IELTS Listening Practice Test | 2026-02-24

**Narrator:** Now turn to section one. First you have some time to look at questions one to four. Listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 4.
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon. I have with me in the studio today Dr. Steven Phillips, author of the new book Silver Lining, which is an investigation into UFOs. Now, Dr. Phillips, can you tell us a little about your book?
**Dr. Phillips:** Yes, certainly. Over the last 12 years, I've become increasingly interested in the subject of UFOs, and this book is a compilation of all the sightings I've heard about together with evidence. You see, so many people are convinced that there is life on other planets that I thought I would do some research myself.
**Interviewer:** And what did you find? Are we alone in the universe?
**Dr. Phillips:** You sound skeptical. Well, you'll have to buy the book to find out my personal conclusion. But I can tell you this. There are a lot of sightings in a number of different countries. And the surprising fact that I have found is that despite never having met each other, a great number of these witnesses describe an almost identical object. Now I realize that television and the media has given us all a mental picture of a UFO, a silver ship with bright lights that moves at very high speed. What interested me was that in all the eyewitness accounts I heard, people gave very precise and detailed descriptions that varied only slightly. Reports from America, Europe, even Asia all share a significant number of similarities.
**Interviewer:** H interesting. Tell me, have you been able to see any evidence yourself?
**Dr. Phillips:** Well, no. My aim in writing this book was not really to present my own opinion, but to gather all the information available and collect it into a kind of reference guide. Personally, I don't have anything much to add apart from the conclusions that I've drawn from the accounts I've heard.
**Interviewer:** I understand that there is a strong body of opinion that claims there is hard evidence that is being suppressed by the American government. Could you comment on it?
**Narrator:** Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 5 to 10. Now listen and answer questions 5 to 10.
**Dr. Phillips:** Personally, I don't have anything much to add apart from the conclusions that I've drawn from the accounts I've heard.
**Interviewer:** I understand that there is a strong body of opinion that claims there is hard evidence that is being suppressed by the American government. Could you comment on that?
**Dr. Phillips:** Hm. The second chapter of my book actually talks about a place in America that has often been in the media. Area 51.
**Interviewer:** Area 51.
**Dr. Phillips:** Yes. It's a military base in New Mexico. In 1947, a man called McBrazel claimed—
**Interviewer:** Sorry, who?
**Dr. Phillips:** McBrazel? That's Mac A, capital B R A Z E L. Anyway, McBrazel claimed to have found pieces of an alien spacecraft on his farm in Roswell. Now many people believe that this was true and that the government of the time took the debris. Since that time they have denied all knowledge of any such find and accounts by the many leading experts at the time dismissed the claim believing that McBrazel had actually found pieces of a high altitude weather balloon that had disintegrated. Now the lack of information combined with a large number of conspiracy theorists means that no useful scientific conclusion can be drawn. But I have found out one or two surprising details. Again, you'll have to buy the book if you want to find out more.
**Interviewer:** Okay. Now, I understand that an overwhelming majority of UFO sightings occurred in America. Do you find that in any way relevant?
**Dr. Phillips:** Well, as I mentioned before, there are a large number of conspiracy theorists, and the popularity of science fiction programs in America could lead you to suspect that these sightings may be nothing more than an overactive imagination. However, I have found that there are a number of other factors that determine UFO sightings. In Northern Europe, the number of reports is very low, whereas in Southern Europe, where there is more open space, less light pollution, and generally clearer skies, the number of sightings increases. Now, when you consider the vast open areas of America, particularly around New Mexico, there is an argument that UFOs are simply easier to see in certain geographical and climatic situations.
**Interviewer:** Hm. Well, I've never thought of that. If I could ask you one final question, Dr. Phillips, what about alien abduction?
**Dr. Phillips:** Uh, well, I don't really cover that in my book. You see, I was looking to present facts from which people could draw their own conclusions. With these reported abductions, I've found them to be very unreliable.
**Interviewer:** Well, thank you very much for your time. Before we finish, I'd just like to add that Silver Lining is available at all leading bookstores priced at £19.99. Until next week. Goodbye.
**Narrator:** 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, you will hear a tour guide giving a talk about a relaxation center. First, you'll have some time to look at questions 11 to 14. Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 14.
**Sally:** Hello everyone, my name is Sally. Welcome to our globally renowned spa and relaxation center here at Island View Estates. Before you all wander off and begin exploring the facilities, I'd like to go over a few things. Now, this year is a very special milestone for our beloved center as it is our 25th anniversary. I understand that this means you have all paid an increased price for your tickets, but I can promise that all of the events we have scheduled for your enjoyment will make the costs well worth it. I know that all of you have traveled a long distance to make it here to the center of the new forest, but it is thanks to its remoteness that our center is such a beautiful place to relax.
I'm sure you are all keen to find out what activities we have arranged for you. So, I will give you a quick overview. Tomorrow we have arranged for you all to participate in a yoga session for the duration of the morning followed by a day of relaxation at the pool where we have ample sun umbrellas to protect you from the sun. On Wednesday, we have organized a sightseeing hike through the forest where you will be able to test your navigation skills and witness the wild ponies in their natural habitat. It's forecast to be sunny that day, but I recommend that you all bring rainproof clothes just in case. On your last day, we have a special surprise, a pony trek along the beach. We ask that you all wear full-length trousers and that all women have their hair tied up in a ponytail. Helmets are provided at the center for those who would like to wear one.
There are a couple of beautiful attractions here at the center that you must all be sure to visit before you leave. The Rose Garden, located just at the corner of the property, is home to many indigenous species and is beautifully serene and peaceful. The perfect place to collect your thoughts or read a book. Our sunset boat ride has been the favorite attraction for many of our visitors. Simply hop aboard and relax whilst we sail you out into the open sea to witness one of the most beautiful spectacles that nature has to offer. Last, but certainly not least, is the freshwater pond, which serves as a watering hole of sorts. Some of you may even be lucky enough to spot our resident kingfishes who are members of a very rare and endangered species.
Once you have all unpacked and settled into your rooms, we will be taking you out to the neighboring island for a bonfire and barbecue dinner. The island is very small and the bicycle trails make it very easy to explore all of its beautiful corners. As the island is entirely separate from the mainland, it has never been inhabited by wildlife, so you can all roam freely and safely. We have some bonding exercises for you all to take part in around the bonfire, where you can potentially make new friends and discover a lot about yourself.
**Narrator:** Before you hear the rest of the talk, you'll have some time to look at questions 15 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 15 to 20.
**Sally:** Now let me tell you a little bit about the facilities that the resort has to offer. For those of you keen on indulging in a little bit of retail therapy, just wander along to our tourist center where we have a wide selection of presents on sale at reasonable prices. If you are feeling more drawn to the natural surroundings and scenery, I recommend that you take a trek up the mountain where you can enjoy the panoramic outlook from the peak. For a bit of cultural indulgence, why not pay a visit to our small on-site theater where you can enjoy watching a range of movies and check out some works by our resident street artists. Just a 10-minute walk down the road is the local art museum where you can roam around the sculpture courtyard or admire the many artworks on display. Here at the resort, we are incredibly lucky to be located right next to a nature reserve where many species of endangered wildlife live in the pond. Just on the bank is a small hut where visitors can observe the fish and birds in their natural habitat. Now, if any of you are interested in history, you have the very interesting opportunity to visit the ancient building at the south side of the grounds. The building is now a museum. However, it originally served as a jail for those charged with crimes of treason against the royal family. Well, that just about rounds it up. Now, if anyone has any questions—
**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. You're going to listen to a radio program about buying a house. First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 25. Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 25.
**Presenter:** Good afternoon listeners. Today I'd like to welcome Edward Fox who is going to talk to us today about buying a house. Edward.
**Edward:** Thank you Eunice. For most people at least, buying a house is a major life event and probably the single most expensive item you are ever likely to buy. It is also a place that you can make your home. Therefore, thinking carefully before you make a purchase is of the utmost importance. One of the most important things to consider before buying any property is the location because remember it is where you plan to spend a large part of your life or indeed the rest of your life in some circumstances. Therefore, consider the type of life you enjoy leading. Are you a very sociable person who enjoys nightclubs and discos? If so, then you may wish to consider something close to the city or indeed in a city where it is convenient for all types of night life. On the other hand, if like me, you prefer a quieter life, then you may want to consider something away from the city. However, do remember that proximity to your place of work is also important. Indeed, we spend most of our life at work, and you don't want to have to spend two or more hours every day traveling to work, now do you? Therefore, transport is the utmost importance. City suburbs, however, are often conveniently located for commuting to work, all for shopping, without being in the heart of a busy city. You may, however, think that a house in the suburbs would be far too expensive. Yet houses located in cities can often exceed the price of suburban houses. So check out the prices. You may be surprised. Family is another important consideration. You may prefer a house that is away from a busy street or main road. And of course, remember that children have to attend school. Is there a good school in the area? Or would your children have to travel a long distance to get to school? Therefore, if you have children or you plan to have children, location is a very important factor. And of course, remember that a family influences the size of the property.
**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.
**Edward:** And of course remember that a family influences the size of the property. There are of course various types of houses. There are detached houses which stand alone and are not joined by to another building. Then there are semi-detached houses which incidentally are the most common and for good reason because they are less expensive than detached houses. This is because they are in fact two houses joined together and therefore take up less space. And finally there are town houses which are many houses joined together to form a long row. But don't think that town houses are less expensive than semi-detached houses. They rarely are. This is because they are usually built in cities where the prices of property is very expensive indeed.
The age of property is another consideration. If you're considering buying an old house, beware. You may be faced with expensive repairs and renovation bills. So, have the house thoroughly checked by a professional surveyor before you decide to buy. But then again, there are things you can look for yourself. Things such as the condition of the woodwork, especially doors and windows that can be expensive to replace. More importantly, make sure all the fixtures and fittings, things such as cupboards, sinks, taps, bathtubs are all in good working order because replacing kitchens and bathrooms can be a very costly business. And don't forget the garden. If the property has one, if you enjoy gardening, then fine. But if you don't enjoy gardening, then you may prefer a small garden as opposed to a big one. But even if you do enjoy gardening, it is important to remember that gardens take up a lot of your time. So keeping a garden in good order may be a very difficult if you work long hours. One final thing is the general feel of the place. Does it have a good atmosphere? And most importantly of all, would you feel comfortable living there?
**Presenter:** Thank you, Edward. But I'm afraid that's all we have time for today. But I'll be back next Wednesday when my guest speaker will be talking about buying a computer. So until then, bye for now.
**Narrator:** That is the end of part three. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
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**Narrator:** Now it turns to part four. Part four, you will hear a talk about a research project on the tiger shark. First, you have some time to look at questions 31 to 40. Now listen carefully and answer questions 31 to 40.
**Lecturer:** Good morning everyone. Today I'm going to talk about the research project I've been involved in on the tiger shark. First of all, some background information. The tiger shark, also known as the leopard shark, is often thought to have got its name from its aggressive nature, but in actual fact, it's called that because it has dark bands similar to those on a tiger's body. It is a huge creature growing up to lengths of 6 and 1/2 m. It can be found just about everywhere throughout the world's temperate and tropical seas, but it is most often found along the coast rather than the open sea. In terms of feeding, tiger sharks tend to be most active at night and are solitary hunters. Their preferred prey includes other sharks, turtles, seabirds, and dolphins to name but a few. However, it's not uncommon to find garbage in its stomach. This is because it tends to feed in areas such as harbors and river inlets where there is a lot of human activity.
Now to the project itself. We are particularly interested in some studies that have been done in the Rain Island area. Observations here have shown that there is a large population of tiger sharks present in the summer during the turtle nesting season. However, during the winter months, the sharks disappear. So, we decided to do some of our own research there. The first step was to tag a number of sharks so that we could follow their movements. To do this, we first needed to catch the sharks. Early in the morning, we baited lines with large bits of fish and set them in place. These lines were then checked every 3 or 4 hours. If no sharks were caught, the baits were replaced. Once a shark had been caught on one of the baited hooks, it was pulled in close to the boat and secured so that we could carry out a number of brief activities to aid our research. This usually took no more than about 10 minutes and was carried out as carefully as possible to minimize any stress to the shark. Each of the tiger sharks that we caught was measured and fitted with an identification tag and also a small amount of tissue was taken for genetic studies. For some larger sharks over 3 m long, we also inserted into the belly a special acoustic tag capable of sending satellite signals. While on other large sharks, we attached a camera to the dorsal fin to enable us to study the behavior and habitat use of the sharks. After this, the shark was released and we were able to follow its movements.
So, what was the purpose of all this tagging? Well, while we were already familiar with some aspects of the tiger sharks behavior and food sources, what we hoped to do in this project was to see exactly what factors affected the migration patterns of tiger sharks and whether it was in fact food, weather, and reproductive needs. These are some of our findings. On February 21st, a large female shark whom we named Natalie was attracted to our research boat at the northern tip of Rain Island and fitted with one of the satellite tags I've just mentioned. No transmissions were received from Natalie between April 2nd and April 29th, indicating that she didn't surface to feed during this period. The area in which she was last reported is very shallow, suggesting that she may have changed her feeding preferences during this period to focus on prey found on the sea floor. We also made a number of other discoveries thanks to the various transmitters we used. It seems that tiger sharks move back and forth between the ocean floor and the surface quite often. This may help the sharks conserve energy while they swim, but it probably also helps them hunt since this movement back and forth maximizes its chances of not being detected by its prey until the last minute. So far, our findings have not been conclusive. However, we have gained some very interesting insights into the behavior of tiger sharks and are now hoping to develop our research further.
**Narrator:** That is the end of part four. You now have half a minute to check your answers. That is the end of the listening test.