IELTS Listening Practice Test | 2026-03-05

*[A conversation between David and Claudia about their holiday trip]*
**David:** Well, Claudia, our first semester at university is almost over. Oh, I can't wait for the holidays.
**Claudia:** Oh, me too. Why don't we go somewhere far away and forget about lectures and essays and all that hard work?
**David:** Sounds good to me. How about if we go to the coast? It would be great to do some swimming and surfing.
**Claudia:** The coast would be good, but let's look at our other options. There are the mountains. They're nice and cool at this time of year. There's also the desert, which I really enjoyed last year.
**David:** What about going to Sydney? I've never been there, and they say it's a great city to visit.
**Claudia:** Well, I agree. Sydney would be good, but there are too many tourists there at this time of year, and I'd rather get away from buildings and cars. I vote for the mountains.
**David:** All right, then. Let's do that. Now, we have to decide where we're going to stay and how we're going to get there. Any suggestions?
**Claudia:** Well, for places to stay, there are the usual places. Motels, hotels, and youth hostels. We can go camping, too. I'm afraid I'm not a very good camper. I tend to feel a bit frightened sleeping outdoors.
**David:** All right, we'll forget about camping. So, what do you prefer?
**Claudia:** Well, since neither of us has a lot of money, I don't think a hotel or motel would be possible. How about a youth hostel?
**David:** Oh, I'd rather not go to a youth hostel. They're cramped and noisy, and the person in the bed next to you might be a snorer. No, I think we should find a small holiday house to rent. And if we get a few more friends to join us, it will be really cheap.
**Claudia:** Okay. You know, it's the first time for me to travel to the mountains. What do you suggest to take? Mosquito net, I guess?
**David:** Mosquito net is useful, but I don't want to add more weight to our luggage. So, the insect repellent can do, I think. Besides, aspirins are necessary and some cold cure in case we feel sick or something like this.
**Claudia:** Do you think we need binoculars and a camera?
**David:** Well, it would be a good idea to take binoculars. As to a camera, I'm not very for it. I'd rather record the scenes in my mind.
**Claudia:** You're right. What about the money? How much do you think is enough and how should we take it?
**David:** I've learned from a friend about the cost. He told me that they spent about $480 for one week's tour. So, I think $500 would be enough. We may need over $300 for the house. Have you got any traveller's checks?
**Claudia:** No, I haven't. But I've got a credit card and a savings card.
**David:** Then take the credit cards with us. It would be more convenient to pay the house fees with a credit card.
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**Claudia:** Oh, I nearly forgot the date. How long will we have before we have to be back here on campus?
**David:** Under a week, I think. We'll leave on the 14th of April and come back on the 21st because, you know, we'll start to study on the 22nd.
**Claudia:** Do you know the definite locations of some holiday houses? I suppose it would be nice if we book in advance.
**David:** Yes. Look at this brochure here. It says that there are several holiday houses near the mountains. I prefer the one near the woods. It's situated right across the road from the rainforest park.
**Claudia:** That sounds good. We can easily go to the rainforest park then. Do you know what else we can do there besides visiting the park?
**David:** I know that many people go there for bush walking, but you need a good pair of walking boots. Of course.
**Claudia:** Are there any dangers in the bushes? I'm a little frightened.
**David:** In fact, there's no need to be nervous of the bushes, provided that you treat it with respect and common sense. Most of the animals and wildlife are gentle and harmless. There are venomous snakes to be aware of, but really they're much more frightened of you than you are of them. The other thing is that certain plants can cause irritation if you touch them with bare skin.
**Claudia:** I see. Well, I can't wait for the coming holiday.
---

*[A podcast for visitors to the Trillor Valley holiday region]*
The valley and estuary of the river Trillor forms an unspoiled beautiful landscape rich in both wildlife and sites of historic interest. There are many ways to explore the area and public transport links are good. It is possible to leave your car behind and travel by boat, train or bus with just short walks in between stops.
The Trillor Valley passenger ferry runs between villages along the river estuary and provides a link with a train station at Berry, which is about 10 minutes' walk from the riverside village of Calton. In the past, the river was the main form of transport in the area, and as in the past, today's ferry service operates according to nature. The river estuary is tidal and so the ferry timetable differs from day to day according to the times and height of the tide. The ferry is also seasonal, normally running between April and September, depending on the weather. A timetable for the whole year can be downloaded from the internet.
If you just want to sit and relax and enjoy the lovely scenery, you can take a river cruise to Calton and back from the nearby city of Plymouth. In the past, steamships brought early tourists along the same route. Queen Victoria and her family enjoyed such a trip in 1856. The journey is quicker these days. The round trip takes between 4 and 5 hours, depending on tides and weather. If you prefer, you can travel up river by boat and return to Plymouth by train. All cruise boats and trains have wheelchair access.
Trains run several times a day throughout the year between Calton and Plymouth with various stops in between. They're used by both local commuters and tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The highlight of the journey is crossing the river on the stunning viaduct, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century and towers 120 feet over the water. It is unnecessary to book and tickets can be bought on the train.
The bus service in the Trillor Valley now connects all train stations and villages in the area. Especially for holiday makers, there's a rover ticket which can be used at weekends and on national holidays and allows unlimited journeys on those days. The rover ticket provides great value for money and is now even cheaper than it was last year. An adult ticket costs £5.50 a day. Senior citizens can travel for £4.50 and a family ticket for up to five people costs just £12. Tickets can be bought on the bus.
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At the centre of the Trillor estuary area is the historic riverside village of Calton. The main road comes into the village from the south. And for those of you who are arriving by bus, it turns left just before the bridge and stops in the lay-by on the left-hand side. From there, it's just a short walk to Calton's various attractions.
If you're arriving by car, you have to leave it in the main car park. Go over the bridge and take the first turning on the right, then go on until you come to the end of that road. It's the only place to park in Calton, but there's no charge.
If you're interested in local history, there's a museum in Calton with farming, fishing, and household implements from the late 19th century. As you come in from the south, cross the river and go straight on the same road until you reach the end.
Also, on the subject of history, you can go and see the old mill, which has recently been renovated and put back into use. Turn left before you come to the bridge. Then go straight on and then take the first turning on the right. This leads straight there.
If you're interested in arts and crafts, there's a pottery studio where you can watch the artist at work. After crossing the bridge, turn left and it's the second building on the left.
Finally, when you feel in need of refreshments, there's a cafe opposite the old boat house and a picnic area near the mill.
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*[A telephone conversation between a student and a Cleveland College representative about evening courses]*
**Representative:** Good morning, Cleveland College. Can I help you?
**Student:** Yes, please. I'd like some information about evening courses this term.
**Representative:** Okay. Which subjects are you interested in?
**Student:** Two subjects, actually. Languages and computer skills.
**Representative:** Okay. What languages are you interested in?
**Student:** Actually, I'm not sure. I have to fulfil a language requirement for school, but I haven't really decided what language to study. How many language courses do you run each week?
**Representative:** We have two every night from Monday to Friday.
**Student:** I'm sorry, but would you mind going through the schedule for me? Which language on which days?
**Representative:** Not at all. Monday to Wednesday are modern European languages: French, Spanish, German, Dutch, and Polish. Thursday night, we offer ancient languages: Latin and Ancient Greek. And on Friday, we finish off with the Asian languages of Hindi and Bengali.
**Student:** Monday to Wednesday, modern European. Thursday, ancient languages, and Friday, Asian. Can you spell Bengali, please?
**Representative:** Yes, it's B-E-N-G-A-L-I.
**Student:** Great. And how much do the courses cost?
**Representative:** Each course costs £25 per person per term. But if you want to do two language courses, there's a 10% discount, but only if you book for two terms.
**Student:** So the 10% discount is if I take two courses for two terms. Is that right?
**Representative:** Right.
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**Student:** Will it be possible for me to book my classes right now?
**Representative:** No, sorry. The computer's down. What I suggest you do is call extension 9694. Oh no, sorry. 6994 after 6:00 p.m. and ask for Mrs. Johnson.
**Student:** I'm sorry, I didn't get that. Did you say 6994 after 6 p.m.?
**Representative:** Yes. 6994. Please ask for Mrs. Johnson.
**Student:** Thanks. Okay. Can we now look at the computer skills courses?
**Representative:** Yes, of course. Computer classes always start in the first week of the month. And the way it works is we offer one computer class for the entire month. So you might spend one month on databases, another month on Excel and so on. Classes meet once a week on Tuesday afternoons. The next class starts February 1st.
**Student:** Okay. So for the upcoming month, February?
**Representative:** February is going to be databases. There are 24 places still free on that course and it costs £40 per person.
**Student:** February, databases, 24 openings, £40. Okay.
**Representative:** Excel starts in March and that's nearly full. Only four slots left. It's £45.
**Student:** Okay. Excel, March, only four slots left. Got it.
**Representative:** April is Outlook. That is never as popular since it costs so much more, but you get a free CD. It is £60 for the month and there are 19 places left.
**Student:** Okay. April, Outlook, £60. Is that it?
**Representative:** No. On the 3rd of June, we start a Word course. We have 16 vacancies for that at the moment. It is also expensive at £55.
**Student:** 3rd of June, Word, 16 vacancies, £55. Now, do I call the same number to book a place in one of these classes?
**Representative:** No, you have to call Mary Jones, I think. Yes, Mary Jones. Extension 9623.
**Student:** Sorry, could you repeat that number?
**Representative:** Yes, extension 9623. Please call her before 6 p.m.
**Student:** Okay, many thanks for all your help.
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*[A radio programme — "Wake Up with Frost" — presented by Jane Frost]*
Good morning. This is Jane Frost with this morning's edition of Wake Up with Frost. As you all know, for the last week, we've been running a survey trying to find out what you, the listeners, think is the greatest invention of the last 200 years. The response has been amazing, double the amount we had last year. So, thanks to all of you for taking part. We've had about 2,000 responses online and about the same on our phone lines. The lines are now closed and this morning I can announce what the results were.
So here it is. You, the listeners, have chosen as the greatest technological invention of the past 200 years — and let me not forget to mention that 65% of you voted for this — it's the bicycle. Yes, the bicycle, first invented in 1818. And would you believe it, the first bicycle was made of wood. The second bicycle had iron wheels. I cannot imagine what that must have been like to ride. It would have kept you fit at any rate.
But for me, the best thing about the bicycle was what it did for women's rights. Yes, in the 1890s, it was the bicycle that meant women could change their clothing, start wearing trousers or pantaloons as they were known. Before then, women's clothes had been really uncomfortable and I'd imagine quite difficult to breathe in. So thanks to the ordinary bicycle, it was not only the man who wore the trousers in a home. Instead, women could now feel far more equal to their male contemporaries.
And I'm sure you'll agree, the bicycle is a great way to get regular exercise. And of course, it's much better for the environment. And today, over 1 billion people all over the world ride bicycles. And for some, it's their only means of getting around from A to B. So to all you bicycle riders out there, keep up the good work.
Coming in a close second with 42% is the computer. I found out something interesting about the computer, which is that really this word first meant someone who did mathematical calculations. Of course, today with the development of the personal computer, computers are being used for everything from home use to business and even digital photography. I don't know about you, but I can't imagine life without a computer.
Now, I guess closely related to the computer is the internet. And this got 12% of your votes. Maybe like myself, many of you might think of the internet as being the worldwide web, but actually the web is only one part of the internet. The internet began as part of the United States military network, but it later began to be used by businesses and academic institutions. Of course, today the internet has so many uses. We use it for shopping online and entertainment as well as to find information and send emails. But sadly, there is a darker side to the internet. And some of you have sent me emails about this.
Finally, with 5% of your votes is the radio. We think the radio was invented by Marconi in 1896 and he opened his first radio or wireless factory in the United Kingdom in 1898. In 1906, a man called Reginald Fessenden gave the first radio broadcast from Massachusetts. Ships could hear him at sea and apparently he played the violin. As yet, listeners, I've spared you from having to listen to my guitar playing. But certainly, radio is still important. Let's not forget that it was by radio that the Titanic sent signals to other ships. And with the popularity of TV today, I was secretly pleased so many of you had still placed importance on the radio.
So, there you have it, the results of our survey. I think there are still important inventions that were not chosen but deserve a mention. Nuclear power and of course communication satellite — something which I am certain will continue to change the face of how we communicate with each other over both long and short distances.
In fact, for me the mobile phone is one of the greatest inventions of the last 200 years. If I think back to my first phone and then I look at what is happening now, children born today will probably be more likely to have their first experience of the internet on a mobile phone screen rather than a computer monitor. Some of the new mobiles that are now being sold make it just as easy and as quick to find information on the web as on a computer. And let's not forget that mobiles now have digital cameras, word processing facilities so you can type all your documents, and even personal organisers. I think it's quite possible that the mobile may even replace computers one day.