IELTS Listening Practice Test 134
4 parts · 40 questions · about 31 minutes of audio. Below are all the questions. Take the test in your free dashboard to play the recordings, answer as you listen, and get your band score with the transcript of every answer.
Part 1: Questions 1–10
You will hear a conversation between a host and a scientist about her professional background and the organization she works for.
Questions 1–6
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Professional Background
Professional Background
- Field of doctorate:
- Body system investigated:
- Brain scan type:
- Year joined ESA:
- Initial job title:
- New role focus:
Questions 7–10
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Part 2: Questions 11–20
You will hear a radio programme about the origins and use of a popular saying.
Questions 11–15
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
Questions 16–20
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–H, next to Questions 16–20.
- A values lessons imparted by previous generations
- B welcomes an improvement in weather conditions
- C sustained damage to a personal vehicle
- D was stationary at the moment of impact
- E expresses appreciation for its listeners
- F anticipates significant repair expenses
- G was a source of distraction
- H asks whether anyone sustained injuries
Part 3: Questions 21–30
You will hear a conversation between a host and a marine biologist about methods used to study a critically endangered whale.
Questions 21–25
Complete the summary below.
Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Whale Vocalisations and Population Decline
North Pacific right whales produce a repertoire dominated by an impulsive sound referred to as a . Their songs differ from those of humpback whales chiefly in the regularity of the between successive sounds. Among right whales, vocal singing has so far been documented only in the population. Commercial exploitation caused a severe decline, and clandestine Soviet whaling during the 1960s removed more than additional animals. That population is currently believed to comprise fewer than individuals.
Questions 26–30
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Part 4: Questions 31–40
You will hear a podcast interview about the use of underwater gliders for collecting marine data.
Questions 31–35
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Glider Deployment Record
| Operational stage | Specification |
|---|---|
Preferred deployment depth | At least metres |
Early trial dives | Glider tied to a |
Typical duration off California | Roughly one |
Transport to South America | Packed inside a container |
Annual preparation deadline | Ready by early |
Questions 36–40
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
About this listening test
| Part | Recording | Questions | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Career Development and Institutional Structure | 1–10 | Note completion, Short-answer questions |
| 2 | The Language of Good Fortune | 11–20 | Sentence completion, Matching features |
| 3 | Studying an Endangered Whale | 21–30 | Summary completion, Multiple choice |
| 4 | Deep-Sea Glider Operations | 31–40 | Table completion, Multiple choice |
How to use it
- Open the test in your dashboard. Each part has its own track with the spoken instructions and the time to read the questions, as in the real exam.
- For exam practice, play each part once at 1× speed. To train your ear, slow it down or replay sections.
- Select words in a question to highlight the keywords you are listening for.
- After submitting, use “Show in transcript” to see exactly where each answer was said.
Audio sources
The recordings are real, copyright-free audio. The questions are written by Sprechify, and the spoken instructions use a synthetic voice.
- Part 1: European Science on Station (NASA Houston We Have a Podcast). NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston We Have a Podcast (NASA audio is generally not subject to copyright in the US)
- Part 2: Many People 'Thank Their Lucky Stars'. VOA Learning English (learningenglish.voanews.com), public domain
- Part 3: Documenting the Elusive North Pacific Right Whale (NOAA Fisheries, Dive In podcast). NOAA Fisheries, Dive In with NOAA Fisheries podcast (work of the US federal government, public domain)
- Part 4: How Underwater Drones Are Transforming Fisheries Data Collection in Remote Areas (NOAA Fisheries, Dive In podcast). NOAA Fisheries, Dive In with NOAA Fisheries podcast (work of the US federal government, public domain)