Listening Module Topics and Marking

Topics and Marking

Understand how the test is marked and what topics might come up

1-Topics Details

What topics are used and  might they be culturally sensitive?

The IELTS test is designed to assess language skills not specialist knowledge.Although the topics covered vary from test to test they are general enough so that all test takers will be familiar with them and will be able to answer questions on them.

Some general topics that may appear could include homes and families,schools and universities,work and business,food and places to eat or other public places such as shops,parks and places for sport and entertainment.

IELTS extensively trials test questions with people from different cultures to make sure that they are appropriate and fair.

2-Test Duration

How long does the test last?

Each recording is played only once and the test lasts for 40 minutes.

The first period lasts for 30 minutes and the second period lasts for 10 minutes.

During the first 30 minute period of the test you should write your answers on the question paper while listening to the recordings

During the last 10 minutes period of the test you should transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

3-Question Marking

How are questions marked?

The listening test is marked by certified markers,who are regularly monitored to ensure reliability.After marking at the test center, all answers sheets are returned to Cambridge English Language Assessment for analysis

4-Question Scoring

How are questions scored?

Each answer is worth 1 mark but poor spelling and grammar are penalized.