Listening

The Listening section has four parts and 40 questions. Each recording plays once only, as in the real exam.

Before you start

1. Put on headphones.
2. On the intro screen, press Play sound check and set a comfortable volume.
3. Press Start.

How each part runs

Each part runs exactly like the real test:

1. The examiner introduces the part: who you will hear, and how long you have to read, for example "First, you have 30 seconds to look at questions 1 to 10."
2. Reading time: the full time is yours, after the examiner has finished speaking. A countdown shows how long is left.
3. The recording plays once. Answer as you listen.
4. The examiner says "That is the end of Part 1", and the next part begins.

After the last recording you have 2 minutes to check your answers.

Pausing

Pausing the test pauses the recording. When you continue, it carries on from the same point.

Spelling and word limits

• Gap-fill answers must be spelled correctly.
• Follow the instruction for the number of words, for example NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER. Answers over the limit score zero.

Marking

Each correct answer scores one mark. Your raw score out of 40 is converted to a band with the official Listening table. See Band scores.