The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests globally. It evaluates your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English, particularly in academic and professional contexts. For many test-takers, the Listening section can pose significant challenges, particularly due to its focus on understanding spoken English in various accents and contexts. In this article we will discuss Car Insurance IELTS Listening Questions and Answers; as one of the recurring topics in the IELTS Listening test is related to car insurance.
In this blog, we’ll explore sample questions, discuss how to approach them, and provide useful tips for improving your listening skills. By the end, you will feel more prepared and confident in tackling these kinds of questions on test day.
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Car Insurance IELTS Listening Questions and Answers
Understanding the IELTS Listening Section
The IELTS Listening test is a section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, which assesses a candidate’s ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. It is the same for both the Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS.
The IELTS Listening section evaluates how well you can understand spoken English in different real-life contexts, from casual conversations to academic talks. The section has four recordings, each testing your ability to listen and respond accurately. These recordings can feature various accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American, to ensure that you can understand English spoken in diverse ways.
Structure of the IELTS Listening Test
- Total Time:
- You have 30 minutes to listen to the recordings and answer the questions.
- You get 10 additional minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet after listening.
- Number of Questions:
- There are a total of 40 questions spread across four sections.
- These questions cover a wide range of listening skills, such as identifying key information, understanding opinions, and interpreting specific details.
Types of Recordings
Each of the four sections involves a different kind of recording, exposing you to various real-world situations:
- Everyday Conversation (Two People)
- This section features a dialogue between two people in a casual setting.
- Example: A discussion about travel plans, shopping, or managing daily tasks.
- Tip: Pay attention to practical information like times, places, or opinions.
- Monologue in a Social Context
- This section involves one person speaking in a non-academic setting.
- Example: A talk about services in a local community, such as a speech about library hours or public transport.
- Tip: Focus on facts and specific details being described.
- Educational or Training Conversation (Up to Four People)
- Here, you’ll hear a group conversation, typically involving up to four people in an academic or training setting.
- Example: A professor and students discussing a class project or an assignment.
- Tip: Focus on identifying who is speaking and the roles they play in the conversation.
- Monologue on an Academic Topic
- In this section, you will hear a speaker giving a lecture or talk on a specific academic subject.
- Example: A university lecture about history, science, or social issues.
- Tip: Understand the main argument and important points mentioned in the lecture.
Question Types in the Listening Section
The IELTS Listening section includes different types of questions that test your listening skills in a variety of ways. Here’s a breakdown:
- Multiple-choice Questions
- You will be asked to choose the correct answer from several options based on what you hear.
- Tip: Listen carefully for specific details and eliminate incorrect options.
- Matching Information
- Match items from two lists (e.g., names with actions or locations).
- Tip: Pay attention to relationships or connections mentioned in the conversation.
- Sentence Completion
- Fill in the missing words in sentences based on the audio.
- Tip: Focus on the keywords or phrases that will complete the sentence logically.
- Short-answer Questions
- Provide a brief answer to a question using information from the recording.
- Tip: Keep your answers concise and accurate. Stick to the word limit given.
- Note, Summary, or Diagram Completion
- Complete notes, summaries, or diagrams with missing words.
- Tip: Listen for important facts or descriptions that match the information provided in the question.
- Form, Table, Flowchart, or Map Completion
- Fill in missing details in forms, tables, flowcharts, or maps.
- Tip: Pay attention to details such as dates, numbers, and locations to complete the answers correctly.
Scoring:
- The listening test is scored out of 40, and your raw score (the number of correct answers) is converted into the IELTS band score (1–9). Each correct answer earns one point. The band score reflects your listening ability, with 9 being the highest (expert user) and 1 being the lowest (non-user).
Skills Tested:
- Listening for gist: Understanding the main ideas.
- Listening for detail: Picking out specific pieces of information.
- Listening for opinions and attitudes: Identifying a speaker’s views or feelings.
- Understanding the structure: Recognizing how the information is organized.
Preparation Tips for IELTS Listening:
Focus on More than Just Vocabulary
While vocabulary is important, understanding the context of what you’re hearing is just as crucial. You’ll need to:
- Grasp the Main Ideas: What is the conversation or talk mainly about?
- Identify Key Details: Listen for specific information like numbers, places, or opinions.
- Interpret Meaning: Sometimes, you need to understand implied meanings or attitudes rather than just literal facts.
- Follow the Conversation Flow: Keep track of the conversation, even if multiple speakers are involved. Understand who is speaking and what their point is.
Applying These Skills to Car Insurance Topics
In a topic like car insurance, for example, you might hear a discussion about types of coverage, costs, or filing a claim. The same listening strategies apply:
- Identify the key terms like “comprehensive insurance,” “premium,” or “deductible.”
- Pay attention to details such as amounts, dates, or conditions.
- Understand the context of the discussion to better predict and identify the answers to the questions.
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Sample Listening Passage on Car Insurance
Given in this section are 4 sample passages from each type of the recordings.
Section 1: Conversation (Between Two People – Everyday Context)
(John and Sarah are discussing getting car insurance.)
John: Hi Sarah, I’m thinking about getting car insurance for my new car. There are so many options—what do you recommend?
Sarah: Well, it depends on your needs. Have you looked into comprehensive insurance or third-party insurance? Comprehensive covers both damage to your car and others, while third-party only covers damages you cause to someone else’s vehicle.
John: Oh, I didn’t realize there was such a big difference. How much does comprehensive insurance cost compared to third-party?
Sarah: It’s usually more expensive. For example, comprehensive insurance might cost around £600 annually, while third-party insurance could be around £300.
John: That’s a big difference. But what happens if I have an accident? Do I pay a lot?
Sarah: That depends on your deductible. If you choose a high deductible, like £500, you’ll pay more out of pocket before insurance covers the rest, but your premiums will be lower.
John: I see. Are there any other costs I should know about?
Sarah: Well, there’s also something called a no-claims bonus. If you don’t make a claim for a year, you could save about 30% on your premium next year. It’s a great way to reduce your costs.
Section 2: Monologue (Everyday Social Context)
(A representative is giving a speech about car insurance options for a local insurance company.)
“Thank you all for attending today. I’d like to introduce you to our car insurance policies. We offer three main types of coverage. First, we have the third-party only policy, which is the minimum required by law. This covers damage to another person’s vehicle but does not cover damage to your own car. Second, we offer a third-party, fire, and theft policy, which also covers your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire. Lastly, we have comprehensive insurance. This covers both third-party damages and damage to your own vehicle, no matter who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance is the most expensive, but it offers the most protection. For example, the premium for a comprehensive policy could range from £500 to £1000 per year, depending on the model and age of the car. If you drive an older car, you might prefer the third-party option, which can cost as little as £250.”
Section 3: Conversation (Educational Context)
(A driving instructor and student are discussing the importance of car insurance during a driving lesson.)
Instructor: Before we get started today, let’s talk about car insurance. Have you chosen an insurance policy yet?
Student: Yes, I went with third-party, fire, and theft coverage. It was more affordable than comprehensive.
Instructor: That’s a good option. Just remember that it won’t cover damage to your car in an accident unless it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
Student: Right. My car is pretty old, so I thought it made sense to go with something cheaper.
Instructor: That makes sense. If you had a newer car, you might want to consider comprehensive insurance to cover any damage from accidents.
Section 4: Monologue (Academic Subject – Lecture)
(A university lecturer is explaining the impact of insurance laws on driving behavior.)
“In recent years, research has shown that mandatory car insurance has influenced driving behavior in several ways. Studies indicate that drivers with comprehensive insurance tend to feel more secure, which sometimes leads to riskier driving. On the other hand, those with third-party insurance may drive more cautiously because they know their own car won’t be covered if they cause an accident. In countries where no-fault insurance laws are implemented, both parties involved in an accident are compensated by their own insurance companies, which can result in a reduction of court cases and legal disputes.”
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Car Insurance IELTS Listening Questions and Answers
These questions are prepared for the sample listening passages given in the previous section.
Section 1: Everyday Conversation
(John and Sarah discuss getting car insurance.)
Questions 1–4: Multiple Choice
- What type of insurance covers both your car and others’ cars?
a) Third-party insurance
b) Comprehensive insurance
c) Fire and theft insurance
Answer: b) Comprehensive insurance - What is the price difference between third-party and comprehensive insurance?
a) Comprehensive is cheaper
b) Comprehensive is more expensive
c) They cost the same
Answer: b) Comprehensive is more expensive - What reduces your premium after a year without claims?
a) Higher deductible
b) No-claims bonus
c) Third-party insurance
Answer: b) No-claims bonus - What does a high deductible mean for your payments?
a) Lower premiums
b) Higher premiums
c) More claims
Answer: a) Lower premiums
Questions 5–7: Short Answer
- What type of insurance is required by law?
Answer: Third-party insurance - How much does comprehensive insurance typically cost annually?
Answer: £600 - What does third-party insurance cover?
Answer: Damage to another person’s car
Questions 8–10: Sentence Completion
- Comprehensive insurance is usually ______ than third-party insurance.
Answer: more expensive - The no-claims bonus can reduce premiums by ______ percent.
Answer: 30 - A high deductible means you pay more ______ before the insurance starts.
Answer: out of pocket
Section 2: Monologue (Everyday Social Context)
(A representative talks about car insurance options.)
Questions 11–13: Multiple Choice
- What is the minimum insurance required by law?
a) Comprehensive
b) Third-party
c) Fire and theft
Answer: b) Third-party - What does third-party, fire, and theft insurance cover in addition to third-party?
a) Theft and fire damage
b) Accidental damage
c) No-claims bonus
Answer: a) Theft and fire damage - What’s the range of a comprehensive insurance premium?
a) £250-£500
b) £500-£1000
c) £1000-£1500
Answer: b) £500-£1000
Questions 14–16: Table Completion
Complete the table below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party insurance | Damage to other vehicles | ____ |
| Third-party, fire, and theft | Third-party damage, fire, and ____ | £250 to £500 |
| Comprehensive insurance | Damage to both your car and others’ cars | £500 to ____ |
Answers (Table Completion):
- £250
- theft
- £1000
Questions 17–19: Sentence Completion
- Comprehensive insurance is the most ______ of the three options.
Answer: expensive - Third-party, fire, and theft insurance also covers damage caused by ______ and ______.
Answer: fire, theft - The minimum legal requirement for car insurance is ______ insurance.
Answer: third-party
Section 3: Educational Conversation
(A driving instructor and student discuss insurance.)
Questions 20–24: Form Completion
Complete the form below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Reason for Choosing/Not Choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party, fire, and theft | Covers third-party damage, fire, and ____ | More ____ than comprehensive |
| Comprehensive insurance | Covers all types of ____ | Not chosen due to ____ cost |
| Third-party insurance | Covers damage to ____ | Not chosen, less coverage than needed |
Answers (Form Completion):
- theft
- affordable
- damage
- higher
- other vehicles
Questions 25–29: Short Answer
- What type of insurance did the student choose?
Answer: Third-party, fire, and theft - Why did the student choose this type of insurance?
Answer: It was more affordable. - What doesn’t third-party, fire, and theft insurance cover?
Answer: Accidental damage - What would be a better option for newer cars?
Answer: Comprehensive insurance - What type of car does the student drive?
Answer: An older car
Questions 30–33: Table Completion
Complete the table below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
| Car Age | Recommended Insurance | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Older car | Third-party, fire, and ____ | More affordable, less ____ car |
| Newer car | ____ insurance | Covers all types of damage, higher ____ |
Answers (Table Completion):
- theft
- valuable
- Comprehensive
- value
Section 4: Academic Lecture
(A lecture on car insurance laws and driving behavior.)
Questions 34–35: Flowchart Completion
- Step 1: Car insurance became mandatory in many countries.
- Step 2: Drivers with comprehensive insurance feel more ______.
Answer: secure - Step 3: Drivers with third-party insurance tend to drive more ______.
Answer: cautiously
Questions 36–37: Diagram Completion
- Label the diagram below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.Diagram Title: Impact of Car Insurance on Driving Behavior
- Comprehensive Insurance
(Arrow to behavior) → Provides a sense of security, leads to more ______ behavior. - Third-party Insurance
(Arrow to behavior) → No coverage for own car damage, leads to more ______ driving.
Answers (Diagram Completion):
- risky
- cautious
- Comprehensive Insurance
Questions 38–40: Multiple Choice
- What impact does no-fault insurance have on legal cases?
a) Increases them
b) Reduces them
c) Has no effect
Answer: b) Reduces them - What happens in a no-fault insurance system after an accident?
a) The at-fault driver’s insurance pays both parties
b) Each party’s insurance compensates its own driver
c) The drivers pay their own costs
Answer: b) Each party’s insurance compensates its own driver - Why do drivers with third-party insurance drive cautiously?
a) They want to lower their deductible
b) Their own car isn’t covered
c) They have comprehensive insurance
Answer: b) Their own car isn’t covered
Summary:
Final Set of 40 Questions can be divided as follows
Section 1: Everyday Conversation
Questions 1–4: Multiple Choice
Questions 5–7: Short Answer
Questions 8–10: Sentence Completion
Section 2: Monologue (Everyday Social Context)
Questions 11–13: Multiple Choice
Questions 14–16: Table Completion
Questions 17–19: Sentence Completion
Section 3: Educational Conversation
Questions 20–24: Form Completion
Questions 25–29: Short Answer
Questions 30–33: Table Completion
Section 4: Academic Lecture
Questions 34–35: Flowchart Completion
Questions 36–37: Diagram Completion
Questions 38–40: Multiple Choice
Tips for Answering Car Insurance Questions in IELTS Listening
Familiarize Yourself with Car Insurance Terms
- Learn common terms like:
-
- Premium: The amount paid for insurance.
- Deductible: What you pay before insurance helps.
- Claim: A request for payment from insurance.
- Policyholder: The person who owns the insurance.
- This will help you understand the conversation better.
Listen for Synonyms and Paraphrases
- Test-makers often use different words that mean the same thing.
- Example: “Natural disaster” could be “floods or fires.”
- Practice identifying different ways to say the same idea.
Identify the Topic Early
- As soon as the audio begins, figure out:
- Who is speaking?
- What are they talking about? (e.g., “coverage,” “damage,” or “premium”)
- This helps you stay focused.
Focus on Key Information
- Listen carefully for important details:
- Amounts (cost of premium)
- Dates (when coverage starts or ends)
- Percentages (how much deductible to pay)
- These often answer the questions directly.
Take Quick, Simple Notes
- Write down only key words, like numbers or main points.
- Don’t write too much, as it will distract from listening.
Practice with Real-Life Examples
- Listen to real conversations about car insurance (e.g., podcasts, interviews).
- Pay attention to common phrases and how people talk about insurance.
- This practice will make you more comfortable with the language.
Use Context Clues to Predict Answers
- Even if you miss part of the conversation, use the overall context to guess.
- Example: If they describe a type of insurance that covers damage, the answer might be “comprehensive insurance.”
Focus on Common Car Insurance Situations
- Expect to hear discussions about:
- Buying a policy.
- Reporting a claim after an accident.
- Choosing between insurance options.
- These are common in everyday life and the exam.
Pay Attention to the Order of Information
- In the listening test, answers usually come in order.
- Follow the conversation closely as the answers will appear step by step.
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic if You Miss Something
- If you miss a word or phrase, keep listening.
- Use context to fill in gaps and move on to the next part of the conversation.
Time Management Tips for IELTS Listening
- Know the Test Format
- Understand the test structure.
- Practice with timed tests.
- Focus on Key Details
- Listen for important information like dates and numbers.
- Highlight key terms in questions.
- Use the 10-Minute Transfer Time
- Transfer answers carefully.
- Check your writing and placement.
- Preview Questions During Breaks
- Look at the next section’s questions while the current recording plays.
- Get ready for what to listen for next.
- Don’t Get Stuck
- Move on if you’re unsure about an answer.
- Return to difficult questions if time allows.
- Stay Focused
- Listen carefully and avoid distractions.
- Take quick notes if helpful, but don’t overdo it.
- Stay Calm
- Manage stress with deep breathing.
- Keep a steady pace throughout the test.
- Use Strategies for Question Types
- For multiple-choice: Eliminate wrong options first.
- For filling blanks: Listen for exact words.
- For matching: Use context clues to match correctly.
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Car Insurance IELTS Listening Questions and Answers: Conclusion
We have discussed a full Car Insurance Listening Sample Section with 40 questions and answers. You can use these mock questions to practice for your IELTS exam, focusing on different question types like multiple choice, short answer, flowchart, and diagram completions. Practice more such sample questions to get familiarized with this pattern.
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Start Your IELTS Journey Today!Frequently Asked Questions
What type of questions can I expect in the IELTS Listening section on car insurance?
You can expect various question types, including:
- Multiple Choice: You may have to choose the correct answer based on conversations about different types of car insurance.
- Short Answer Questions: You may need to answer brief questions about insurance costs or coverage.
- Sentence Completion: You might need to fill in the blanks with specific details about insurance policies.
- Form or Table Completion: You could be asked to fill in missing information on a car insurance policy or pricing chart.
What are the most common topics related to car insurance in IELTS Listening?
Common topics for car insurance-related listening passages include:
- Differences between comprehensive and third-party insurance.
- Costs of various insurance policies.
- What car insurance covers (accidents, fire, theft).
- Concepts like deductibles and no-claims bonuses.
- Discussion between an agent and a customer about choosing car insurance.
How can I prepare for car insurance topics in IELTS Listening?
Here are some ways to prepare:
- Familiarize yourself with insurance-related vocabulary such as “premium,” “deductible,” “coverage,” “third-party,” and “comprehensive.”
- Practice listening to real-life scenarios like insurance ads, customer service conversations, and informational talks about policies.
- Review past IELTS Listening papers that cover similar topics.
What should I listen for in car insurance conversations in IELTS Listening?
Focus on the following:
- Types of insurance policies (e.g., third-party, comprehensive, fire and theft).
- Costs and pricing differences between policies.
- What is covered and not covered by different insurance types.
- Deductibles and how they affect costs.
- No-claims bonuses and how they can lower insurance premiums.
What vocabulary is essential for understanding car insurance in IELTS Listening?
Key terms include:
- Premium: The amount you pay for insurance.
- Deductible: The amount you pay before the insurance covers costs.
- Third-party insurance: Insurance covering damage to others’ vehicles.
- Comprehensive insurance: Covers both your car and others in an accident.
- No-claims bonus: A discount for not making claims in previous years.
- Coverage: What is included in the insurance policy.
How can I improve my listening skills for car insurance topics?
- Listen to real-world scenarios involving insurance, such as YouTube videos about buying car insurance or podcasts on financial topics.
- Practice active listening by summarizing what you hear after short conversations about car insurance.
- Take notes while practicing to get better at extracting key information quickly.
