IELTS Listening Practice Test 52
4 parts · 40 questions · about 32 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 about the astronaut selection process at NASA.
Questions 1–6
Complete the form below.
Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
NASA Astronaut Application – Key Requirements
Application overview
- Total applications received:
- Selection outcome: 10 new astronaut
- Minimum academic credential:
- Official information page: agency
- Applicants advised to study the thoroughly
- Pilots’ minimum flying time: hours
Questions 7–10
Complete the sentences below.
Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Part 2: Questions 11–20
You will hear a radio report about a total solar eclipse that will cross North America.
Questions 11–15
Label the map below. Write the correct letter, A–H, next to Questions 11–15.
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
Questions 16–20
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Part 3: Questions 21–30
You will hear a discussion about how space agencies support astronauts’ mental health and select suitable crew members.
Questions 21–24
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Questions 25–30
Complete the summary below.
Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Astronaut selection criteria
During the selection process, a large panel including psychologists and evaluates candidates. Assessors emphasise team and the capacity to to changing circumstances. They also use a and consult team members. Candidates then complete a of tests designed to confirm that they are and able to collaborate.
Part 4: Questions 31–40
You will hear an interview about preparing a NASA vacuum chamber for testing the James Webb Space Telescope.
Questions 31–35
Label the diagram below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
The telescope in the test chamber
Questions 36–40
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
Site and vibration notes
- The telescope's is located below the support mechanism.
- The facility is not founded on solid .
- The ground beneath the building is a mixture of mud and .
- A can be parked behind the building without affecting the chamber.
- Vibrations from outside are not seen through to the chamber.
About this listening test
| Part | Recording | Questions | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selecting Candidates for Demanding Roles | 1–10 | Form completion, Sentence completion |
| 2 | Watching a Rare Sky Event | 11–20 | Matching features, Multiple choice |
| 3 | Supporting Mental Health in Teams | 21–30 | Short-answer questions, Summary completion |
| 4 | Preparing a Vacuum Test Chamber | 31–40 | Diagram label completion, Note completion |
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: So You Want to be an Astronaut? (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: North America Prepares for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. VOA Learning English (learningenglish.voanews.com), public domain
- Part 3: Spaceflight Adaptation (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 4: The James Webb Space Telescope (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)