IELTS Listening Section 4 is an educational lecture below are tips and a practice lesson to help you prepare. All candidates take the same listening test so this is the same for Academic and GT candidates. This is the most difficult section of the listening test. The listening exercise below is based on section 4 and it focuses on short answer questions. It is possible to get any question type in section 4.
IELTS Listening Section 4 Tips
- Section 4 is an academic talk by one speaker, a lecture.
- Please note, for candidates taking the General Training IELTS Test, you will be taking the same listening test and the same speaking test as the Academic candidates.
- Academic lectures are usually structured:
- Introduction – what the talk main points will be
- Middle
- Main Points with Detailed and Examples
- Conclusion – a summary
- This logical organisation of information will help you.
- Signposts:
- As the speaker moves from one point to another, they will say things like:
- Looking at X
- Moving on to Y
- Another interesting point is …
- You need to pay attention to these words.
- As the speaker moves from one point to another, they will say things like:
- Linking words
- Talks will also use linking words to add information, give an opposite point or give an example. All these words will help you understand the information and follow the points. Example words:
- Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly
- Also, in addition, moreover, furthermore
- by contrast, conversely, on the other hand
- for example, such as, like, namely
- You can find a list of common linking words on this page: Linking Words. Although the page is for writing task 2, they are formal linking words used for formal talks as well.
- Talks will also use linking words to add information, give an opposite point or give an example. All these words will help you understand the information and follow the points. Example words:
- Academic talks contain vocabulary relevant to the topic. Such vocabulary often isn’t paraphrased, which can be very useful in navigating the recording.
- Don’t try to understand everything. Focus on listening for answers only
- Predict the type of answer you need to listen for.
- Listen out for paraphrases of common words.
- For the listening practice below, answers will come in order
- Section 4 usually has 10 questions. The lesson below is a practice lesson rather than a test. The aim is for you to get used to the language and layout of listening section 4.
When you finish your listening practice, listening again and read the transcript at the same time. Answers are given below.
Practice for IELTS Listening Section 4
Section 4 Practice Lesson
Dolphin Intelligence
Questions 1-6: Write no more than three words and/or a number.
1. The lecture will concentrate on tools, communication, sonar and what other aspect of dolphin intelligence?
2. How big is the brain of the bottle-nosed dolphin?
3. What other species use tools?
4. What can dolphins copy from other species?
5. Can dolphins see out of the water?
6. What does a dolphin hear through?
RECORDING:
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TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS
Click below to reveal the transcript and answers:
TranscriptBut first let’s look at how the dolphin brain compares to the brains of other species in terms of size. The largest brain in the world belongs to the sperm whale. Weighing some 9,000 grams, it is six to seven times larger than the human brain. The second largest brain in the world is the killer whale (or orca) at 6,000 grams. The next largest brain among the marine mammals is the bottlenosed dolphin at 1,500 grams, followed by human brains at approximately 1,200 grams. Strong connections between the sensorial and motive areas of a dolphin’s brain to the body indicate that it is very much sensitive to pain and stress.
Looking at the way dolphin’s use tools, while many believe that primates, such as chimpanzees, are the only species who use tools for activities, dolphins studied in the wild have been seen using sea sponges to protect their snouts from getting scratches as they scavenge for food on the ocean floor. Dependent calves, young baby dolphins, are also provided with sponges from their mothers, as research in the wild has seen infant dolphins wearing tiny sponges on their snouts while swimming close to their mothers.
With regards to dolphin communication, dolphins utilize “signature whistles” to identify themselves to others. In other words, these whistles can be seen as representing their names. Furthermore, dolphins also mimic movements, of both humans and other animals.
Another interesting point about dolphins is of course their sonar. It has been suggested by several noted scientists that dolphins may be able to create acoustical holographic images from the interlacing of their sonic output. It is well known that dolphins can see inside the bodies of their fellow dolphins, and other animals in the water. This is because dolphin sonar evolved to pass through water and does not reflect until it hits something like bone or air sacs. Since animal bodies are more than 50% water, their sonar enables them to literally “see” inside other animals.
And finally, dolphins have fantastic sensory capacity. They have the ability to focus their eyesight due to the curvy characteristics of their lenses, thus they are able to see both in and out of water. Moreover, dolphins have little more than a small hole for hearing, as having larger ears would severely affect the creature’s ability to swim. Rather, studies show that sounds are obtained through tiny bones, and then are transferred to the inner ear through the fatty material that surrounds the eardrum. Adapted from Bluevoice.org
2. 1500 grams / 1500g
3. primates / chimpanzees
4. movements
5. yes
6. (a) small hole
note: when you see brackets in an answer key, it means the word in brackets is optional. Your answer is right with or without it. You can’t use brackets in your test.
- capacity = ability
- indicate = show / point to
- primate = monkey
- snouts = noses (for dolphins and pigs)
- scavenge = hunt / forage
- infant = new born / child
- mimic = copy
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Recommended for IELTS Listening
Click here: ALL IELTS LISTENING FREE LESSONS & TIPS
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Hi Liz,
I think the answer to question no. 5 should be Not Given instead of Yes because there is no relevant information on whether Dolphins can see outside water. However, there is enough information about its ability to see inside water. Am I right?
Always take the time, after you finish a lesson to go over the transcript provided carefully. Use the transcript to review each answer and all language. Then use the transcript as a way to tackle pronunciation as well, as an extra focus.
This question isn’t a reading question. These are not Yes, No, Not Given questions, such questions don’t exist in IELTS Listening. It is just a simple yes or no answer.
The transcript actually shows this: “they are able to see both in and out of water.” So, the answer is a clear – yes, dolphins can see outside the water.
If the right answer is in plural form of word and I wrote my answer in singular form . Will I be marked wrong ?
It would be marked wrong.
Hey Liz,
I didn’t understand the last question.
Dolphins have holes rather than ears for hearing. That is what the question is trying to check. The answer is in the final paragraph “Moreover, dolphins have little more than a small hole for hearing”
Hello Liz,
I got 5/6 due to the last question. I have answered tiny bones as in the recording, ‘sounds are obtained through tiny bones’. I initially wrote small hole, but then I heard this latter phrase and thought that might be it.
This is exactly what happened to me. I could have written this word for word!
Hi Liz,
How much time does one get on the computer based test to read through the questions before every listening session? I feel taking notes on the questions before the session can get challenging and hence wanted to know.
You get the same amount of time as you do for the paper based test because it is the same test. I suggest you get authentic IELTS test papers and start practicing with them. You will get used to the time limits for the listening test. Buy the IELTS Cambridge test books for that.
I feel listening to get content is better rather than focusing on keyword. Is it right way to practise ?? or I am wrong. Anyways thanks for wonderful content and materials for ielts.
Keywords are helpful for you to keep your place in the recording. Some people lose their place, but if they have underlined keywords, they can find their place again quickly. They also help you know when it’s time to move on to the next question. So, keywords do place a useful role in the listening test. However, listening to understand is important to determine the right answer. It doesn’t mean you have to understand every word in the recording. It means you must understand particular sentences to decide the right answer for a particular question.
Hey Liz, I answered question 4 as “movement” but the answer says “movements”. Are both accepted? Based on the context, I feel both are correct, but I’d like some expert advice.
Thanks.
You are tasked with listening to the audio to locate the answer. The answer will be a word from the recording. In this case, the word is a plural: movements. You must notice when a word is a plural or not.
Hi Liz,
Ans for 1st question i wrote “sensing capacity” instead of “sensory capacity”, is it correct or wrong?
Thanks
The audio states” sensory capacity” – no other answer is possible. Your answer is either 100% correct or it is wrong.
I got 3/6. it was tough. I write ear drums for question 6
It is the most difficult listening test ever.
i have got only two answers correct.
Is all Listening tests all of them liked that way,
These are practice lessons. You need to also practice will real IELTS tests. Get the IELTS Cambridge test books. Book 14 is the most recent.
Good day. would the transcript be available for each section in the listening IELTS exam paper to read through after listening before answering during the 10mins
The listening test is purely for listening. There’s no transcript for you. You should use transcripts from practice tests and lessons to help you develop and identify whatever problems you have as well as to boost your vocabulary.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for your time and effort to help others with this work. I have a question. What happens if I write 9.00AM instead of 9AM?
IT’s fine.
I found a question which has the answer 20 percent. It might be silly but got me confused
Question: clients who return get (1) ______ discount. The instruction says to write one word or a number for each answer.
How does 20 percent is the right answer as it makes two words? If I just write 20, the statement look’s incorrect. Can you please suggest?
Why would you write “20 percent” instead of “20%”? The first one is one word and one number, the second is one number only.
Hello liz, in listening will they consider my answer if I answered Interpret instead of interpreted?
Your answer is either 100% correct or it is wrong.
Thank you Liz for your great Job
Dear Liz,
I am amazed at how my listening skills improve by the day. This is wonderful. All thanks to you.
Cheers.
Hello Liz,
I want to improve my listening skill.
I don’t know why I don’t have the ability to listen and take notes at the same time.
My mind goes blank whenever I listen to a long speech and read long answer.
Can give you give me some recommendations?
thanks
Learn to identify keywords which you can listen out for. They will either be those exact words or they will be paraphrases of those words. IELTS listening is actually constructed so that the keywords will guide you.
hello liz
i want to ask you a question ，hope u can help me . can we use the phrase —” it depends” in part one ？ our english teacher said to me dont use ambiguous phase in part one.
thanks
I presume you are talking about the speaking test. Why don’t you post an example of the question and answer – then I will tell you my opinion.
I got 6/6
Hey Liz! Hats off to the tremendous service you have been providing to the ielts students. Thanks indeed
Hello Liz,
For Question#6, i answered “Tiny Bones”, but at the same time I though “Small Holes”.
Why can’t we answer “Tiny Bones” for this question? Please clarify.
Thanks,
Sedhuram
They hear through small holes and receive sound through tiny bones.
Hi Liz,
I just notice that there might some mistakes in the trancript:
lens shoud be lenses?
thin bone should be tiny bone?
Thanks
Thanks 🙂
Is this audio no longer available?
Yes, it’s still available. It might be an internet speed problem.
hello, Mrs liz
I should to memorize every unknown word in the transcript or not..because i misunderstand the all record and can not find some answers…advise me please
If your level of English is too low, you will need to find an English language teacher and develop your English.
Hey Liz, arent we supposed to write numbers in this form 1,500 ? Why is the correct answer 1500 gr? I am confused.
You can use or not use the comma. It is not wrong to miss the comma. although I do recommend using it.
of course is not written ofcourse or offcourse?
What do you mean? Explain what you are referring to. Thanks.
I’m sorry, it’s my mistake! I thought of course is written as one word offcourse but it is not. Now I know the differences between of course and off course.
Thank you!!
Hi Liz for the last question I wrote tiny hole instead of small hole is it still correct?
You can’t paraphrase. You must write the answers as you hear them.
Hello,
Is a transcript provided for the listening test in IELTS? Or candidates only have the recording that they listen to just once?
Thanks
Only the recording. You should practice using real IELTS tests. See this page to see the book that IELTS publish their tests in: https://ieltsliz.com/recommended-books-for-ielts/
Dear Liz,
Can we also say “1500 GRAMMES” instead of “1500 GRAMS”
Best wishes
C.
Sure.
Dear Liz,
Thank you for your time and these spectacular lessons. I got a question. Can I write “chimps” instead of “chimpanzees”, or is it wrong?
Thank you!
The word “chimps” was not in the transcript so it would be marked wrong.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
If i write answers in capital letters, [both listening and reading] sometimes answers are given by small letters especially in multiple choices answers, what i should write capital letter or small.please help me.
thanks
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
can we write 1500gr instead of 1500g ?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Teacher Liz, I used sensor capacity instead of sensory in First blank. Is this fine or I have to be very careful with spellings
You can’t change the form of words in IELTS listening and your spelling must be correct.
Liz
Dear Liz
I have a query as always.
Whenever we have to write timings in listening module like 9am to 5pm
Do you recommend writing “to” in between or we can write a “-” also like 9am-5pm?????
Kindly direct
You write what you hear. You only use extra words “and” or “to” if it is sentence completion. See my 25 tips lesson on the main listening page.
Liz
Dear Liz
In sec 4, sometimes the speaker is talking so fast that often you lag behind and the in a fraction of a second you miss some answers. This happens when you have to pick answers from a list of 7/8 possible answers
And the answers do not come in order too
What should we do in these questions
Any more tips as I have gone through the list of tips already but it’s not helping me
Kindly oblige
Always be ready to move on to the next type of question in that case.
Liz
HI Liz
I scored 6/6 in this test
I have to appear in exam on 7th next month. By the level of this test can you expect me to score above 7 in listening module?
Hope you would reply as your reply can do wonders to my confidence and I will feel a lot proud to get comments from a teacher like you
Thanks
Sorry I can’t predict scores.
Liz
Hi, Liz
I am confused about the final answer. I thought the answer was THIN BONES. Could you explain why this is wrong, as the speaker mention that recent studies show sound are obtained through thin bones …..
many thanks to you.
The answer is found in this sentence: “Moreover, dolphins have little more than a small hole for hearing”. The next sentence then explains how their hearing works. We are only interested in the hole not the mechanics of their hearing. The thin bones obtain sound but this is just one part of the mechanics of hearing.
Liz
Thanks
Hey Liz, where is the answer for “can dolphins see out of water?”.
Since animal bodies are more than 50% water, their sonar enables them to literally “see” inside other animals. Since they see through water bodied animal, it also means they can see out of water? Does the statement imply this?
Thank you for your help!
“…thus they are able to see both in and out of water. ”
Liz
I wrote chimpanzee instead of chimpanzees, would that be considered correct?
Unfortunately, it would be wrong. You must listen carefully for plurals because IELTS is testing your ability to hear plurals.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz
I have got 4/6 one is comletly wrong and another mistake is spelling for the word chimpanzees I wrote it chimpanses would it be considered right..?!!
Unfortunately, correct spelling is essential. But 4 out of 6 is still good.
Liz
Hi Liz,
I am confused because I heard the word “fantastic” in the radio at 2:57, but in the transcript, it is “fancinating”. Can you help me please ?
Thank you for your help
Well spotted, Phuc!!
Hi Liz,
If i am not sure between “signal” and “movement” for question number 4, can i write both words with the hope that i can be marked the correct one?
A signal is a sign which is not the same as movement. Also the answer must come from this sentence “…dolphins can also mimic movements,…”. The word “mimic” means copy so the answer must be “movement”.
All the best
Liz
Hello Liz, Thank you for your explanation. However, I am unable to follow the answer for question 4. Could you kindly assist me with this. Question 4 asks something of a sort of recommendation/suggestion, what can Dolphins copy from other species. But I find the answer a bit odd and not relatable to the question asked. Could you please clarify.
The word “can” is about an ability. The word “should” is about a recommendation or suggest. The question was “What can dolphins copy from other species?” So, this question is about the ability of a dolphin to copy other animals. Another way to phrase this question is “What are dolphins able to copy from other species?”. The recording states: “dolphins also mimic movements, of both humans and other animals.” The word “mimic” means “copy”. This is how you find the answer.
Hats Off for you Liz!!
Hi Liz,
I wonder if the answer “capacity” to question 1 is Ok, because I was not sure about the spelling of “sensory”.
Thanks a lot!
You need both words for the answer. Without the word “sensory”, the answer is wrong. Don’t worry if you get some questions wrong unless you are aiming for band 9.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
I did no get the answer for no. 4. Where is it mentioned?
Thanks
Here: “Furthermore, dolphins can also mimic movements, of both humans and other animals.”.
Liz