If you’re already comfortable with basic listening tasks, Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 3 is where real exam readiness begins.
This test places stronger emphasis on academic discussions, faster information flow, and fewer repetitions, helping you develop the level of focus required for a high band score in IELTS Listening.
On this blog, you’ll practise the full test, review official answers, and learn how to handle the tougher sections effectively.
🧠 Why Cambridge Listening Test 3 Feels More Challenging
Unlike earlier tests, Test 3:
- Has denser content in Sections 3 and 4
- Includes less obvious answer cues
- Requires quick interpretation of speaker intent
🎧 Watch Under Exam Conditions (Full Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 3)
Attempt the test using the video below without pausing or replaying.
Best practice rules
✅ Attempt in one sitting
✅ Stay calm if you miss an answer
✅ Focus on keywords and transitions
📝 Attempt Cambridge 20 Listening Test 3 Online
For a realistic IELTS interface, take this test online through OneIELTS.
🔗 Practice Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 3 Online
Test Snapshot
⇒ Questions: 40
⇒ Sections: 4
⇒ Duration: 30 minutes
⇒ Difficulty: Upper-intermediate to advanced
✅ Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 3 Answers
⚠️ Review answers only after completing the test.
Part-1 Answers
1. 239 / two hundred thirty-nine/ two hundred and thirty-nine
2. modern
3. lamp
4. Aaron
5. damage
6. electronic
7. insurance
8. space/ Space
9. app
10. exchanges
Part-2 Answers
11. B
12. A
13. A
14. C
15. B
16. C
17. B
18. A
19. G
20. E
Part-3 Answers
21. B
22. A
23. C
24. A
25. C
26. B
27. F
28. E
29. B
30. D
Part-4 Answers
31. adaptation
32. cognitive
33. desks
34. taps
35. blue
36. voice
37. pregnant
38. shoulders
39. police
40. temperature
🧠 How to Evaluate Your Listening Test
Don’t judge your performance by score alone. To improve faster, focus on where and why you lost marks.
- Identify your weakest section (1–4)
- Check error types: spelling, word form, missed keywords
- Re-listen to wrong answers and notice paraphrasing or opinion changes
- Observe focus issues, especially in Sections 3 and 4
👉 Use each mistake as a learning point. Smart review leads to faster band improvement.
🎯 High-Band Strategies for Listening Test
✔️ Predict answer type before audio starts
✔️ Follow stress and intonation, not just words
✔️ Expect paraphrasing, not repetition
✔️ Write answers immediately—don’t wait
🔄 What to Practise After Cambridge 20 Listening Test 3
- Scored below Band 7 → Review Test 2 again
- Scored Band 7–7.5 → Move to Test 4
- Scored Band 8+ → Focus on accuracy & speed