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How to Score 8 in IELTS Listening
To score 8 in IELTS Listening, you need about 35–36 correct answers out of 40; Band 9 needs 39–40. Most lost marks at this level come from spelling, plurals and word limits rather than understanding. Read ahead before each part, listen for corrections, and check every answer against the instructions.
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- Time
- About 30 minutes of recording
- Questions
- 40 questions in 4 parts
- Band 8
- About 35–36 correct
- Band 9
- 39–40 correct
How many correct answers do you need?
| Correct answers | Band |
|---|---|
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
Listening is the same test for Academic and General Training. Conversions are approximate and can vary slightly between versions. See IELTS band scores explained.
The small mistakes that cost Band 8
- Spelling: a misspelled answer is wrong, even if you understood it.
- Plurals: "book" when the speaker said "books".
- Word limit: "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS" means three words is wrong.
- Distractors: speakers often change their answer ("Tuesday… no, actually Wednesday").
- Losing your place: missing one answer and then missing the next three while searching.
How to approach each part
- Part 1 (everyday conversation): names, numbers, dates. Practise spelling and number dictation.
- Part 2 (monologue): often maps or plans. Read the labels first and follow the direction words.
- Part 3 (discussion): several speakers. Note who says what and watch for agreement and disagreement.
- Part 4 (lecture): no break in the middle. Use the reading time to predict answer types.
How to practise Listening for Band 8
- Do full tests under real conditions, played once only.
- Check every wrong answer with the transcript to see why you missed it.
- Keep a list of words you misspell and practise them.
- Listen daily to lectures, podcasts and news in English at normal speed.
For format details, see the IELTS Listening guide.
How PrepEve helps with Listening
PrepEve trainers review your mock results to find exactly which part and which error type costs you marks, then train those until they stop repeating. Full-length mocks are part of Live Coaching.
Frequently asked questions
How many mistakes can I make for Band 8 in Listening?
Is Listening the same for Academic and General Training?
Do capital letters matter in Listening answers?
Is the recording played twice?
Which part is the hardest?
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