Understanding IELTS Listening Question Types
To succeed in the IELTS Listening test, knowing the different question types is just as important as your listening ability. The test doesn’t just assess your ability to hear words—it checks whether you can understand context, identify specific information, and follow instructions across a range of formats.
Here are the four most common question types in the IELTS Listening test:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Completion Questions
- Short Answer Questions
- Labelling a Diagram
Let’s explore each of these with detailed explanations and examples.
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Multiple Choice questions appear throughout the Listening test and become increasingly complex as the sections progress.
- Sections 1–2: focus on basic factual details (like names, dates, and places)
- Sections 3–4: require more interpretation, such as identifying opinions, attitudes, or abstract ideas
Standard Multiple Choice
You’ll choose the correct option (A, B, or C) based on what you hear. You may be asked to:
- Complete a sentence
- Answer a direct question
Example:
Question 1:
Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.
- The lecturer is going to talk about how to produce:
A) entertainment multimedia
B) educational multimedia
C) multimedia in general
Only one option is correct, and the answer must match what the speaker actually says.
Multiple Answers (Choose TWO or THREE)
In some questions, you’re required to choose two or three correct options from a longer list.
Example:
Question 2:
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
2. Which TWO of the following are important aspects of producing this multimedia?
A) audience
B) marketing strategy
C) resources
D) content
E) style
Pay attention to instructions like “TWO letters” — both must be correct to earn a mark.
Modified Multiple Choice
Here, one list of options is used to answer multiple questions.
Example 1:
Questions 3–5:
Which THREE groups of people are mentioned?
A) pre-school children
B) primary school children
C) high school students
D) tertiary students
E) employees
Write three correct letters (in any order). The answers are scattered across the audio.
Example 2: More Questions Than Answers
Some questions reuse options.
Questions 6–9:
Which age group expects the following?
A) Adults
B) Children
C) Adults and children
- Fun and stimulating visuals: ___
- Clear practical application: ___
- Humour: ___
- Associated workbook: ___
You may use each letter more than once.
Matching Modified Multiple Choice
You match a statement to one of several options.
Example:
Questions 1–3:
Match each statement to a letter A–F.
- An example of limited multimedia use
- Key to multimedia success
- Why lecturers value multimedia
A) students in control of learning
B) students working together
C) good visual quality
D) useful resource for lecturers
E) lecture notes for students
F) students working at own pace
These require strong comprehension and attention to detail and inference.
2. Completion Questions
You’ll complete forms, tables, sentences, or summaries with missing words or numbers.
Always pay close attention to:
- Word limits: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER
- Instructions: Type of information required (a date? a name? a noun?)
a) Form Completion
Usually found in Section 1. These involve everyday conversations (e.g., registering for a class).
Example:
Hiking Club Membership Form
Name: ____
Student Number: ____
Degree: Bachelor of ____
Found the club through: ____
b) Sentence Completion
You complete grammatically correct sentences with the missing information.
Example:
Studies have focused on how the ____ influences driver behaviour.
This research looks at the ____ of the music.
c) Flow Chart Completion
Used to show stages of a process. Often in Sections 2 or 4.
Example:
Research Method Flowchart
- Group 4 was given music at __ bpm
- Participants completed a __
- Measured: reaction time, __, and accident count
- Recorded __ during simulation
d) Table Completion
Tables compare data or results across groups or categories.
Example:
| Group | Drove through red light | Accidents | Heart rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18% | none | normal fluctuations |
| 4 | 8% | more frequent and __ | __ fluctuations |
e) Summary Paragraph Completion
These summarize main points. Answers may come from:
- A list of choices, or
- The audio only, with no list provided
Example (with list):
Hemp can produce __ containing more protein. Paint from hemp is __. It grows in __ conditions.
(List: arid, versatile, flour, long-lasting, etc.)
Example (without list):
Hemp can produce __ products. It grows under __ conditions and is a __ solution.
f) Summary Notes Completion
In this case, you complete lecture-style notes.
Example:
- Group 4: more likely to run red lights
- Groups 2 & 3: had __ accidents
- Conclusion: music may __ drivers
- Recommendation: choose __ music
3. Short Answer Questions
These are direct questions requiring brief factual answers.
Example:
Questions 21–22:
21. What time does the museum open?
22. How many people can join the tour?
Use the question word (What, When, How many, etc.) to predict:
- The type of answer (time, number, name)
- The format of the answer (a phrase, not a full sentence)
4. Labelling a Diagram
You label parts of a visual image such as:
- A machine
- A plant/tree
- A city map
- A technical process
Example:
Questions 38–40:
Label the diagram using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
(e.g., arrows pointing to: helmet, boots, protective mask)
You must:
- Identify the correct part from the diagram
- Match it to what you hear in the audio
- Respect the word limit
Final Tips for Tackling All IELTS Listening Questions
- Read the instructions carefully. Every detail matters—especially word count.
- Underline key words in the question before the recording begins.
- Predict the type of answer before you hear it—this helps you listen with purpose.
- Write answers as you go. You won’t hear the same information twice.
- Check grammar for sentence completion tasks. The sentence must make sense.
- Review spelling and accuracy in the 10-minute transfer time (paper test).
Knowing what to expect from each question type helps you listen more effectively and avoid simple mistakes. Use practice tests to become familiar with these formats and develop the habit of quick prediction and accurate note-taking.