In IELTS Listening Part 4, one speaker gives an academic talk. Read the notes before the recording, predict the type of missing word and listen for paraphrases rather than waiting for the exact words on the page.
What Part 4 tests
Part 4 is the final Listening section. The topic is academic, but you do not need specialist knowledge. You need to follow the organisation of one speaker, recognise signposting language and write answers accurately.
Sea lion vocabulary
a group of sea lions living together
a young sea lion
a layer of fat that helps a marine mammal stay warm
to search for food
an animal that hunts other animals
regular movement between places
Teacher-created note-completion practice
Complete each gap with one word only. This short text is original Master English practice, not an official IELTS recording.
Sea lions are marine mammals that often form large 1 ______ near the coast. Their thick layer of 2 ______ helps protect them in cold water. Adults travel away from land to 3 ______ for fish and squid. Young sea lions are called 4 ______. Changes in food supply and ocean temperature can influence their movement and 5 ______.
Check the answers
- colonies
- blubber
- forage
- pups
- migration
How to approach the real task
- Underline headings and keywords during preparation time.
- Predict whether each answer should be a noun, verb, adjective or number.
- Follow signposts such as first, however and as a result.
- Move on if you miss an answer; the recording does not stop.
- Check word limits, plurals and spelling.
For a complete plan, explore the IELTS preparation course.