IELTS Listening Practice Test | 2026-02-08

**Narrator:** Now look at part one. Part one, you will hear a new student, Tom, talking to a student representative called Rachel, about university clubs. You now have 30 seconds to read questions 1 to 4. Now listen carefully and answer questions one to four.
**Rachel:** Hi, welcome to Fresh's Week. I'm Rachel. Can I help you?
**Tom:** Oh, hi. Yes. Um, I was hoping to find out about some clubs I could join.
**Rachel:** Well, all the club stands are here in this hall. What were you interested in?
**Tom:** Um, not sure. I wanted to do something where I could meet people.
**Rachel:** Well, take this leaflet with details of all the clubs and see what you think. Oh, it'll probably depend on what day you're free. Like on Mondays, there's the film club. Then on Tuesdays, you've got the climbing club. That's really good. I'm in that. Then on Wednesdays, you've got chess. if you want something a bit more intellectual. But you should look through carefully because all the clubs run extra activities as well as their normal meetings.
**Tom:** Oh yes, I see. So it looks like the film club has discussions after the films. I'd quite like to go to those. Then climbing. Goodness. It says here that the university has its own climbing wall. That's impressive. And they go on weekend trips. Cool. And it says the chess club normally just does games with whoever turns up, but it also runs competitions sometimes, but I bet you've got to be pretty good to do that.
**Rachel:** Yes, I think so. And how many people are in the clubs? Are they all really full?
**Rachel:** Well, obviously they're all different. So, for example, the film club has just increased its membership from 85 to 125, but I think they're hoping to extend it to 150. The climbing club's quite small, 40 people, and the chess club is fairly healthy at 55.
**Tom:** Right. Okay. So, who do I see if I want to join these clubs?
**Rachel:** Well, if you go around the stands and speak to the people there for the film club, that's the events organizer. Um, for climbing, you'll need the club secretary. And the chess club is organized by one of the math tutors. Okay.
**Tom:** Yep. I think I'll start with the climbing club. It sounds good.
**Rachel:** Oh, well, as I said, I'm in that, so I might be able to help you a bit.
**Narrator:** You now have 30 seconds to read questions 5 to 10. Now listen carefully and answer questions 5 to 10.
**Tom:** Okay. It says in the leaflet that they get together twice a month. Is that right?
**Rachel:** Yes. Oh, you must join. It's really good fun. We go away quite a bit to North Wales. And every year we have a special excursion, usually to France, which is where we're going this year in the spring. The weather's too unpredictable in the autumn.
**Tom:** Wow, that sounds good. But it must cost a lot.
**Rachel:** Yeah, but we try and save up for it through subscriptions. So rather than having a huge sum to pay in the month we go, we collect those weekly. So it spreads it out.
**Tom:** Good idea. I think I'll definitely join.
**Rachel:** There are quite good benefits you get from joining. I mean, you need that, don't you? And the university clubs normally try and do deals with local businesses, so it's really worth joining. Like in the climbing club, they've got a special arrangement with one of the shops in town. So, if you show your card, you can get money off equipment. Don't think the discount extends to clothes, though.
**Tom:** That's really worth it, then. I'll go over and talk to them now.
**Rachel:** Okay. Hope you do join. Oh, and another thing I meant to say, if you do become a member, you automatically receive a magazine once a year. It's quite useful and interesting because it goes out to all the national climbing clubs. And the other thing is if you come to every session then you can get a complimentary ticket to the big exhibition that's held in Cardiff every year. So hope to see you.
**Tom:** Yeah. Well, thanks a lot for your help.
**Narrator:** And that is the end of part one. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
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**Narrator:** Now it turns to part two. Part two. First you have some time to look at questions 11 to 17. Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 17.
**Fiona:** Hello and thanks everyone for coming here today. I know it's always a bit stressful going for a job interview, but it's best to be prepared. For any of you who may not know me, my name is Fiona Ogulvie, and my job is to offer guidance and support for students with special needs. Now, you wouldn't be here today if you weren't interested in finding a job in the holidays. So, let's get down to it and see what things you need to be looking out for.
Most of you, I hope, will be applying for jobs with the companies that have been recommended by the university. The reason for this is that we here at the university already know these companies and have established good working relationships with them. I've also been to visit all of them and checked out the facilities they have to offer. You really need to make informed choices when you're looking for a job and make sure you know before you even get to the interview stage that your needs will be met.
But I know that some of you are applying for jobs independently and have looked at companies outside the university recommended list. So for you, it's best to plan ahead and be aware of what it is you may need while you're working. Things that you need to check when you go for an interview are are there enough toilet facilities and are these easily accessible. Also, you want to check that all the public areas inside the building are barrierfree so you can get direct access to these public spaces whenever you need to.
And ask about ramps into the building so you know how many there are and where they are located. These kinds of things are so much more difficult to sort out when you've started work as they take time. But ramps are an absolute must. So, please make sure you know where they are. Another thing you must make sure of is that the lifts have the correct lowered control panels. Ask if all the lifts have this facility or if it's only certain ones.
Now, something I think that is often overlooked is working hours. What you want to make sure of is that you get flexi time. This basically means that your working hours are flexible and you can clock on and clock off in times that suit you within reason. Of course, most companies do recognize that it takes much longer for someone in a wheelchair to get on and off buses and trains. Public transport can take that much longer. So, you need to be organized and prepared. And for those of you lucky enough to own a car, check how many disability parking spaces are available. Remember that it's your right to have a disabled parking space. These also need to be near enough to a wheelchair accessible entrance or ramp. Okay. Are there any questions before we move on?
**Narrator:** Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 18 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 18 to 20.
**Fiona:** Right, let's move on then. Now I want to talk you through the series of visits to companies which we've got planned for next week.
On Monday morning we will be visiting the land hotel. They have various summer jobs available, working as a receptionist or conference organizer in their busy conference center, organizing and setting up conferences. You need to be prepared for working in an office environment and spending quite a bit of time talking on the telephone. The bus leaves for the hotel at 9:00 a.m., so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get there. When you arrive at the hotel, please gather in the reception area and wait for someone to take you to your first session, which will be a talk. The talk of the hotel will begin at 10:00 a.m. and then there will be a short tour of the hotel. There will be a light lunch provided, which is usually salads and sandwiches.
The next place we'll be visiting will be on Tuesday afternoon. We'll be going to visit a little local company that makes handmade paper and cards. For those of you studying art, this may be just what you're looking for. We'll be taken on a tour of the company, which lasts 3 hours. The tour will start at 3:30 p.m. and after that, you'll have a chance to meet some of the staff. Tea and coffee will also be provided.
We have no trips planned for Wednesday, but on Thursday morning, we'll be going to Tobago Travel Agency. This is a very popular choice amongst our students because you can get student discounts on holidays. We've booked a coach for this and it'll leave from outside the refactory at 8:00 a.m. You'll need to bring a packed lunch for this, so please don't forget there is a little canteen where you can buy hot and cold food, but this is closed on Thursdays.
Friday, we'll be having representatives from all the companies visiting us. So, you will have a chance to ask any questions and of course, put your name down on the list if you're interested in working for them over the summer. This event will take place in the main hall next to the library and it'll run from 10:30 until 4. I really hope you make the most of this excellent opportunity to not only earn yourself some extra money, but also to gain experience of what it's like to work. And if you'd like to find out more, then please ask some of the students who worked last year. They're all wearing green badges and will be happy to speak to you afterwards.
**Narrator:** That is the end of part two. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
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**Narrator:** Now it turns to part three. Part three. First you have some time to look at questions 21 to 25. Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 25.
**Ronald:** Good afternoon everybody. It's Ronald Jaff with this week's edition of Movie Talk. First, let's look at the films this week in the theater. The Kid Rides Again, When You Find Love, and Wronged.
The last of the three, Wronged, is definitely the best. In fact, one of the best films in a long time with Henry Michaelelsson and Joanne Seymour. It is about a man who gets a life sentence for a murder he did not commit. In the style of the films of the 40s and 50s, it is a modern story of a man and his wife, wonderfully played by Joanne Seymour. They fight to make people believe Thompson is the wrong man and not the killer. The strength of their love is wonderful, even after Thompson has been in prison for 15 years. Of course, I won't tell you what happens after Thompson's 15th year in prison. That would ruin the story. But if you see no other film, you should see this one. The story may be old, but the acting is great, and it will hold your attention from beginning to end.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for When You Find Love. Just another silly story about how boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl again, and they live happily ever after.
**Narrator:** Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 26 to 30. Now listen and answer questions 26 to 30.
**Ronald:** Hollywood ever get tired of such stupid films? Yet on a New England college campus, the star of the movie, Tommy Seal, is a freshman. He meets the 2 years older Stephanie Fool, played by Sally Evans. In real life, she must be at least 30, not 20. Well, Billy, our hero, has had a hard time with Stephanie. After all, he is so much younger. But they fall in love in about a minute. As long as it takes to take a picture with a Polaroid. And they are both so happy in true paradise. until, that is, until Buck, the star football player played by Ronco Star, the only good actor in the film, steals Stephanie away from the poor Billy. He is, after all, a senior and football star. And the rest of the film is about naturally how Billy gets Stephanie back, making her remember their love. He shows her that he, not Buck, is the man for her. Well, if you can stand a stupid story and bad acting, then take your 8-year-old child to see When You Find Love. Anyone older will leave the theater before the movie ends.
And finally, The Kid Rides Again, a western about a young cowboy, Kit Barnes, who stops the bad guys, the robbers, the killers, and plain old bullies and helps the good guys. Kit is fast with a gun and never wants in this cowboy. Kit is the cowboy who never stays in one place for a very long time. Who leads a lonely but very free life. Nothing new on the story line, but a good classic style western with good acting. Peter cells as kit catches just the right mood. He's an excellent and natural cowboy. There are beautiful scenes of the open country in the west and enough action to hold your interest. A good cowboy film for those who like me always enjoy seeing the old west.
And now before we go on with the news from Hollywood, a word from our sponsor.
**Narrator:** That is the end of part three. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
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**Narrator:** Now you're on to part four. Part four. Now listen to the second part of the lecture. First you have some time to look at questions 31 to 40. Now listen carefully and answer questions 31 to 40.
**Lecturer:** Now let's turn to shopping which may interest you more. In general, shops open at 9:00 in the morning and close at 5:30 in the afternoon. In country towns and quieter suburbs, smaller shops close for an hour at lunchtime. And once a week, there tends to be an early closing day when most shops shut during the afternoon. Many cities have a late night once a week when shops stay open until approximately 8:00 in the evening.
You should ensure that anything you bring into the country such as traveling irons, heated rollers, hair dryers, and electric shavers can be used on the standard British Voltage, which is 240 volts 50Hz. Many hotels will on request be able to supply adapters for electric shavers.
When you travel, you may want to send postcards home. Stamps can be bought at post offices throughout Britain. They are open from 9:00 to 5:30 Monday to Friday and until 12:30 on Saturday. Stamps can also be bought at postal center stamp dispensers at large stores and major tourist attractions. For posting letters, you don't have to go far before finding a red painted letter box. Alternatively, use the letter boxes at post offices.
You may ask how much to tip in hotels and how much it is for a taxi. There are no fixed rules on tariffs about this and the following is intended only as a guide to customary practice. Most hotel bills include a service charge, usually 10 to 12%. But in some larger hotels, 15%. Where a service charge is not included, it is customary to divide 10 to 15% of the bill among the staff who have given good service. In restaurants, if a service charge is not included in the bill, then 10 to 15% is usually left for the waiter. For porters, we usually give 30p to 50p per suitcase. For taxis, 10 to 15% of the fare. hairdressers, £2 according to how much work they have done, plus 50p to the assistant who washed your hair.
If you drive in Britain, you should remember to drive on the left and overtake on the right. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for the driver and front seat passengers. Now, let's talk about full details of Britain's road regulations. A copy of the highway code can be obtained from offices of the Automobile Association, AA, or Royal Automobile Club, RAC, at most ports of entry. These two motoring organizations can also provide plenty of helpful information to all motorists. Contact AA. Telephone is 018547373 24hour service. RAC telephone is 24-hour service.
For something more serious, telephone operators will give you the telephone number and address of a local doctor's surgery. Alternatively, you can go to the casualty department of any general hospital or in the case of severe emergency, dial 999. 999 is free. Remember, unless you belong to a European community country or one with which the UK has reciprocal health arrangements, you will be charged for the full cost of medical treatment in Britain, except in the case of accidents or emergencies requiring outpatients treatments only. It would therefore be wise to take out full medical insurance before leaving home.
**Narrator:** That is the end of part four. You now have half a minute to check your answers.