janine Di Giovanni
Listen to the talk and see what you think, make some notes on the following questions >>
What are the key points?
What do you think of the speaker?
Did you enjoy the talk?
How did the talk make you feel?
Did you write down any unknown vocabulary?
3. The Man Behind Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity by Elon Musk
Listen to the talk between two people and see what you think, make some notes on the following questions >>
What are the key points?
Do they agree or disagree on anything?
How well did you understand the content?
Did you write down any unknown vocabulary?
4. Rethinking Infidelity... A Talk For Anyone Who Has Ever Loved By Esther Perel
Ester Perel is a Psychotherapist and her talks are very popular!
Listen to the talk below and see what you think, make some notes on the following questions >>
What are the key points?
How well did you understand the content?
Did you enjoy the talk?
Did you write down any unknown vocabulary?
5. How Fake News Does Real Harm By Stephanie Busari
Listen to the talk below and see what you think, make some notes on the following questions >>
What are the key points?
How well did you understand the content?
Did you enjoy the talk?
Did you write down any unknown vocabulary?
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will be looking at how you can understand the IELTS Listening Test Band Scores for both the Academic Test and The General Training Test.
The IELTS Listening Test has 40 questions with each correct answer given one mark. The score you get out of 40 is then converted into a band score. The scores are reported in both whole and half bands.
The table below shows the average number of marks required to attain a certain band score in the IELTS Listening Test.
Number of correct answers
IELTS Listening Band Score
39-40
9
37-38
8.5
35-36
8
32-34
7.5
30-31
7
26-29
6.5
23-25
6
18-22
5.5
16-17
5
13-15
4.5
11-12
4
IELTS Listening Band Score
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
How IELTS Listening Band Scores Are Calculated
Your IELTS Listening band score is based on the number of correct answers out of 40 questions. There is no negative marking — incorrect answers simply receive zero marks. The raw score is then converted to a band score on the 1-9 scale.
Score Conversion Table
Correct Answers
Band Score
39-40
9.0
37-38
8.5
35-36
8.0
32-34
7.5
30-31
7.0
26-29
6.5
23-25
6.0
18-22
5.5
16-17
5.0
13-15
4.5
Note: These are approximate conversions. IELTS uses a variable conversion table that may differ slightly between test versions to account for difficulty.
Tips to Improve Your Listening Score
Read questions before each section plays: Use the preparation time to underline keywords and predict answer types.
Listen for paraphrases: The audio will rarely use the exact words from the question. Train yourself to recognise synonyms and restatements.
Watch for distractors: Speakers may mention an answer and then correct themselves. Listen for phrases like "actually," "I mean," or "no, wait."
Practise with varied accents: IELTS Listening features British, Australian, North American, and other English accents.
Check spelling and grammar: Misspelled answers are marked incorrect. Pay attention to singular/plural forms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing more words than the instruction allows (e.g., writing three words when "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS" is specified)
Missing the answer while writing a previous one — keep pace with the recording
Not transferring answers carefully to the answer sheet in the final 10 minutes
Leaving answers blank — always make a guess as there is no penalty for wrong answers
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to follow a lecture or talkin the listening test.
The questions in the IELTS Listening Test will ask you to focus on the key points given by the speakers, so it is important for you to practice identifying the key points in a talk or lecture.
Exercise 1
Listen to the TED Talk below and answer the following questions >>
What are the key points?
Which of the following describes the main topic of the talk?
Explaining how the refugee crisis is growing
Describing how the refugee crisis is slowing down
How to rebuild places that have been destroyed by war
Answers are at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 2
You may be asked to complete a summary in the listening paper that summarises the content of the talk or lecture you have heard.
Listen to the lecture below (only once), then complete the summary >>
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer
Summary
Lead was used for years in many household items including 1. .............................. It can cause many health issues including rashes, abdominal pains and 2. .............................. The effects of this can be really serious in young children, as their brains are constantly growing at a fast rate. For them, it can cause 3. ................................... memory loss and behavioural issues. Lead can block chemical signals and weaken 4. .......................................
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 3
Listen to the TED Talk below and answer the following questions >>
What is the purpose of the talk?
What illness did the speaker have?
How did she feel?
What was the name of her nurse?
What did the nurse believe?
What did they talk about?
How long did the speaker spend documenting nurses for her book?
What were the issues she looked at?
Who was the first nurse she met?
What did the Native American patient bring to the ICU?
Who was the second nurse?
Who was the third?
Where was he a nurse?
He is both a nurse and a _____?
Who is the fourth nurse she met?
What did she do to introduce therapy to her patients?
Answers at the bottom of the page.
REVIEW AND STRATEGY
TIP >> It is important that you read the questions and familiarise yourself with the content you are looking at before you start listening.
TIP >> Listen out for the speaker introducing themselves and the talk, this might help you to follow the information and focus.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Make short notes during the talk when listening for specific information.
Answers >>
Exercise 1
Key Points
The refugee crisis is growing.
The refugee children want to have an education.
Individual stories from refugees - are the examples given to support the seriousness of this crisis.
The public should invest in the future of refugees, with skills and education.
Main topic = Explaining how the refugee crisis is growing
Exercise 2
1. paint
2. anemia
3. headaches
4. neurones
Exercise 3
1. To give acknowledge and give credit to nurses
2. Breast cancer
3. Terrified and scared.
4. Joanne Staha
5. That her life will be back to normal again
6. They talked about her boyfriends, the plan to look for an apartment in New York and her reaction to chemotherapy
7. 5 years
8. Public health issues; ageing, wars, poverty and prisons
9. Bridget Kumbella
10. Bunch of feathers
11. Jason Short
12. Brian Mcmillion
13. Germany
14. Soldier
15. Sister Stephen
16. Baby animals like baby ducks and baby lambs.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Essential strategies and practice techniques for this IELTS Reading question type. Learn how to manage time and improve accuracy.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at sentence completion questions in the listening test.
Similar to short-answer questions, sentence completion questions are designed to assess your ability to find specific information. You will have to choose the right words or keywords from a text to complete a sentence. The words will be in the text and when you write them, they must be grammatically correct.
The questions will paraphrase the information from the recording, or a speaker in the recording may paraphrase, so you will have to use your knowledge of synonyms, noticing any keywords and terms. Recognising and using synonyms shows the examiner that you have good vocabulary knowledge. Paraphrasing is a skill that is needed in all parts of the test.
A question might paraphrase an idea during the recording.
For example;
The trip we went on was meant to last five days.
The journey we took was supposed to be for just less than a week.
The place we visited first was beautiful.
The area we toured, to begin with, was stunning.
The shuttle bus took us from the hotel into the town.
We were provided with free transport to the metropolis.
Examples of Synonyms
Money = cost / price / cash / pay
Location = area / district / neighbourhood
Transport = carriage / transportation / shipment
Journey = adventure / expedition / exploring
An effect = consequence / development
A cause = motive / purpose
Grammatical Accuracy
Each sentence must be grammatically correct and complete with the word limit expressed in the instructions. Don't use more words than you are allowed according to the instructions in the question.
For example, you may be asked to:
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer
If your answer does not follow the instructions given, it will be marked as incorrect.
Always read the questions before you listen to the recording and predict the type of words you would be able to use.
For example;
The Great North Run is on .....................................
Possible answers
An adverbial time phrase: The Great North Run is on - every year, once a year, in the summer.
A prepositional phrase that expresses a place: The Great North Run is on - in Newcastle, in the North-East, in the North.
Exercise 1
Read the questions first before you listen to the recording.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
1. Running in the race was the well known male runner ..................................
2. The race was on in the ....................................
3. This is the ........................................
4. Taking part in the race are ................................................
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 2
For most of the sentence completion questions you have to complete the end of the question, but there are other questions that will ask you to fill in gaps in other places. This could be at the beginning or the middle of a sentence.
Read the questions first before you listen to the recording.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
1. Prince Harry came home with three .................... ......................... people.
2. Prince Harry thinks that to him we are all the same and the people he worked with know him as ......................... ................................... not just as a prince.
3. They want an ................................. to ............................... to themselves that they are the same people.
4. Prince Harry wants to make sure that the mood is ........................................... and that the everyone .................................. it.
Answers at the bottom of the page.
REVIEW AND STRATEGY
TIP >> Read the instructions and questions before you start listening to the recording. What are you being asked to do? Familiarise yourself with the questions and think about the context.
TIP >> Look at the information/options you have been given and highlight any keywords.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Be aware of paraphrasing and synonyms.
TIP >> If you do miss an answer or were not sure, then it is ok to take a guess. This is better than leaving a blank space and you never know, you might answer correctly!
Answers >>
Exercise 1
1. Mo Farah
2. the North East
3. the 36th Race
4. different nationalities
Exercise 2
1. seriously wounded
2. Captain Wales
3. opportunity / prove
4. electric / enjoy
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at short answer questions in the listening test.
Short answer questions in the listening test, will require you to write no more than a set number of words and/or numbers. You will probably be given a limit, for example, 'No more than two words and/or a number'. If you write more words than the instructions tell you to, your answer will be marked as incorrect.
The short answers only need keywords, meaning you will not be able to write a sentence. These questions are there to see how well you can find specific information and be able to recognise when some information is not needed.
It is really important that you read the instructions of the questions carefully, often when people do not read them and follow them correctly they lose marks. When you are asked to complete questions, you will also be enlightened as to what information you can put into the gaps.
Being able to provide accurate short answers in the listening test is really important in order for you to gain a high score.
For example, you may be asked to:
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer
If your answer does not follow the instructions given, it will be marked as incorrect.
In the IELTS listening test, you must listen for specific information and be able to recognise when some information is not needed.
Exercise 1
Look at the text below and provide an answer that is NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Question - What did Segovia influence?
Spain will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the destination of my first international trip, and where I studied Spanish abroad and started to discover how much excitement the world had to offer.
My favourite part of that first trip was being able to explore smaller cities and towns in Spain that I wouldn’t have known about prior, and that is somewhat off the tourist path. I spent a month in Spain that summer, living in Salamanca and El Puerto de Santa Maria, and exploring the surrounding regions.
From Madrid, you can get to the city of Segovia in less than thirty minutes on the high-speed train, and I recommend getting out there. Famous for its Acazar and Roman aqueduct, Segovia is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One thing that I found interesting about Segovia is that it’s said that Walt Disney drew inspiration from the majestic Acazar for the iconic Cinderella’s castle.
Answer at the bottom of the page.
Distractors
A distractor is when you are given information that is wrong. This can lead you to choose the incorrect answer. They are common in the IELTS Listening tests, as they test your ability to choose the right information for the answers, by ignoring the wrong information. The distractors will try to trick you into selecting the wrong answer, so you must listen carefully for specific information.
Exercise 2
Listen to the following sound clip which contains a number of distractors. Before you listen, take a look at the questions and think about the context. What words or phrases would you expect to hear? Can you predict?
Question
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
1. What does he divide the meat into? .............................
2. What does he marinate the burgers with? .................................
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Practice Short Answer Questions
The IELTS listening test will allow you some time to read the questions before you listen to the recording. For the short answer questions, you should read the questions before you start and try to predict the answers, or what type of word would be appropriate for the answer.
Exercise 3
Read the following questions before listening to the sound clip.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER to answer.
1. According to the author, what does she say about writing another Harry Potter novel? ..................................
2. The author doesn't want to write which book? ............................................
3. Was Harry Potter one of the bestselling book series in? .......................................
4. What is the author worth financially? ..........................................
5. How does the author help children around the world? ..............................................
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Exercise 4
Short answer questions can be presented in other ways, for example asking you to listen to a recording and choose options.
Read the following questions before listening to the sound clip.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER to answer.
1. What does the student need to improve?
A. ...............................
B. ...............................
2. What are the writer's obligations to their readers?
A. ...............................
B. ...............................
Answers at the bottom of the page.
REVIEW AND STRATEGY
TIP >> Read the instructions and questions before you start listening to the recording. What are you being asked to do? Familiarise yourself with the questions and think about the context.
TIP >> Look at the questions/options you have been given and highlight any keywords.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Be aware of paraphrasing and synonyms.
TIP >> If you do miss an answer or were not sure, then it is ok to take a guess. This is better than leaving a blank space and you never know, you might answer correctly!
Answers >>
Exercise 1
Cinderella's Castle
Exercise 2
1. 200g
2. Mustard
Exercise 3
1. Never say never
2. Harry Potter 8
3. History
4. 1 billion dollars
5. Through charity work
Exercise 4
1. A - clear development / B - first sentence
2. A - Readership / B - Thesis
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
