IELTS Listening Practice Test | 2026-01-21

**[Instructions]**
Now turn to section one. You have some time to look at questions 1 to 7. Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen because you will not hear the recording a second time. Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 7.
**[Conversation]**
Megan: Hello Megan speaking.
Ken: Hello Megan.
Megan: Hello Ken. I'm glad you called. Thomas asked me to give you his telephone number.
Ken: Is that his office number or his home number?
Megan: I can give you both. His new home number is 9452 3456. Would you like his office number?
Ken: I think I have it. Does 97314322 sound right?
Megan: That's it. But the home number is 9452 3456. He moved in last week.
Ken: Good. I've got that. Now, what would you like to do?
Megan: Well, I'd like to go dancing, but Jane's hurt her ankles, so she'd rather not.
Ken: That's a pity. I guess it means she doesn't want to play tennis either.
Megan: That's right. She says it's okay to go bowling if we don't expect her to do well.
Ken: Okay, let's do it. I guess we can go dancing some other time.
Megan: Well, I booked us some time at the bowling alley of Entertainment City. Do you know it?
Ken: Is it on Smith Street down near the university?
Megan: That's right. It's on the corner of Smith Street and Bridge Road.
Ken: What time did you book for?
Megan: The first booking I can get was 8:00.
Ken: Okay, it's 7 now. What do you want to do first?
Megan: Well, I think we should leave now. We can meet at the bowling alley.
Ken: I can't be that quick. I have to call Thomas to start with, and I need to get changed. Okay, I think I'll leave in 10 minutes and meet you in there.
Megan: That makes sense. I'll take my car, so I'll be quite quick. I'll be out of here in half an hour.
Ken: Okay. You're so lucky to have a car. You can get around so easily.
Megan: Well, yes and no. I often spend ages driving around trying to find a park. The traffic can be very bad.
Ken: Well, that won't be a problem for me because I'll take the bus. It goes right past my door and I'll have plenty of time.
Megan: Sounds good. Who else is coming?
Ken: I think nearly everyone from the afternoon class will be there.
Megan: Which class? The big maths class or the afternoon tutorial?
Ken: The maths class. What's more, we get a concession for large numbers.
Megan: That's good. I'm trying to keep my expenses down this month.
Ken: So am I. I expect tonight will cost about $20.
Megan: You must be good with money. I expect it to come to nearly $40. So, how are you going to manage that?
Ken: Well, the bus is cheap and if I come home early, I won't have time to spend too much. In any case, I have to be up early tomorrow morning, so I'd really better try to get home by about 11:00.
Megan: That reminds me, I have to phone the taxi company for my mother. Goodbye, Ken. I'll see you later.
Ken: Goodbye, Megan.
**[Narrator]** Ken calls the taxi company.
**[Instructions]** Now you have some time to look at questions 8 to 10. Now listen to the telephone call and be ready to answer questions 8 to 10.
**[Telephone Call]**
Automated Voice: Thank you for calling Acme. Please follow the instructions on the tape. If you wish to order a cab now, press one. If you have placed an order previously, press two. If you wish to make an advanced order, press three. Please be ready to tell us your street number and name. If you wish to speak to the radio room supervisor, press four. If you want to inquire about lost property, press five. If you want to order a taxi equipped to carry wheelchairs, press six. Your call is very important. Please stay on the line for the next available order taker.
Ken: Hello. I think I left something in one of your cabs on Thursday. It was a brown paper package with an address written on it in green ink. Has anyone handed it in?
**[Narrator]** That is the end of section one. You now have some time to check your answers.
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**[Instructions]** Now turn to section two. Section two, you will hear a radio interview about an upcoming fair. First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 14. As you listen to the first part of the talk, answer questions 11 to 14.
**[Radio Interview]**
Host: Good afternoon and welcome to City Hour, the radio show that brings you all the latest information about events in and around our city. Today we have with us Cynthia Smith, who is heading up this year's city fair. Cynthia, would you start by giving us some of the basic information about the fair? Where will it take place this year?
Cynthia: I'm glad you asked that question because I know most people will be expecting the fair to be at the fairgrounds as usual, but we've had to change the location this year due to some construction work. You know, they're building the new high school in that neighborhood and they've been using the fairgrounds as a place to store construction materials. So, we've moved the fair to City Park, which I think is a wonderful location.
Host: Yes, that will be a great place for the fair. I understand that the fair begins on Friday morning with a special opening event.
Cynthia: Actually, it won't begin until that evening, but you're right about the special event. Traditionally, we've begun with a parade, but this year, our opening event will be a special dance performance, and the most exciting part is that the mayor will be one of the dancers.
Host: The mayor is a woman of many talents. Cynthia, could you tell our listeners about the price of admission? What will it cost to attend the fair?
Cynthia: We're trying to keep the price down as much as possible. A 3-day pass is just $25. Or you can buy a Saturday or Sunday only pass for $15. The opening event on Friday, the dance performance doesn't cost anything to attend. And we're hoping a lot of people will come to watch that.
**[Instructions]** Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 15 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 15 to 20.
Host: Could you tell us about some of the events planned for Saturday and Sunday, the main days of the fair?
Cynthia: We have a lot of exciting things planned. There are a number of events, especially for children, including a clown show on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening, we've got an event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. A concert by the lake.
Host: I'm sure that will be a popular event. Is there anything special planned for Sunday?
Cynthia: Yes, a really fun event. And we hope a lot of people will participate. There will be a singing contest in the afternoon. It's open to everyone at no charge. It doesn't matter whether you're an experienced singer or not. If you've always dreamed of singing on stage, this is your chance.
Host: That sounds like a lot of fun.
Cynthia: I think it will be. I'd also like your listeners to know that besides the special events I've mentioned, there will be things taking place all weekend. For example, at the food court, international food will be served. You'll be able to sample dishes from all around the world. There will also be special games for children at different locations around the fair.
Host: Will there be things people can buy, souvenirs, anything like that?
Cynthia: We have a large area set aside where there will be crafts for sale. This will be an opportunity to buy many lovely handmade things and to get to know some of our local artists and crafts people as well.
Host: It sounds like there will be a lot of fun for everyone at this year's fair. Thank you for sharing the information with us, Cynthia.
Cynthia: Thank you for inviting me.
**[Narrator]** That is the end of section two. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
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**[Instructions]** Now turn to section three. Section three, you'll hear a tutor and some students discussing eating disorders. First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 23. Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 23.
**[Discussion]**
Tutor: Good afternoon. I hope everything is going well. Right, we've been looking at problems some people have with eating and today I'd like to focus on one you've probably come across in your reading. It is sometimes called binge eating disorder or BED. As you know, I am not a particular fan of these acronyms. So, I will refer to it by the alternative name compulsive eating disorder. Has anybody heard of it?
Student 1: Yes, I have. In fact, I read a case study of a first-year university student who was diagnosed with it.
Tutor: Do you remember what the symptoms are?
Student 1: Well, of course, one symptom is that the person eats too much, although that's true for other eating disorders as well.
Tutor: They also put on weight.
Student 1: That's right. Whereas in some other conditions such as bulimia, they don't and can actually lose weight.
Tutor: One thing that compulsive eating disorder and bulimia have in common, though, is that the person with the condition often becomes clinically depressed.
Student 2: Are you saying that everybody who is overweight is suffering from the disorder?
Tutor: Not at all. What makes the compulsive eater different is the pattern of the disorder. Initially, as we've said, the compulsive eater starts eating too much. This seems to be because the sufferer finds comfort in food and eating is seen as a way of coping with problems. They don't eat because they feel hungry. Mary, in the case study you read, was there any reference to what triggered the problem?
Student 1: I seem to recall that the student was suffering from stress because she was revising for exams and she started eating snacks, junk food, while she was studying. Soon she was eating snacks all the time, and it just got worse from there.
Tutor: Yes, that sounds plausible. Although compulsive eating often starts a lot earlier than the case you describe.
**[Instructions]** Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 24 to 30. Now listen and answer questions 24 to 30.
Tutor: Anyway, once the condition has been triggered, often by constant snacking, as you mentioned, it becomes progressively worse. Over a period of time, the sufferer loses control of their food intake. They become preoccupied with food and the binge eating increases. Overeating blocks out negative emotions such as loneliness, worries about work, depression and so on. But it is only a temporary effect. Apart from the physical discomfort that overeating often causes, the sufferer begins to feel embarrassed by their behavior. They then take drastic action to try to compensate. In an attempt to lose weight, compulsive eaters will try extreme diets, skipping meals or going without any food at all for a day or more. Not a healthy way to try to lose weight, obviously.
Student 2: Absolutely. And of course, the person has to start eating again at some point.
Student 1: In other words, it becomes a vicious circle.
Tutor: That's right. Binge eating, extreme dieting, or attempts to lose weight by other means, and then binge eating again.
Student 2: What are the long-term effects of compulsive eating?
Tutor: As you might expect, these are similar to those for people suffering from obesity. Diabetes is frequently reported.
Student 2: What about treatment?
Student 1: The disorder can be treated certainly, but there's always the possibility that the patient will suffer a relapse and start binging again.
Student 2: What does treatment involve? Medication?
Tutor: No, it normally involves sessions with a therapist experienced in treating eating disorders. A nutritionist will often be involved as well.
Student 2: Are there any self-help organizations? I mean organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Tutor: Yes, there are. And you might want to follow this one up for your research. One organization is called Overeaters Anonymous, and they have what they describe as a 12-step program to help people overcome the disorder. You can find out more from the organization's website. Right, I think that'll have given you plenty to follow up. So, I'll see you at the same time next week.
**[Narrator]** That is the end of section three. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
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**[Instructions]** Now turn to section four. Section four, you are going to hear a lecture given by a coach. Now you have some time to look at questions 31 to 35. Now listen to the tape and answer questions 31 to 35.
**[Lecture]**
Coach: Today I'm going to give all the new members of our league a brief introduction about our basketball league. We are a competitive league whose goal is to promote sportsmanship and good health. Founded in 1988 with four teams and 30 players, today we have grown to over 20 teams and 200 players. We will accept any player regardless of race or sex. As long as they are a student at this school, there is no maximum age. As long as you are still fit, you can play. But we do require all players meet the minimum age standard which is 20 for women and 18 for men. We expect the best behavior out of all the players whether male or female. Hopefully you will all enjoy the upcoming season and make new friends with your teammates and coaches. Our final date of registration is October 11th. If you have any friends or family that are still interested, don't forget to remind them to register by this date. After October 1, there is a late registration fee of $20 on top of the $200 membership fee. The membership fee includes a team uniform, gym usage fees, and referee fees. All the coaches in our league are volunteers, so please be respectful and don't yell at them if they don't know everything. Please attend your first team meeting on October 15. This will be an important event to get to know your teammates and coaches. The first practice is scheduled for October 18. Please call ahead if you know you can't make it.
**[Instructions]** Now you have some time to look at questions 36 to 40. Now listen carefully and answer questions 36 to 40.
Coach: Our league schedule is as follows. There will be practice every Tuesday and Thursday and games every Saturday morning. This is gym time that is included in your membership fees. Your coaches and the rest of the team can arrange any extra practice times. Practices are from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and games are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please plan on making all your practices and games. We realize that all the players are also mothers and fathers, students and workers. Yet at the same time, it takes commitment to create a good basketball team. There are some rules that everyone in the league must abide by. First, please be on time to your games. If your team is more than 10 minutes late, you will be forced to forfeit the game. Second, please wear appropriate basketball shoes for all practices and games, as shoes other than these may damage the gym floor. Third, be respectful to the referees. Any inappropriate actions or gestures will result in an ejection and a fine from the league. Last, the most important thing is to have a good time. If you are not enjoying yourself, then you are missing the point of basketball. See you all at the games next Saturday.
**[Narrator]** This is the end of section 4. You now have 30 seconds to check your answers.
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