IELTS Listening Distractors: Examples & Practice
IELTS with Mujahid · Beginner practice
Score: 0 / 0Answered: 0 / 0
What is a distractor? A distractor is information that sounds like the answer but is not the final answer. In IELTS Listening the speaker often says one thing first and then corrects it. If you write the first thing you hear, you lose the mark. Always wait for the final answer. (In these activities, read each script as if you are listening to it.)
Audio: “The class starts at nine… no, sorry, at nine thirty.”Question: The class starts at ___ . → 9.30 (9.00 is the distractor)
Correction
sorry · I mean · no, waitChange of plan
actually · instead · in the endRejection
but · unfortunately · it’s full
sorry · I mean · no, waitChange of plan
actually · instead · in the endRejection
but · unfortunately · it’s full
1. Self-correctionThe speaker corrects a mistake
2. Change of planThe speaker changes their mind
3. Rejection with a reasonThe first idea is not possible
4. Similar-sounding numbers-teen and -ty sound alike
5. Letters in spellingMany letters sound alike
6. Prices & conditionsDifferent prices for different people
💡 IELTS tip: Do not stop at the first number, name or time you hear. Listen to the whole sentence and to the next sentence too. Underline signal words in the question paper, write while you listen, and check spelling and singular/plural before you transfer your answers.
Ready? Tap a tab above and start with 1. Signal Words.
Activity 1: Signal Words
Choose what each signal word or phrase tells you.
Activity 2: Find the Final Answer
Read each short script and choose the final answer. One option is a distractor.
Activity 3: Similar-Sounding Numbers
Read the script and choose the correct number. Remember: thirTEEN (stress at the end) and THIRty (stress at the start).
Activity 4: Spelling Traps
The speaker spells a name letter by letter. Choose the correct spelling.
Activity 5: Type It
Read the script and type the final answer (one word or number). Press Check or Enter.