Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Listening Test 3

• Each audio plays once. You CANNOT pause or rewind during the exam.
• Take notes on the question section as you listen.
• After audio ends, you have 10 minutes to review and finalize answers.

Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Listening Test 3 runs the standard four-section format and, like the rest of the Cambridge 14 pack, rewards candidates who manage attention rather than speed. Section 1 features a conference registration call; Section 2 moves into a community-project briefing; Section 3 shifts into an academic discussion between two or more students; and Section 4 closes with a lecture on bees and pollination.

Section 1 uses note completion; Section 2 uses multi-answer multiple choice plus completion; Section 3 uses note completion plus completion; Section 4 uses note completion. Section 4's note completion runs at lecture pace with no second hearing, so highlight every signpost word — first, however, in contrast, finally — and write rough answers even when you are not sure.

During the previews, decide for each gap whether the answer will be a number, a person's name, a place, or a common noun, and write the hint above the line. Avoid panic-erasing during the audio — keep the booklet messy and tidy it during transfer. Re-read every plural ending before you commit to the answer sheet. Band 7 is mostly about not losing easy marks.

New to this skill? Read the Listening question types guide for tactics, scoring rules, and frequency analysis across Cambridge 10–20. Or browse all Listening practice tests.

Looking for written strategy? See the IELTS Blog for in-depth posts.