IELTS Listening Part 2 includes 10 questions out of the total 40, with a monologue lasting 3–4 minutes. Topics are often everyday situations—education, health, travel—that are relatable and not overly academic.
1. Common Question Types You’ll Encounter
IELTS Listening Part 2 will consist of 10 questions, accounting for a quarter of the total questions in the Listening test. The questions will be divided into two sub-types, belonging to two of the common types, such as Sentence Completion, Map Labelling, Multiple Choice, or Matching Information.
In this part, you will listen to a monologue lasting about 3 - 4 minutes and will only be heard once. The topics of the Listening test are often related to daily life such as education, health, travel or entertainment. Because it is highly practical, the content of this part is not too academic but focuses on familiar social situations, helping you grasp the information easily.
2. Common Question Types You’ll Encounter
Sentence Completion
You must fill in blanks with words or phrases heard in the audio. Be exact with grammar and word limits.
For Questions 1‑4: Write no more than three words. Example: The process of buying and selling a house is called (1) ……………..
Map Labelling
You’ll mark A–Z locations on a map or diagram based on what you hear.
Multiple Choice
Choose one or more correct answers based on the audio.
Example: Q11–12: Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Matching Information
Match items (people, places, features) with information from the audio. Options may be fewer than or more than the number of questions.
3. Top Strategies to Master Listening Part 2
Read the Instructions Carefully
Note word and answer limits—for example, “no more than two words.” Underlining the limit helps avoid errors.
Identify Keywords
Use the 30 seconds before listening to highlight key names, dates, places, and synonyms.
Predict the Answer
Guess the word class (noun, verb, adjective) or tense before listening starts.
Match Keywords to What's Heard
When listening, listen for paraphrased keywords. Watch for signposts like “however” or “but” that signal contrasts or new points.
Review Your Answers
After the audio ends, check your answers for word count, spelling, grammar, and consistency with instructions.
4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Meet word limits exactly—no extra words.
Insert the correct word type (noun, verb, etc.).
Avoid getting fooled by signposting words (“instead,” “rather than”).
For multiple choice, ensure you select all required answers.
5. Self-Study Techniques for Part 2
Practice different formats: Sentence completion, Map labelling, Multiple choice, Matching.
Use active listening strategies: skim questions first, focus on keywords during listening.
Train to make predictions early: anticipate the answer type.
Use varied audio materials like Cambridge tests, TED Talks, BBC Learning English to get used to diverse accents.
6. Sample from IELTS Listening Part 2 (Cambridge 18, Test 3)
Questions 11–12 (Multiple Choice) Which TWO warnings does Dan give about picking mushrooms?
PART 2
Questions 11-20
Questions 11 and 12
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Which TWO warnings does Dan give about picking mushrooms?
A. Don't pick more than one variety of mushroom at a time.
B. Don't pick mushrooms near busy roads.
C. Don't eat mushrooms given to you.
D. Don't eat mushrooms while picking them.
E. Don't pick old mushrooms.
Questions 13 and 14
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Which TWO ideas about wild mushrooms does Dan say are correct?
A. Mushrooms should always be peeled before eating.
B. Mushrooms eaten by animals may be unsafe.
C. Cooking destroys toxins in mushrooms.
D. Brightly coloured mushrooms can be edible.
E. All poisonous mushrooms have a bad smell.
Questions 15-20
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
15. What advice does Dan give about picking mushrooms in parks?
A. Choose wooded areas.
B. Don't disturb wildlife.
C. Get there early.
16. Dan says it is a good idea for beginners to
A. use a mushroom app.
B. join a group.
C. take a reference book.
17. What does Dan say is important for conservation?
A. selecting only fully grown mushrooms
B. picking a limited amount of mushrooms
C. avoiding areas where rare mushroom species grow
18. According to Dan, some varieties of wild mushrooms are in decline because there is
A. a huge demand for them from restaurants.
B. a lack of rain in this part of the country.
C. a rise in building developments locally.
19. Dan says that when storing mushrooms, people should
A. keep them in the fridge for no more than two days.
B. keep them in a brown bag in a dark room.
C. leave them for a period after washing them.
20. What does Dan say about trying new varieties of mushrooms?
A. Experiment with different recipes.
B. Expect some to have a strong taste.
C. Cook them for a long time.
Final Tips
Practice regularly across different topics and accents.
Use IDP’s free IELTS Listening resources for authentic exam practice.
Choose between IELTS Academic or General on computer-based format.
Benefit from our One Skill Retake feature to improve Listening without retaking the whole IELTS.
Sharpen your skills with these focused strategies and practice routines to excel in IELTS Listening Part 2. Register with IDP today and prepare comfortably for your target band!