IELTS Listening Module- Pattern of Real Exam 2026: complete overview
This post describes the real-time exam conditions of the IELTS Listening Module test. It mainly discusses the four sections of the listening test and the duration of each section
Syed Muhammad Zargham Hameed
1/11/20262 min read
IELTS Listening Module- Pattern of Real Exam 2026
The listening exam pattern is in computer based online testing system, the listening Module Exam is given for only 30 minutes, and the time shows on screen. This paper contains 40 exam questions. The paper is divided into four sections; each section contains 10 questions. There are four recorded sections, which are divided into two conversations and two monologues. At the end of the test, you are given only two minutes to check your answers directly on the screen
How to Complete the Task?
You are given the headphones, you listen, and answer the questions on the computer screen.
Listening Test/Exam Structure: Duration and Question Types
Each section of the listening test is counted for 7-8 minutes. These four sections are also named. The first section is named Conversation, which is on everyday social context. For Instance, inquiry about the services or booking and reserving for accommodation. This section is easier; the vocabulary is beginner-level, and details are clearly explained. What You Need to Do? You only have to focus on specific information such as names, numbers, and dates.
Section 2 is named a monologue. It depends on the social situation. This section is grounded on a dialogue between two speakers; the primary speaker & secondary speaker provide the information for a specific purpose. This section is slightly longer and more detailed, as it is compared with Section 1, which is shorter and clearly explains things more easily.
Section 3 is repeatedly a dialogue format in which the 2-4 speakers participate; for instance, students' discussion on an academic task. This section is famous for verbal exchange discourse between 3-4 speakers. This section is a little bit difficult in comparison with the previous section. Furthermore, this section provides the information with faster speed, provides opinions, and also produces distractions (Background noise) purposefully so that you could be distracted.
Section 4 is created on the setup of an academic lecture or talk, and this academic speech does not practice pauses or interactions. This section is the most difficult. What Are the Completion Guidelines? You have to comprehend the key ideas and specific information.