Looking for authentic Cambridge IELTS Listening practice with clear answers and real exam experience? You’re in the right place.
On this blog, you can:
▶️ Watch and listen to the full Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 1
📝 Attempt the full test online
✅ Check the complete answer key after finishing the test
⚠️ Tip: Always try the test first before checking answers.
▶️ Full Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 1 Video
Watch the complete Listening Test 1 below:
How to use the video properly?
⇒ Use headphones for better clarity
⇒ Do not pause the video during the test
⇒ Write answers as you listen
📝 Attempt the Cambridge 20 Listening Test 1 Online (Free Practice)
You can now participate in this test online and experience a real exam environment.
🔗 Click here to attempt Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 1
Test Details:
- Total Questions: 40
- Sections: 4
- Time: 30 minutes
- Level: Cambridge IELTS (Real Exam Standard)
Cambridge IELTS 20 Listening Test 1 Answer Key
📌 Check your answers only after completing the test.
Section-1 Answers
1. Fish
2. Roof
3. Spanish
4. Vegetarian
5. Audley
6. Hotel
7. Reviews
8. Local
9. 30
10. Average
Section-2 Answers
11. A
12. B
13. C
14. A
15. B
16. C
17. A
18. E
19. C
20. E
Section-3 Answers
21. C
22. E
23. A
24. C
25. A
26. B
27. A
28. B
29. A
30. C
Section-4 Answers
31. Factories
32. Dead
33. Whale
34. Apartments
35. Park
36. Art
37. Beaches
38. Ferry
39. Bikes
40. Drone
📊 IELTS Listening Band Score Guide
Use the table below to estimate your IELTS Listening band score based on your correct answers.
| Correct Answers | Band Scores |
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6 |
| 18-22 | 5.5 |
| 16-17 | 5 |
| 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 11-12 | 4 |
Cambridge 20 Listening Test 1 Vocabulary
Part 1 Vocabulary (Restaurants & Booking)
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| special occasion | an important celebration |
| recommend | suggest something as good |
| location | place where something is |
| atmosphere | general feeling or mood of a place |
| rooftop | top of a building |
| spectacular views | very impressive scenery |
| less formal | more relaxed, not strict |
| reputation | what people think about a place |
| deposit | money paid in advance |
| lively | full of energy |
| vegetarian dishes | food without meat |
| limited | small in amount or choice |
| in the press | mentioned in newspapers/media |
| reviews | opinions written by critics or customers |
Part 2 Vocabulary (Pottery & Craft)
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| art form | type of artistic activity |
| stand the test of time | last for a very long period |
| artefact | object made by humans |
| archaeologists | people who study the past |
| impressions | marks or shapes left on something |
| concentration | focused attention |
| stresses | pressures or worries |
| arthritis | disease causing joint pain |
| techniques | special ways of doing something |
| workshop | place where things are made |
| kiln | very hot oven for pottery |
| fire (pottery) | heat clay to make it hard |
| toxic | poisonous |
| revolutionised | completely changed |
| sculpting tool | tool used to shape materials |
Part 3 Vocabulary (Loneliness & Research)
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| eye-opener | something surprising |
| steadily | gradually and continuously |
| downside | negative aspect |
| extended family | large family including relatives |
| plausible | reasonable or believable |
| impact | strong effect |
| evidence | proof |
| association | connection between things |
| subjective | based on personal feelings |
| immune system | body’s defence system |
| evolutionary theory | explanation based on human development |
| neurons | nerve cells in the brain |
| conclusively | with definite proof |
| wellbeing | physical and mental health |
| solitude | being alone by choice |
Part 4 Vocabulary (Rivers & Urban Life)
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| established | founded or built |
| sewage | waste water |
| discharged | released |
| pollution | harmful substances in environment |
| biological terms | relating to living organisms |
| industrial function | use for factories or industry |
| revitalise | bring back to life |
| prime sites | very valuable locations |
| astronomical prices | extremely high prices |
| facilities | services or equipment |
| reclaim | take back |
| freight barge | large boat for carrying goods |
| immense capacity | ability to carry very large amounts |
| double-park | park illegally on the road |
| final destination | last place parcels go |
📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Listening
Many students lose easy marks due to small mistakes. Watch out for these:
❌ Wrong spelling (spelling must be 100% correct)
❌ Exceeding word limits (e.g. writing 3 words instead of 2)
❌ Singular / plural errors
❌ Writing answers too early or too late
❌ Not reading instructions carefully
❌ Losing focus after missing one answer
👉 Remember: One mistake can affect multiple answers if you panic.
✅ Final Tips for IELTS Listening Success
Follow these simple tips to improve your score quickly:
✔️ Read questions before the audio starts
✔️ Underline keywords in the questions
✔️ Listen for synonyms, not exact words
✔️ Keep moving — don’t stop if you miss one answer
✔️ Check spelling and grammar during review time
✔️ Practice regularly with Cambridge-level tests
🎯 Consistency is the key — even 30 minutes of daily practice makes a big difference.
🚀 Practice More IELTS Listening Tests
If you want more Cambridge-style Listening tests with instant scoring:
✔️ Full mock tests
✔️ Real exam interface
✔️ Instant feedback
✔️ Practice anytime, anywhere