IELTS Academic / General Training — Listening Test B
New original test · Same difficulty as real Cambridge IELTS · Contains deliberate distractor flips
Questions 1–10
Telephone conversation · Everyday social context
You will hear a woman called Claire telephoning Lakeside Retreats, a holiday cottage agency. She speaks with Tom, a booking agent. First you have some time to look at Questions 1 to 5.
Complete the booking form below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBERNow listen to the rest of Section 1 and answer Questions 6 to 10.
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Questions 11–20
Monologue · Everyday social context
You will hear Greg, a Human Resources manager, giving a talk to new employees about the company's Workplace Wellness Programme. First you have some time to look at Questions 11 to 14.
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Now listen to the rest of Section 2 and answer Questions 15 to 20.
Match each wellness feature (15–19) with the correct description (A–G). Write the correct letter, A–G, next to questions 15–19. NB You may use any letter more than once.
| Q | Wellness Feature | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Rooftop Garden | |
| 16 | Counselling Service | |
| 17 | Yoga Classes | |
| 18 | Nutrition Workshops | |
| 19 | Relaxation Room |
Descriptions
Questions 21–30
Academic discussion · Educational context
You will hear two students, Priya and Ben, discussing their psychology research assignment with their supervisor, Dr Morrison. First you have some time to look at Questions 21 to 26.
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Now listen to the rest of Section 3 and answer Questions 27 to 30.
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBERQuestions 31–40
University lecture · Academic context
You will hear a university lecture on the deep ocean and its exploration. First you have some time to look at Questions 31 to 40.
Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBERTHE DEEP OCEAN — LECTURE NOTES
Key Facts & Discoveries
Complete the summary below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBEREXPLORATION & THREATS — SUMMARY
The development of 37 vehicles has transformed deep-sea exploration, allowing scientists to reach areas too dangerous for humans. Researchers are particularly interested in organisms from the deep ocean because they may lead to the development of new 38 . Scientists warn that overfishing and 39 currently pose the greatest threats to the deep-sea ecosystem. The lecturer concludes by noting that fewer than 40 percent of the ocean floor has been fully mapped to date.
Sections
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Time to look at questions
Read the questions carefully before listening continues.
Section 1 — Telephone Conversation
Lakeside Retreats · Claire (customer) & Tom (booking agent)
Narrator: Section 1. You will hear a woman called Claire telephoning Lakeside Retreats, a holiday cottage agency. She speaks with Tom, a booking agent. First you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 1 to 5. [20-second pause] Now listen carefully.
Tom: Good morning, Lakeside Retreats, Tom speaking. How can I help you today?
Claire: Oh hello, yes — I'm looking to book a holiday cottage for August. I had a look at your website last night but I'd love to get a bit more information.
Tom: Of course! Happy to help. Let me just take your details first. Could I get your name please?
Claire: Yes, it's Claire Whitmore. Q1 That's W-H-I-T-M-O-R-E.
Tom: Whitmore, lovely. And which dates are you thinking, Claire?
Claire: We'd like to arrive on the... let me just check my calendar... the thirteenth of August FLIP — distractor date... actually, no, sorry — the twelfth. The twelfth to the nineteenth of August. Q2
Tom: 12th to the 19th of August, that's seven nights. And how many people will be staying?
Claire: So there'll be four adults — Q3 and we're also bringing my sister's three children, but they're under twelve, so I wasn't sure if they count separately. FLIP — mentions 3 children but Q3 asks for adults only
Tom: For our booking purposes we just need the number of adults — so that's four. And could I take an email address?
Claire: Yes — it's c dot whitmore, at mailbox dot net. Q4 All lowercase.
Tom: c.whitmore@mailbox.net. Perfect. And how would you like to pay? We accept card, bank transfer, or cheque.
Claire: I'd normally use my card, but actually... FLIP — mentions card first then switches could I do a bank transfer? That's easier for me to track.
Tom: Absolutely, bank transfer is fine. Q5
Narrator: Before you hear the rest of Section 1, you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 6 to 10. [20-second pause] Now listen and answer Questions 6 to 10.
Tom: So, the cottage you saw on the website — was that the Lakeside Cottage or the Hillview Cottage?
Claire: I was looking at both actually. I think I prefer Lakeside. The Hillview does have an extra bedroom which would be handy, FLIP — extra bedroom is distractor B and Lakeside is a touch more expensive per night, FLIP — distractor D but it has a private garden, which we really want with the children. Q6
Tom: Lovely choice — it's a beautiful spot. I should also mention, if you're planning to explore the area, we partner with a local company that does bicycle hire — they deliver straight to the cottage door and it's very popular with families. Q7 We also have information about boat hire and guided walks if you're interested. FLIP — boat hire and walks mentioned but Tom specifically recommends bicycle hire
Claire: Oh, bicycles sound great! Now, is there a cleaning fee?
Tom: Yes, there's a standard cleaning fee which covers fresh bed linen for all beds. Q8 Towels are available for a small extra charge if you'd prefer not to bring your own. FLIP — towels mentioned but NOT included; distractor B
Claire: Got it. And checkout time?
Tom: Check-in is from four in the afternoon. Checkout is ten in the morning — Q9 FLIP — 11am sometimes available by request but standard is 10 though if the cottage is empty after you, we can sometimes arrange eleven o'clock, but that's not guaranteed.
Claire: Fine, ten is perfectly manageable. Any other changes to the booking policy I should know about?
Tom: Yes, actually — we've recently introduced a refundable security deposit of £200, which is returned within five days of your checkout as long as there's no damage. Q10 We've also extended our minimum stay to two nights in peak season, so you're absolutely fine for August.
Claire: That all sounds reasonable. Thank you, Tom — I'll go ahead and book.
Narrator: That is the end of Section 1. You now have 30 seconds to check your answers. [30-second pause]
Section 2 — Workplace Talk
HR Orientation · Greg (HR Manager) — monologue
Narrator: Section 2. You will hear Greg, a Human Resources manager, giving a talk to new employees about the company's Workplace Wellness Programme. First you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 11 to 14. [20-second pause] Now listen carefully.
Greg: Good morning everyone and welcome to Hartwell Solutions. I'm Greg from Human Resources and I'm going to spend the next few minutes walking you through our Workplace Wellness Programme — something we're genuinely very proud of here.
Greg: The company was founded back in 2015 — FLIP — founding year 2015 is distractor for Q11 but the Wellness Programme itself wasn't introduced until three years later, in 2018. Q11 Since then it's grown considerably and now covers everything from physical fitness to mental health support.
Greg: Let me start with Mindfulness Monday. Every Monday lunchtime — twelve to one — there's a facilitated mindfulness session in Meeting Room C. Now, people often assume this is about improving focus or productivity, FLIP — improving focus is distractor A but the core purpose is stress reduction. Q12 We find that Monday morning is when people feel most overwhelmed, and the session gives everyone a reset point for the week.
Greg: Next — the gym membership subsidy. Now, a lot of staff ask us to cover the whole cost, or at least seventy-five percent, FLIP — 75% is distractor B but what we currently offer is fifty percent — so the company covers half of whatever gym membership you sign up for, whether that's an on-site gym or one near your home. Q13 Just send the invoice to HR and we'll reimburse you monthly.
Greg: Now — the Thursday walking club. I do have to let you know it's temporarily suspended at the moment. In the past it was paused during very cold weather — FLIP — weather is a past reason, not the current reason but this time it's because the main path through the park is being completely resurfaced. Q14 It should be back up and running within about six weeks.
Narrator: Before you hear the rest of Section 2, you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 15 to 20. [20-second pause] Now listen and answer Questions 15 to 20.
Greg: Let me run through some of the other wellness features we have available. The Rooftop Garden — on the fifth floor — is open to all staff throughout the working day, no booking required, any time you like. Q15 It's a wonderful space for a quiet lunch or a short break between meetings.
Greg: The Counselling Service operates differently — we have a qualified therapist who comes in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and appointments must be arranged in advance through HR. Q16 All sessions are completely confidential.
Greg: Yoga Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, before nine, in the ground floor studio. Q17 They're free for all employees and suitable for all ability levels. FLIP — ground floor mentioned but Q19 asks which feature is on the third floor
Greg: The Nutrition Workshops are something new we introduced this year — FLIP — "introduced this year" is distractor B for Q18 but they're not run by our internal team. We partnered with a nutritionist from a local health clinic, so it's an external provider that comes in. Q18 Very popular, I'd encourage you all to sign up.
Greg: And finally — the Relaxation Room. This is a quiet, screen-free space on the third floor — Q19 available for short breaks, and there are some comfortable chairs, some plants, and soft lighting. Just sign in at the front desk before using it.
Greg: For the full schedule — dates, times, room numbers — it's all on the company intranet under the People and Culture section. Q20 There's also a physical notice board in reception with highlights, FLIP — notice board is distractor A but the most up-to-date version is always online.
Greg: Right — any questions? No? Brilliant. Enjoy your first day everyone.
Narrator: That is the end of Section 2. You now have 30 seconds to check your answers. [30-second pause]
Section 3 — Academic Discussion
Psychology Research Meeting · Dr Morrison, Priya & Ben
Narrator: Section 3. You will hear two students, Priya and Ben, discussing their psychology research assignment with their supervisor, Doctor Morrison. First you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 21 to 26. [20-second pause] Now listen carefully.
Dr Morrison: Come in! Good to see you both. Now — how's the assignment progressing?
Priya: Honestly, Doctor Morrison, we're a bit stuck. We've both done a lot of reading and we're interested in memory and learning, but we can't quite agree on the methodology. Q21
Ben: Yeah — Priya wants to do a literature-based approach, and I'm pushing for a small controlled experiment. We're both right, sort of, but we need guidance.
Dr Morrison: Alright. First — what's the angle you're exploring?
Priya: Spaced repetition and its effect on memory retention. We were thinking of using Ebbinghaus's original data as our baseline.
Dr Morrison: Hmm — I'd be cautious about that. Some people assume it's been discredited, which isn't quite true — FLIP — "discredited" is distractor B the real issue is that Ebbinghaus only tested on himself. It's a single participant study. Q22 It's a founding work, yes, but it lacks the generalisability modern researchers require. I'd suggest citing it as historical context, but grounding your review in more recent multi-participant work.
Ben: That makes sense. Could we still make the case for spaced repetition being superior to massed practice?
Dr Morrison: Absolutely. And there's very strong evidence for it. The key reason it works — and this is worth stating clearly in your paper — is that it aligns with the brain's natural forgetting curve. Q23 By reviewing material just before you'd normally forget it, you strengthen the memory trace far more efficiently than repeated back-to-back study. Some people argue it reduces study time overall, FLIP — reducing study time is distractor B for Q23 which may be true, but that's a secondary effect, not the mechanism.
Ben: Okay — so for the methodology, I was thinking we could use an EEG to track neural activity during spaced versus massed revision sessions.
Dr Morrison: That's an ambitious design, Ben. The problem is that EEG equipment isn't available to undergraduate students through the department. Q24 FLIP — mentions large sample (distractor A) in the same context but equipment access is the actual barrier Another institution might do it, but it would make your results very hard to replicate independently.
Priya: I was thinking something simpler — a vocabulary recall test, comparing participants who studied using spaced repetition against those who used massed study. And I think we need to control for prior knowledge of the topic — otherwise we can't fairly compare the groups. Q25
Dr Morrison: Good instinct, Priya. Controlling for prior knowledge is essential here. You might consider a short pre-test to screen participants. Age could matter too, FLIP — age is distractor A but for a student-based sample it's less of an issue.
Narrator: Before you hear the rest of Section 3, you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 27 to 30. [20-second pause] Now listen and answer Questions 27 to 30.
Dr Morrison: Now — ethics. This is important. Your ethics form needs to be submitted at least two weeks before you begin collecting any data. Q26 Not one week — two. The committee meets fortnightly and you need to be on their agenda. FLIP — "one week" stated as wrong immediately after the correct answer
Ben: We'll get on to that straight away. Oh — one more thing. We've been discussing whether to look at short-term or long-term memory. We've decided on short-term — Q27 it's more controllable within a single session.
Dr Morrison: Sensible choice. And for participants — who did you have in mind?
Priya: We were thinking of recruiting fellow students — is that appropriate?
Dr Morrison: University students are a perfectly reasonable sample for this kind of study. Q28 The main advantage is access — you can recruit quickly, which matters for your timeline. Just acknowledge the sample's limitations in your discussion.
Ben: And in terms of structure — what must the written assignment include?
Dr Morrison: You'll need a critical evaluation of at least two existing published studies. Q29 Not just a summary — a genuine evaluation of their strengths and limitations. That's a significant marking criterion.
Priya: Could we meet again once we've drafted the methodology section?
Dr Morrison: Absolutely. I'm available the first Tuesday of next month. Q30 Drop me an email and I'll confirm a time.
Narrator: That is the end of Section 3. You now have 30 seconds to check your answers. [30-second pause]
Section 4 — University Lecture
Oceanography · Lecturer (monologue)
Narrator: Section 4. You will hear a university lecture on the deep ocean and its exploration. First you have 20 seconds to look at Questions 31 to 40. [20-second pause] Now listen carefully and answer Questions 31 to 40.
Lecturer: Good morning. In today's lecture, we're turning our attention to perhaps the most mysterious environment on Earth — the deep ocean. Despite covering more than half our planet's surface and making up over ninety-five percent of the habitable space on Earth, it remains remarkably poorly understood.
Lecturer: Let's start with some basic geography. The deepest known point in the ocean is called the Challenger Deep — Q31 and it sits at the southern end of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific. The name comes from the HMS Challenger expedition of the 1870s, which first recorded extraordinary depths in that region.
Lecturer: How deep is it exactly? The best current measurements put it at approximately eleven kilometres below sea level — Q32 FLIP — some older estimates of 10.9 or 10.8 km mentioned; 11 is the rounded figure used in the lecture to put that in perspective, if you placed Mount Everest at the bottom, its summit would still be more than two kilometres underwater.
Lecturer: Humans have, remarkably, reached that depth. The first crewed descent to the very bottom of the Challenger Deep was accomplished in 1960, Q33 by oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh, aboard a vessel called the Trieste. The descent took nearly five hours and the crew spent just twenty minutes at the bottom. More recent solo dives have been made by filmmaker James Cameron in 2012 — FLIP — 2012 is a distractor for Q33; the first crewed descent was 1960 but the historic first was 1960.
Lecturer: The conditions at such depths are extreme. The pressure at the bottom of the Challenger Deep is over one thousand times Q34 greater than the atmospheric pressure we experience at sea level. Temperature is just above freezing, and of course there is absolutely no sunlight whatsoever.
Lecturer: And yet — life exists there. One of the most extraordinary features of deep-sea organisms is their ability to produce light. This process — called bioluminescence — Q35 is used by an estimated ninety percent of deep-sea creatures for communication, attracting prey, and avoiding predators. It's not the same as the phosphorescence you might see on a beach at night — bioluminescence is a biological process involving chemical reactions within living cells.
Lecturer: Perhaps the most significant discovery in deep-sea biology was made in 1977, when researchers aboard the research submersible Alvin discovered hydrothermal vents Q36 on the ocean floor near the Galapagos Islands. These are essentially underwater geysers — cracks in the Earth's crust where superheated, mineral-rich water erupts into the ocean. What made this discovery so revolutionary was what was living around them: entire ecosystems thriving without any sunlight at all, powered entirely by chemical energy. This upended the assumption that all life on Earth ultimately depends on photosynthesis.
Lecturer: So how do we explore these environments? For decades, the main tool has been remotely operated vehicles — or ROVs. Q37 These are uncrewed submersibles controlled from the surface by cable, equipped with cameras, robotic arms, and a range of scientific instruments. They can dive to depths far beyond what is safe for humans and can remain down for many hours at a time.
Lecturer: Why does this matter practically? Deep-sea organisms have evolved unique biochemical solutions to extreme conditions — highly stable proteins, novel enzymes, and chemical compounds not found anywhere else on Earth. Scientists are increasingly interested in these compounds for the development of new medicines, Q38 particularly in the field of antibiotics, where resistance to existing drugs is becoming a serious global problem.
Lecturer: However, the deep ocean is under serious and growing threat. The two greatest dangers identified by marine scientists are overfishing — particularly of deep-water species such as orange roughy and grenadier — and deep-sea mining. Q39 There is enormous commercial interest in the polymetallic nodules found on the ocean floor, which contain manganese, cobalt, and rare earth elements vital for battery production. The environmental cost of mining these is, as yet, very poorly understood. FLIP — climate change also briefly mentioned but Q39 specifically refers to the two greatest threats named by scientists
Lecturer: I'll close with a striking statistic. Despite all our technological capability, fewer than twenty percent Q40 of the ocean floor has been mapped in any detail. FLIP — "5%" mentioned for high-resolution maps; "20%" is for any mapping — listen for the correct qualifier In fact, we have more detailed maps of the surface of Mars than we do of our own ocean floor. It remains, in many ways, the last true frontier on this planet.
Lecturer: Next week we'll be looking at specific organisms — particularly extremophiles and what they may tell us about the possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system. Thank you.
Narrator: That is the end of Section 4. You now have ten minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Accept reasonable alternative spellings. For MC, only the letter is required. For completion, mark wrong if the answer exceeds the word limit — even if the key word is present. Incorrect spelling of completion answers loses the mark.