Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Listening: everyday to academic
ielts.org describes the four parts (ielts.org). IDP says each section and task gets progressively more challenging (IDP).
| Part | Situation | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everyday social | Two people |
| 2 | Everyday social | One main speaker |
| 3 | Education or training | Two main speakers |
| 4 | Academic subject | One speaker |
Reading: the last text is the longest
For General Training, ielts.org says the three sections are of increasing difficulty and the Section 3 text is longer and more complex than the texts in Sections 1 and 2 (ielts.org). For Academic, ielts.org does not describe a difficulty order, but an IDP expert says the passages get more challenging and advises leaving enough time for the final part (IDP Community).
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Harder questions are not worth more
ielts.org says each correct answer receives one mark in both Listening and Reading (ielts.org). A question in Part 4 counts the same as one in Part 1, so make sure you bank the easier marks early and do not spend so long on the first passage that you rush the last.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS Listening Part 4 the hardest?+
IDP says the sections get progressively more challenging, and Part 4 is a single speaker on an academic subject.
Are later IELTS questions worth more marks?+
No. ielts.org says each correct answer receives one mark.
Is General Training Reading Section 3 harder?+
Yes. ielts.org says the sections increase in difficulty and Section 3 is longer and more complex.
How long should I spend on the last Reading passage?+
An IDP expert suggests no more than 20 minutes per part, leaving enough for the last.
Keep reading
Related
- Which IELTS section is hardest?
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- General Training Reading practice
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