IELTS Listening for Specific Information Questions and Answers

Question 1

You will hear a university tutor and a student discussing a presentation. The student is concerned about the time limit. What is the final agreed-upon length for the presentation?

Accepted Answer

15-20 minutes

Answer

In the dialogue, the student initially suggests 20 minutes, but the tutor says that is too long. The student then asks about 10 minutes, which the tutor feels is too short. They finally agree on a range, with the tutor stating, 'Let's aim for a happy medium. 15 to 20 minutes should be sufficient.' This makes '15-20 minutes' the specific, correct piece of information.

Question 2

You will hear a tour guide talking about a historic building. Which specific feature is NOT mentioned as being part of the original 17th-century structure?

Accepted Answer

The glass conservatory

Answer

The tour guide explicitly states that the main staircase, the stone fireplace in the great hall, and the oak-paneled library are all original features from when the house was first built. However, they later mention, 'The beautiful glass conservatory, while a stunning addition, was actually built much later in the Victorian era.' Therefore, the conservatory is not an original feature.

Question 3

You will hear a customer booking a hotel room over the phone. What is the full postcode the receptionist gives for the hotel's location?

Accepted Answer

SW1A 0AA

Answer

The ability to distinguish between similar-sounding letters and numbers is crucial. The receptionist clearly says, 'The postcode is SW1A... that's zero, A, A.' This directly corresponds to SW1A 0AA. The other options use similar but incorrect characters.

Question 4

In a discussion about a new recycling scheme, the speaker mentions several materials that will now be accepted. Which of the following items does the speaker specifically say can be recycled for the first time under the new rules?

Accepted Answer

Plastic food trays and yogurt pots

Answer

The speaker reviews the existing recycling program, mentioning that paper, glass, and aluminum are already collected. Then, they introduce the change: 'The big news is that we are finally able to accept a wider range of plastics. This includes items you couldn't recycle with us before, like plastic food trays and yogurt pots.' This identifies the newly accepted items.

Question 5

You will hear a conversation between two friends planning a trip. They discuss several destinations. Which city do they decide to visit in the end?

Accepted Answer

Prague

Answer

During the conversation, one friend suggests Paris, but the other says it's too expensive. They then consider Rome, but decide it will be too hot. Amsterdam is mentioned, but they realize they don't have enough time to see it properly. Finally, one says, 'What about Prague? It's beautiful and more affordable.' The other agrees enthusiastically, saying 'Prague it is, then!' This shows the final decision.

IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Listening for Specific Information Questions and Answers