IELTS Listening Part 1 practice
Everyday conversations
IELTS Listening Part 1 is a conversation between two people in an everyday situation, such as booking a hotel, joining a gym or reporting a problem. You usually complete a form, a table or notes. It's the easiest part of the test, but many candidates lose marks on spelling, numbers and distractors.
Tips for IELTS Listening Part 1
- Write numbers as digits: 14th, 6.30, 95. It's faster and avoids spelling mistakes.
- Watch for distractors: speakers often give one answer, then correct it.
- Names and addresses are often spelled out letter by letter, so check every letter.
- Read the questions before the audio starts and predict the type of answer, such as a date, price or name.
19 free Part 1 practice exercises
Booking a hotel room
A guest calls a hotel to book a room. Practise catching dates, prices and personal details.
Not started
Joining a sports centre
A new member asks about memberships at a local sports centre. Focus on times, prices and facilities.
Not started
Renting a flat
A student enquires about a flat to rent. Listen for addresses, rules and costs.
Not started
At the lost property office
A traveller reports a lost bag. Practise descriptions, colours and reference numbers.
Not started
Part 1 traps: when speakers change their minds
IELTS loves distractors: a speaker gives one answer, then corrects it. Practise catching the final answer, not the first one.
Not started
Enrolling in an evening course
A caller asks about an adult evening class. Listen for course names, start dates, fees and what to bring.
Not started
Booking a table for a celebration
A customer reserves a table for a birthday dinner. Practise times, numbers of people and special requests.
Not started
Reporting a problem to the landlord
A tenant calls about repairs in their flat. Listen for problems, locations and arrangements.
Not started
Hiring a car for the weekend
A customer arranges car hire. Practise vehicle types, prices, insurance and collection details.
Not started
Booking a coach day trip
A traveller books a day trip to the coast. Listen for departure times, meeting points and what's included.
Not started
Registering at a health centre
A new resident registers with a local doctor. Practise personal details, dates and medical vocabulary.
Not started
Numbers, dates and times drill
Numbers cost more marks in IELTS Listening than almost anything else. Practise prices, dates, times and years.
Not started
Opening a bank account
An international student opens a bank account. Listen for documents, account types and fees.
Not started
Applying for a part-time job
A student phones about a café job. Practise hours, pay, experience and start dates.
Not started
Arranging a homestay
A student arranges to live with a local family. Listen for preferences, costs and house rules.
Not started
Making an insurance claim
A customer reports a stolen bag to their insurer. Practise descriptions, dates and item values.
Not started
Organising a children's party
A parent books a party at an activity centre. Listen for numbers, food choices and timings.
Not started
Booking a removal company
A customer arranges help moving house. Practise addresses, large items, dates and prices.
Not started
Joining the public library
A new member signs up at a library. Listen for borrowing rules, fees and services.
Not started
Guides for IELTS Listening Part 1
- IELTS Listening Band Score Calculator (with Conversion Table)3 min read
- 15 IELTS Listening Tips to Get Band 7 and Above4 min read
- How to Write Numbers, Dates and Times in IELTS Listening3 min read
- 50+ Common Spelling Mistakes in IELTS Listening (and How to Avoid Them)3 min read
- IELTS Listening Distractors: How to Spot When the Answer Changes3 min read