New IELTS 2020
Major Changes in IELTS Listening
From January 2020 some small changes are being introduced to the instructions and layout of the paper-based Listening test as follows:
- Change of the word ‘Sections’ to Parts’ – The new version of the paper-based test will now say: The paper will be divided into Part 1, 2, 3, 4.
- Removal of Section 1 example – The paper-based version of the test will now say: Part 1 will not include an example.
- Removal of the page number references. For example, test takers will be instructed to look at questions 1 – 4.
A table showing the changes with examples is below:
Change | Example Current | Example New |
‘Sections’ changes to ‘Parts’. | The paper is divided into Section 1, 2, 3, 4. | The paper will be divided into Part 1, 2, 3, 4. |
No Section 1 example. | Section 1 includes an example. | Part 1 will not include an example. |
No page number references. | Candidates are instructed to look at, e.g. questions 1 – 4 on page 3. | Candidates will be instructed to look at, e.g. questions 1 – 4. |
These changes are being introduced to ensure that paper-based and computer-delivered versions are synchronized.