IELTS

LISTENING
PASSAGES

SET 1
Day 1 to Day 16
Ready for IELTS

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
 READ CAREFULLY

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE EXAM

SECTION 1
• In IELTS Listening Section 1 you will hear a conversation between two people
once only. The recording tells you what the conversation is about. In this case
it’s a young woman answering an advert looking for help at a charity event.
• You will be given time to look at the questions before you begin and in the
middle of the recording.
• At the end of the section you will be given time to check your answers.
• You will hear an example.

SECTION 2
• In IELTS Listening Section 2 you will hear a monologue (one person
speaking), but sometimes you may hear one person answering questions. The
topic is usually of general interest and there can be two or three sets of
questions.
• You will be given time to look at the questions before you begin and in the
middle of the recording.
• At the end of the section you will be given time to check your answers.

SECTION 3
• In IELTS listening Section 3 there can be two or more speakers having a
discussion about a subject of an academic nature. You need to concentrate and
learn to recognize who is speaking.
• At the beginning of the recording the topic of conversation is mentioned.
• You will be given time to look at the questions before you begin and in the
middle of the recording.
• At the end of the section you will be given time to check your answers.

SECTION 4
• In IELTS Listening Section 4 you will hear a monologue once only. It is of an
academic nature, but does not require specialist knowledge.
• You are told at the beginning of the recording what the topic is about.
Sometimes there is a heading for the questions or part of the questions.
• There is a short pause in the middle of the monologue
• Section 4 is slightly more difficult than Section 3.

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 1 (CD1 track 1)
SECTION 1 Questions 1-10
Questions 1-4
Complete the notes below.
Write no more than ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Questions 5-8
Complete the form below.
Write no more than ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

Name: Andrea 5........................................

Address 90 6.......................................Mansions,
62 Park Avenue, London, SW14PQ
Telephone: 7....................................................
Telephone in the: 8…………………………….

Types of people desirable Write letters A-E :

9……………………….. 10………………………
A adventurous B inflexible C punctual D friendly E sporty

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 2(CD1 Track 2)
SECTION 2 Questions 11-20

Questions 11-15
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
Penwood Museum Competition
11 In the sixth summer show competition, there were
A five prize winners.
B four prize winners.
C three prize winners.
12 The theme of this year’s competition is
A involving young people in the museum’s activities.
B forming better links between local people and the museum.
C improving the local community’s access to art appreciation
13 The competition was open to those aged
A 13-19
B 15-19
C 13-18
14 During the preparation for the entry the competitors were
A able to use the museum’s educational facilities
B not permitted to use the museum’s educational facilities
C allowed to buy any of the equipment they needed
15 According to the speaker, the prize-winning exhibit has
A had no influence at all on attendances.
B led to a big reduction in attendances.
C brought about an increase in attendances

Questions 16-20
The Video Commentaries
What did the older people say about each piece of equipment?

Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-F next to questions
16-20

Comments Equipment
16 early wooden-framed TV ..........
A too large 17 early radios ……..
B boring 18 microwave ovens ……..
C more convenient 19 laptops ……..
D exciting 20 old cameras ……..
E well constructed
F still looked fashionable

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 3 (CD 1 Track 3)

SECTION 3 Questions 21-30

Question 21
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

21 The initial purpose of the case study was to look only at the club’s
A health and safety policy
B sporting achievements
C management structure

Questions 22-25
Complete the notes below
Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND /OR A NUMBER for each answer

Stars Club Case Study

Club background
- 600 members overall
- 23 staff including 22………………….. workers.
So far interviewed around 23 ……………………
Face-to-face interviews preferable to questionnaire
Would be able to ask for 24 ……………….. where necessary
Good administration/very focused managers
Management group has team 25 ……………………
Being there is an exhilarating experience

Questions 26-30
Complete the table below
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer

Reasons for Club’s Success

Reasons Comments by Purpose

researchers
Funding from government, crucial to pay for facilities 27
private 26 ………………. ……………… and time off
and ……………….. work.
quality of 28 …………….. professional Encouraging people to reach
their 29 ………………
motivation and 30 thrilling To become the best in their
………………….. of athletes field

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 4(CD1 Track 4)

SECTION 1 Question 1-10

Questions 1-6
Complete the form below

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND /OR A NUMBER for each answer

DETAILS FOR BOOK RESEARCH

Example Answer
Department Book Search

Title 1……………..
Author Dayne 2………………
ISBN number 978-0 3…………………..
Paperback book
Only published in 4……………………
No longer in print
Book category 5 ……………….fiction
Search types
Gold £25
Silver 6£…………………..
Questions 7-10
Complete the sentences below

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND /OR A NUMBER for each answer
7 the caller’s mobile number is 08967…………………………
8 Her email address is ……………….thompson9z@yahoo.fr
9 Her address is ………………Chaucer House, Ludlow Park Drive, Richmond, SW20
9RL.
10 She doesn’t want to receive any emails about ………………………..

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 5 (CD1 Track 5)

SECTION 2 Questions 11-20

Questions 11-16

Which change has been made to each part of the cinema?

Choose six answers from the box and write the correct letter A-G, next to the question

Regal Cinema Complex Part of the Cinema

A enlarged 11 facade .............
B replaced 12 auditorium ……….
C still closed 13 foyer ……….
D thoroughly cleaned 14 bar ……….
E split up 15 roof terrace ……….
F brightened up 16 cinema shop ……….
G moved

Questions 17-20
Choose the correct letter A, B or C

17 The renovated cinema will open again from

A 14th July
B 4th July
C 14th June

18 Which group will receive free tickets during the first week of opening?
A Pensioners who attend any evening session
B Young people aged 17-25
C Children who arrive for a matinee performance

19 On Wednesday the reduction on ticket prices for cinema members will be

A 25%
B 50%
C33%

20 A new development at the cinema is the

A cinematography classes
B weekly workshops
C monthly talks

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 6 (CD 1 Track 6)

SECTION 3 Questions 21-30

Question 21
Choose the correct letter A, B or C

21 Zahra’s talk in on electronic gadgets that people

A find very annoying to have to listen to
B bought in the recent past
C feel they have to carry them

Questions 22-24
Choose THREE letters, A-G

Which THREE of the following elements of conducting Zahra’s research are mentioned
as not yet decided?

A length of the questionnaire

B pictures to use
C volume of data
D duration of interviews
E period of research
F age of interviewees
G exact aims

Questions 25-30

Complete the table below

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND /OR A NUMBER for each answer

Questionnaire on gadgets
Tim’s electronic gadgets Use Score
Mobile Excluding phoning mainly 10
for sending
- texts
- 25 ……………..

Laptop Typing assignments and

26………………. 27……………………

iPod Just listening to music 28 ……………………

Future newspaper reader Eventually for 29………….. 30……………………

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 7 (CD 1 Track 7)
SECTION 4 Questions 31-40
Choose the correct letter A, B or C

Questions 31-35
Cloud-seeding to provide rain
31 Boreholes provide water for
A industrial use
B agricultural purposes
C domestic consumption
32 According to the speaker, in the past people have tried to induce rain by
A supernatural means
B using fires
C special dances
33 There is some proof that seeding clouds increases rainfall by
A 15%
B 55%
C 25%
34 According to the speaker, why do some people not support cloud-seeding?
A The benefits of the practice are limited.
B The costs of the equipment are too great.
C The effects of playing with nature are unknown.
35 The country that is most keen on cloud-seeding is
A Russia
B China
C the USA
How Cloud-Seeding works
Questions 36-40
Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS for each answer

How cloud seeding works

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 8 (CD 1 Track 8)

SECTION 4 Questions 31-40

Questions 31-37

Complete the table below:

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS for each answer

DATE Modern Railway Developments

1803 William Jessop’s 31 ……………………..………is considered to be the
first one ever built.

1804 The achievements of Richard Trevithick passed mainly

32………………….………………

1812 The Salamanca was the first commercially successful

33…………………..……………..

1825 The Darlington to Stockton railway was first constructed to carry

34………………………….…. . Carrying 35 ………………………
was considered unimportant.

1831 The Liverpool to Manchester line was the first modern railway, because
it carried merchandise and 36 …………..……………….. on a fixed
timetable. 37……………..…………….. were felt to be hindering the
growth of the cities and towns in the area.

Questions 38-40

Choose THREE letters A-F.

Which THREE of the following consequences of the opening of the new Liverpool to
Manchester railway are mentioned?

A Coal became scarce

B Cotton prices rose
C Passenger numbers rose
D The volume of goods transported went up
E No new canals were built
F Canal changes fell

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 9 (CD 1 Track 9)
SECTION 1 Questions 1-10

Questions 1-6
Complete the notes below
Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

Notes on Exhibition

Example Answer
Title of exhibition: Robots: the end of modern civilization

Two free: 1…………………………………….

Day(s) exhibition full: 2…………………………………….
Days chosen by caller: 3…………………… and……………………
Reference number: 4…………………………………….
Eating facilities:
- 15 restaurants
- Including 5 …………………… cafés
- Local restaurants putting on 6…………………………………..

Questions 7-10
Accomodation
- Halls of residence £30 a night
- Hotels from about £30 to approximately 7 £ …………………….
Transport links
- Within walking distance from he stations and 8 ………………. from the airport
- It is possible to catch bus number 9……………….
- A taxi costs no more than 10 £………………….

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 10 (CD 1 Track 10)
SECTION 2 Questions 11-20
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

Questions 11-13
11 The weekend scheme for teenagers was started up
A 15 years ago
B 2 years ago
C 10 years ago
12 When the teenagers first arrive, they don’t like it, because they can’t
A contact people
B use the Internet
C watch TV
13 The centre receives most of its money from
A donations
B the nursery
C courses

Questions 14-17
Label the map below.
Write the correct letter A-K, next to the questions 14-17.

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 11 (CD 1 Track 11)

SECTION 3 Questions 21-30

Questions 21-25

Choose FIVE letters A-H.

Which FIVE improvements does Olivia suggest?
A Check the equipment
B reduce the pace
C include more data
D distribute the handouts
E make the talk longer
F improve the organization
G make the talk shorter
H check the room layout

Questions 26-28

Complete the sentences below

Write NO MORE THAN 1 WORD for each answer

JACK’S FEEDBACK
26 He thinks he used an excessive amount of …………………..…..in his talk.
27 He was frightened that they would appear………………………………… .
28 He thinks the main thing for him is to control his ……………………………… .

Questions 29 and 30
Answer the questions below

Write ONE WORD only for each answer.

29 What did the students and the tutor say the presentation was?
……………………………………….

30 What is the tutor going to photocopy for them to take away?

………………………………………..

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 12 (CD 2 Track 1)

SECTION 4 Questions 31-40

Questions 31-40

Complete the notes below

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

(notes taken on the main ideas in a lecture)

Migration of early humans

Human migration has occurred throughout history
First significant migration occurred approximately 31 …………………… years ago
Early pioneers did not survive
Earth experienced changes in 32 …………………… about 70,000 years ago
New band of modern humans left Africa

Colonization
- China about 50,000 years ago and Europe about 33 ………………… years ago
- the open steppes of Siberia some 40,000 years ago
- roughly 20,000 years ago arriving in Japan, then linked to the main 34……………..
- Australia was reached across the sea on 35 ……………………..50,00 years ago
- America via Alaska some time between 15 and 13,000 years ago.

Migration within Africa

Bantu occupied around 36 ………………. Of the African continent by 1,000 AD
Stimulus for the Bantu migration was perhaps the farming of the 37 ……………………..
Population expansion led to movement into surrounding areas that were not heavily populated.
Iron production introduced from 38……………………….
The bantu used iron tools to fell trees, clear forests and 39 ………………………
Iron meant they had a 40……………………………. over their neighbours

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 13 (CD 2 Track 2)

SECTION 3 Questions 21-30

Questions 21-25
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

21 Malcolm thinks the subject of his project may not be.

A concrete enough
B interesting enough
C very academic
22 Malcolm’s reaction to India was one of
A indifference
B dislike
C awe
23 Malcolm feels the picture he took of the Ganges etc. are
A breathtaking
B interesting
C uninspiring
24 The tutor suggests Malcolm should
A concentrate on photos of buildings only
B reduce the number of photographic stills to ten
C use only photos of famous places
25 Malcolm intends to make a film that is similar to a
A movie preview
B TV advert
C music video

Questions 26-30
Complete the sentences below

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

26 Malcolm’s tutor thinks it would be a useful discipline to stick to a ………….……….

27 The tutor reminds Malcolm about the shortness of people’s ……………………...…..
28 The details about submitting the project can be found on the ………………………...
29 The submission form needs to contain details about the ……………………………...
30 With the submission from ……………….……………copies of the DVD need to be
handed in.

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 14 (CD 2 Track 3)
SECTION 2 Questions 11-20

Question 11
Answer the question below
Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS for your answer.

11 What has the opening of the new art exhibition created?

………………………………………………

Questions 12-14
Choose THREE letters A-G
Which THREE of the following criticisms of the Street Art Exhibition are mentioned?
A misuse of public funds
B size of the exhibition
C high cost of entrance fee
D inspiration for vandalism
E overcrowding at the gallery
F no support for local artists
G increased hospital admissions
Questions 15-17
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
15 The public didn’t go to the art galleries and museums because of the
A cost
B crowds
C time
16 The email survey showed approximately
A 70% backed Mrs Cook.
B 70% were against Mrs Cook.
C 70% were not sure.
17 According to Mrs Cook, people in the art world are concerned about the
A timing of the introduction support.
B level of financial support from the state.
C loss of jobs in the sector.

Questions 18-20
Complete the sentences below.

Write NO MORE THAN 2 WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

18 The radio show will have two ………………………………………….. on the street.
19 The purpose of the walk-about is to …………..………………………public opinion.
20 The second reporter will be outside the …………………..………… in the shopping
centre.

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 15 (CD 2 Track 4)

SECTION 1 Questions 1-10

Complete the notes below

Write NO MO RE THAN 2 WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

School Trip Information

Example Answer
Name of club: International Friendship Club

Trip to:
Country – 1…………………………………
Accommodation arrangements:
Students will not be by themselves – students stay with families 2…………………..
Cost: £495
Duration: 3…………………… days
Prices excluding presents for the host family and 4 ………………………..
Takes place during spring 5 ………………………………
Advert released on 6……………………………….
After application is received 7…………………………… necessary
Number of students on trip: 8…………………………
Total no of adults: six
Including: 9………………………… parents
Deposit: 10 £ ……………………………

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Day 16 (CD 2 Track 5)

SECTION 2 Questions 11-20

Questions 11-15

Choose the correct letter A, B or C

11 The speaker advises people to use a checklist if they

A dislike things being chaotic
B don’t have much time
C can’t easily remember things
12 Further information may be obtained
A by post
B from the website
C from the local chemist
13 To protect oneself from the sun, the best thing for people to do is
A carry an umbrella
B avoid direct sunlight
C wear a hat
14 Good walking shoes are necessary to
A support the feet
B keep out the rain
C protect against injury
15 An awareness of customs is advisable in order to
A enjoy festivals
B mix with people
C avoid trouble

Questions 16-20

Complete the summary below

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer

Extra tips
Maintain family contact do they don’t feel any 16……..……………………..,
or even misuse any 17 …………………………..…… .
Take a light waterproof cover and a first-aid kit with 18 ………………………
and antiseptic 19…………………………………
Always keep expensive items like 20……………………………………… safe.

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
Key

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Questions 1-4 Questions 11-15 Question 21 Questions 1-6
1 Andrews 11A 21C 1 The Judgement
2 July 12B Questions 22-25 2 Wight
3 8/eight 13B 22 freelance workers 3 691-0-9-8879-9
4 part-time 14A 23 173 people 4 North America
Questions 5-8 15C 24 more details 5 biographical
5 Davenport Questions 16-20 25 representatives 6 17
6 Fordenham 16F Questions 26-30 Questions 7-10
7 8876451 17A 26 individuals, 7 54 65 36
8 morning 18C companies 8 mandy
Questions 9-10 19D 27 travelling 9 90
C /D orD/C 20E (expenses) 10 special offers
28 (the) coaching

DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

Questions 11-16 Question 21 Questions 31-35 Questions 31-37
11D 21C 31B 31 public railway
12E Questions 22-24 32A 32 unnoticed
13A IN ANY ORDER 33A 33 steam locomotive
14B A /F / G 34C 34 coal
15C Questions 25-30 35B 35 passengers
16G 25 emails Questions 36-40 36 passenger traffic
Questions 17-20 26 browsing he 36 chemical/silver 37 Canals
17A Internet iodide Questions 38-40
18C 27 8 37 water freeze IN ANY ORDER
19B 28 5 38 generator C/D/F
20C 29 everything 39 fuel tank
30 10 40 cloud level

DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12

Questions 1-6 Questions 11-13 Questions 21-25 Questions 31-40
1 day passes / tickets 11 B IN ANY ORDER 31 100,000
2 Thursday 12 A B /D /E /F /H 32 temperature
3 Tuesday, Friday 13 C Questions 26-28 33 45,000
4 SF6733 Question 14-17 26 information 34 land mass
5 3/three 14 G 27 foolish 35 (simple) boats
6 special promotions 15 B 28 nerves 36 thirty per cent / 30
Questions 7-10 16 J Questions 29/30 %
7 60 minutes 17 A 29 good 37 yam
8 45 minutes 30 questionnaires 38 Sudan
9 70 39 work fields
10 17 40 military advantage

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012
DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 DAY 16
Questions 21-25 Question 11 Questions 1-10 Questions 11-15
21 A 11 a sensation 1 Peru 11 C
22 C Questions 12-14 2 in pairs 12 B
23 A IN ANY ORDER 3 (the) 15 13 B
24 B A / D/ F 4 spending money 14 A
25 C Questions 15-17 5 holidays 15 C
Questions 26-30 15 A 6 29th November Questions 16-20
26 time limit 16 A 7 interview 16 anxiety
27 attention span 17 B 8 20 / twenty 17 resources
28 department Questions 18-20 9 2 / two15 C 18 plasters
website 18 reporters 10 100 / one hundred 19 wipes
29 project(‘s) 19 test 20 cameras
background 20 department store
30 4/four

IELTS LISTENING HANDOUT

January 2012