Language acquisition listening

comprehension examinations
user guide
 Diploma Programme
Career-related Programme
Language Acquisition listening comprehension examinations
user guide

Published August 2019

Updated January 2020, March 2020, December 2021, January 2022
Published on behalf of the International Baccalaureate Organization, a not-for-profit
educational foundation of 15 Route des Morillons, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva,
Switzerland by the

International Baccalaureate Organization (UK) Ltd

Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate
Cardiff, Wales CF23 8GL
United Kingdom
Website: ibo.org

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2019

The International Baccalaureate Organization (known as the IB) offers four high-quality
and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming
to create a better, more peaceful world. This publication is one of a range of materials
produced to support these programmes.

The IB may use a variety of sources in its work and checks information to verify accuracy
and authenticity, particularly when using community-based knowledge sources such as
Wikipedia. The IB respects the principles of intellectual property and makes strenuous
efforts to identify and obtain permission before publication from rights holders of all
copyright material used. The IB is grateful for permissions received for material used
in this publication and will be pleased to correct any errors or omissions at the earliest
opportunity.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the IB’s prior written
permission, or as expressly permitted by the Rules for use of IB Intellectual Property.

IB merchandise and publications can be purchased through the IB Store (email: sales@
ibo.org). Any commercial use of IB publications (whether fee-covered or commercial)
by third parties acting in the IB’s ecosystem without a formal relationship with the IB
(including but not limited to tutoring organizations, professional development providers,
educational publishers and operators of curriculum mapping or teacher resource digital
platforms etc) is prohibited and requires a subsequent written license from the IB. License
requests should be sent to copyright@ibo.org. More information can be obtained on the
IB public website.

International Baccalaureate, Baccalauréat International, Bachillerato Internacional

and IB logos are registered trademarks of the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user
guide

The school is responsible for ensuring that any audio recording can be heard
by candidates. Any failure of hardware or distractions will be the responsibility
of the school, and the IB will not compensate candidates.

Introduction
Listening comprehension examinations for language B and Ab Initio, SL and HL courses will be
introduced for first assessment in May 2022. These examinations require the use of audio material
which is prepared for each language and level of study offered for assessment and its associated
examination paper. Candidates will listen to the audio file via a speaker system or through headphones
and candidates will respond to questions related to the audio in the examination paper.

To help schools prepare for these assessments, full specimen examinations and audio files for all
languages are available on the programme resource centre.

This document will support schools to prepare for the listening examinations. In addition to
providing guidance about the examinations and using the specimen and live examination audio files,
in annex B, at the end of the document, there is a checklist of responsibilities that schools must
meet. Failure to carry out these responsibilities will lead to candidates not receiving any marks for
this component.

Before the examination session:

• Schools must use the specimens to familiarise themselves with the process and ensure that
they are thoroughly prepared for the listening examination.
• Schools must ensure that the appropriate unzipping software is installed on their devices. The
default unzipping tools installed on Windows and Mac devices will not work.
• Schools must ensure they have approval from the IB for any access arrangement required by
candidates and have planned how to implement them.
• Schools must have familiarised invigilators with the examination conduct regulations unique to
IB listening examinations, especially regarding not stopping the audio recording during
the examination.
• Schools should ensure that additional hardware is available, in case of any technical failure. This
may include spare devices, headphones and/or speakers. Hardware failures are the
responsibility of the school and the IB will not compensate candidates.
• If the examination will be conducted using a speaker system in a large room/hall, schools should
ensure that this arrangement is trialled in advance, to confirm that all candidates are able to hear
the audio clearly.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 1

7 days before the examination
Downloading an audio file
Each audio file is made available for download on IBIS seven calendar days before the examination
date. The audio file is contained within a password-protected compressed (zipped) folder.

To download the folder, the DP coordinator or Admin assistant must log in to IBIS and navigate to
Subject – Listening examinations.

All listening examinations needed by the school are displayed, in alphabetical order. There is one
entry per subject/level that candidates have been registered for.

Click on the download icon, under the Actions column.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 2

On a Windows device, select Save File and save to the desired location on the device.

On a Mac device, the file will download automatically.

• The download icon will be displayed seven days before the IB examination schedule date.
• The coordinator is responsible for the security of the listening examination once it is downloaded
(as with all other IB examinations). It must be stored in a restricted network folder or on an
external storage device which should be kept in a locked safe. These locations should only be
accessible by the coordinator and/or a designated senior member of staff.

24 Hours before an examination

Downloading a password
It is not possible to access an audio file without the password.

The password to extract each audio file from its zipped folder is made available on IBIS 24 hours before
the examination window opens (i.e., 0700 hours for the following day’s morning session, which can
commence from 0700 hours; 1200 hours for the following day’s afternoon session, which can
commence from 1200 hours).

To view the password, click on the password icon, under the Actions column.

The password will be displayed, along with the examination paper details. Print and copy options are
also available.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 3

• It is the coordinator’s responsibility to keep the password secure. Under no circumstances should
the password be copied to, or stored on, the school network.

Extracting an audio file

The audio files are stored in a password-protected compressed (zipped) folder. To extract an audio
file on a device, it is necessary to ensure that a suitable Zip file utility program is installed. The below
instructions/screenshots reference 7-Zip (for Windows) and The Unarchiver (for Mac).

Windows
Right click on the folder containing the audio file and select 7-Zip – Extract files….

Enter the password and select OK.

An unzipped version of the folder is now available, and the audio file can be accessed within the
folder. (The original zipped folder can be deleted.)

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 4

Mac
Ctrl + Click on the folder containing the audio file. Select Open with -> The Unarchiver. On
the pop-up window, click Continue.

The audio file will be extracted from the folder and made available in the same location as the
original folder (which should then be deleted).

• The default unzipping tools installed on Windows and Mac devices will not work for this process,
as they do not support the unzipping of password-protected folders.
• Schools must ensure that any software installation is completed in advance of the examinations.
• Schools must conduct tests of the hardware using the specimen audio files (available to download
from the relevant Language acquisition page on the programme resource centre).

Conducting the examination

Although the standard instructions/rules for conducting IB examinations (as stipulated in the Conduct
of examinations booklet), apply to the new listening examinations, some further and more specific
requirements are detailed below.

The IB permits two deployment methods for the listening examinations; using a speaker to play the
audio to a group of candidates or allowing candidates to listen to the audio individually using
headphones. (A combination of both may be necessary.)

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 5

Group delivery
Audio files should be checked for recording and sound quality in the examination room on the day of
the examination, before the candidates arrive. The recordings must not be played in full and the check
should end after the trilingual instructions (as per the timings displayed in annex D). Once the check
is conducted, the audio file should be reset, to ensure that the full audio is played to candidates.

The audio file contains all necessary repetition and pauses and therefore, once they have pressed play,
the invigilator is not permitted to interact with the audio file again until the examination has concluded
(or if an emergency situation should occur).

Individual delivery
In some circumstances, group delivery may not be possible; for example, if a school is registered for
more than one language and/or level and only has one examination room available. Candidates are
therefore permitted to listen to the audio on an individual basis, using headphones.

Any device that will be used by candidates must be checked in advance, to ensure that an audio file
will play successfully, that the (wired) headphones work as expected, and that the settings – for
example, the volume – are appropriate.

Candidates are permitted to begin the examination, by pressing play, when instructed to do so by the
invigilator. However, the device must then be turned away, turned over or covered from the candidate,
as they are not permitted to interact with the audio file thereafter.

• Once the play button has been pressed by the invigilator or candidate it is not permitted to pause
or replay the recording.*
• Pauses for candidates to write their answers are included in the audio recording. This includes at
the end of the recording; the examination is not completed until three beeps are heard.

* Except for candidates with access arrangements authorised by the IB.

The examination room

The layout of the examination room for Language acquisition examinations is not defined by the IB,
as there will be a number of potential solutions (depending on the space available). However, when
planning the layout of the room, schools must consider the following:
a) the distance between the screens (must be 1.25 metres apart);
b) the division of the work space to allow any additional materials to be used;
c) the use of booths, screens or partitions;
d) impact on invigilation requirements;
e) ratio of invigilators*
*although the ratio of invigilators is mandated at 1 per 20 candidates (with a minimum of two), schools
must use their initiative to determine whether further resources are required.
Advice: For examinations involving a large number of candidates, it is recommended that an
experienced IT technician is available to provide support.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 6

Additional items permitted/not permitted (candidates)

Items Items not

permitted permitted
Laptop/tablet, Wireless
MP3 player or headphones
desktop (supplied by
computer* the
candidate)
Wired
headphones
Wireless
headphones
(managed and
supplied by the
school)

*When using individual candidate devices, invigilators must control all aspects of the device and the
screen/keyboard must be turned away from the candidate during the examination.

Health and safety

Where devices/electrical equipment is/are used, the coordinator is responsible for ensuring that
health and safety laws are adhered to.

Emergencies
In the case of an emergency situation (such as an evacuation), the coordinator must ensure:

1. (when safe) That the security of assessment content and responses is not compromised (for
example by pausing the audio for all candidates and locking the examination room which has
been evacuated without shutting down any devices/audio equipment).
2. There are procedures for dealing with hardware and software failures (which may affect
individual devices or the primary audio device). These procedures should normally allow the
candidate(s) to continue the examination at a different workstation or at a later time, if
necessary, without loss of working time (with permission from IB).
3. There are procedures for re-starting an examination after an unplanned break which should
ensure that the invigilator:
a) controls the re-start;
b) re-sets the timing, where necessary.

Invigilator instructions to candidates

The invigilator instructions (script) from the Conduct of examinations booklet must be followed for
all Language acquisition listening examinations (this script can be found in point 18.4 – Language
acquisition listening comprehension examinations). Schools may wish to review the timing
announcements against the structure of the listening examinations and adapt as required.

The listening examination

Before the audio is played, candidates have five minutes’ reading time to review the questions (no
writing/note taking is allowed during this time). The reading must be conducted in silence.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 7

After the five minutes’ reading time, the audio should be started. Candidates are permitted to write
throughout the duration of the examination and blank spaces are provided in the question booklet for
note-taking and rough work.

In ab initio examinations, all audio texts are played in their entirety three times. In Language B SL
and HL, all audio texts are played in their entirety twice. Annex D contains the length of
intervals and pauses between each audio text.

Once the audio recording has started there is no need for it to be paused or repeated, unless there is
a specific inclusive access arrangement.

Once three beeps are heard, the examination has concluded, and candidates must stop writing.

• If the examination will be conducted using a speaker system in a large room/hall, schools must
ensure that this arrangement is trialled in advance, to confirm that all candidates are able to hear
the audio clearly.
• The audio file must be played at the original intended speed.
• The IB examination schedule allows schools to timetable morning / afternoon examinations
within a 6-hour window, between 07:00 and 13:00 local time (morning examinations) or
between 12:00 and 18:00 local time (afternoon examinations). The examinations must not start
before, and must be completed by, the times specified. However, there is flexibility within this
window. Particularly in situations where the individual delivery method is not feasible, schools
are encouraged to use this flexibility to work out a scenario most suitable to their individual
circumstances, which upholds the integrity of the examination content.
• Note: there is common content between the ab initio and B SL examinations, and also between
the B SL and B HL examinations of the same language. Therefore, if not all candidates for the
same language sit an examination paper at the same time, candidates must be supervised
before and after their own examinations to ensure there is no contact between candidates of the
same language.

After the examination

After the examination, the audio file must be immediately deleted from any device used for the
examinations (and subsequently from the Recycle Bin/Trash, if applicable).

The completed scripts must be mailed to the scanning centre within 24 hours of the examination
ending.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 8

Annex A: further information and frequently asked
questions

Specimen material
What specimen audio files are available?
Full specimen papers in English, French and Spanish are available on the programme resource centre.
Additionally, there are specimen papers for Paper 1 – writing and Paper 2 – listening comprehension
components in all languages (please select the folder “Specimen assessments in additional languages”
then the required language via the “Resources in” drop down menu). Specimen materials for Paper 2 –
listening comprehension include audio files.

What is the password to unzip specimen audio files?

The password to unzip all specimen audio files is k9%d78aw3%

Please note, this is not the password for the live audio files (which will be made available on IBIS shortly
before the live examination, as detailed in this guide).

Are transcripts available for the listening files on the programme resource centre?
Yes, transcripts to accompany the listening comprehension specimen paper audios for all languages are
available on the programme resource centre. Please select the folder “Further specimen assessment in all
languages” then the required language via the “Resources in” drop down menu. The transcripts are
included in these PDFs.

Technical set up
Will schools be receiving CDs with the listening comprehension audio for the examinations?
CDs will not be issued for the listening comprehension examinations. The audio files will need to be
downloaded from IBIS and these are password protected.

If the audio file is downloaded onto a flash drive and then loaded onto each device, will each
device have to have the password entered to open the file?
The audio file should be unzipped (which requires entry of the password) before the mp3 file is
transferred to the devices, though this is only permitted if the devices will subsequently not be
available to candidates until the examination is due to begin.

Are wireless headphones permitted?

Following feedback from schools, the IB has revisited the decision to not allow the use of wireless
headphones during the examinations, on the strict condition that they are owned and managed by the
school. This will mean that schools are able to use more efficient methods for conducting the listening
comprehension examinations; an example of which would include the use of infra-red transmission from a
central device to individual candidate headphones.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 9

Is an infra-red transmission system permitted for the listening examinations?
Yes, this is permitted.

Is a splitter permitted, to connect several headphones from one laptop?

Yes, this is acceptable, if the distance between the candidates meets the IB’s regulations.

Is it possible to use mp3 players for the listening examinations instead of a laptop/tablet?
Yes, the use of mp3 players is permitted for the language acquisition listening examinations. However,
these will need to be owned and managed by the school and only be made available to candidates in the
examination room. Furthermore, once the audio has been started (by pressing play) candidates are not
permitted to interact with the devices and therefore it will be necessary to ensure that the volume etc. is
set appropriately in advance.

Can schools use web-based systems such as Chromebooks for the examinations?
Yes; the mp3 files can be hosted on a secure/restricted part of the school's network. Candidates must not
be permitted access until they are in the examination room and the exam is about to begin.

Could the IB advise on the type and brand of audio equipment that would be most acceptable for
the examinations?
Schools are responsible for selecting their method for delivering the listening comprehension
examinations based on the guidelines published by the IB. The IB can provide support and advise on a
school’s proposed solution if required.
As is always the case for IB examinations, it is important that the method selected ensure that
examination security is maintained at all times.

Could candidates use their own laptops to play the file?

Yes, this is permitted. However, candidates are not permitted to interact with the device during the
examination (i.e. the device should be turned away from them).

How will the invigilators "turn the device away from candidate access" once the candidate presses
play?
Candidates can turn the device away once they have pressed play. Invigilators should then ensure that the
devices are placed appropriately (i.e., a suitable distance from the candidate) and that candidates do not
interact with the device any further.

What should we do in the event of a power cut?

We would recommend that candidates ensure that the devices are fully charged, and that there is
emergency power available if required, as we cannot compensate candidates for technical problems.

The examination
Why are the reading and listening examinations not named “paper 2” and “paper 3”? This would
save confusion.
Both the reading and listening examinations assess receptive skills, and therefore have both been
categorised as “Paper 2”. However, they should be treated as two distinct examinations.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 10

Do candidates get the five minutes’ reading time before the start of the examination, in addition to
the time included as part of the examination audio recording?
Yes.

In the listening component, is there a section where students are requested to write a paragraph/
writing style as a response to a listening segment?
The students will not have to write a paragraph or essay in response to a listening segment. Diploma
Programme language acquisition: examination question types and rubrics (for first examinations 2020)
contains the question types which may appear in the reading and listening examination papers and is
available on the programme resource centre.

The guide mentions that candidates would have some time until the exam is concluded – what can
be done during that time?
After the last text has been heard, candidates have the time remaining to finish answering the questions
and to check their work. The end of the examination will be indicated by a triple beep.

Do candidates have to stay in the room for the duration of the examination? (HL candidates have 13
minutes of silence at the end of their recording.)
IB policy stipulates that no candidate is permitted to leave the examination room during the first hour or
the final fifteen minutes of an examination. This rule applies to the listening examination.

How do we cater for adverse circumstances during an examination where an individual candidate
would unexpectedly need a rest break?
The point of interruption should be noted, and the candidate should be allowed to resume the
examination from thereon after the break. If the candidate was part of the ‘’group delivery’’, they would
need to resume the examination in a separate room. If other candidates in the ‘’group delivery’’ were
affected by the interruption, the invigilator would need to pause the examination until the affected
candidate has left the room the room and the conditions are ready for the examination to be continued.

How do we cater for adverse circumstances that affects all candidates when using a “group
delivery” method?
In the event of an unforeseen adverse event that requires a break in the examination, such as a tremor
from an earthquake, the examination must be paused for all candidates. The examination can resume from
the point of interruption when it is safe to continue. A full report must subsequently be sent to IB.

Access and Inclusion

What are the access arrangements available for candidates who have challenges in producing
written responses?
Upon authorization from the IB, candidates can have access to additional time for writing, a scribe or a
reader (or an examination reading pen). Access to word processors, reading software or speech
recognition software are not available for the listening comprehension examination.

What are the access arrangements available for candidates with listening challenges?
Upon authorization from the IB, these candidates can have access to additional time for listening.
Candidates who lip read can also be supported with this arrangement (more guidance is available in

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 11

Instructions for the script reader (for lip reading) available on the programme resource centre). Upon
authorization from the IB, candidates with severe and profound hearing difficulties, who are unable to
access listening, can be exempted from the listening comprehension examination.

Some of our candidates have been approved 25% additional time for writing. How do we
implement this during the examinations?
Additional time for writing means that the candidate is permitted to extend the pauses in the audio tracks
(i.e. extend the writing time). It is up to the candidate when they choose to pause during the writing time
or how they choose to distribute the 25% across the three audio sections of the examination. They are
not allowed to pause and rewind during the audio texts. The IB strongly recommends the use of a
prompter for candidates requiring support with time management.

Why does the IB suggest use of a prompter for some candidates who have additional time for
writing?
To help the candidates with time management so that they use the pause functionality carefully in a way
that they are mindful about the time so that it is not detrimental to the completion of their examination.
This would specifically support candidates who have difficulty in planning and organisation. Candidates
who require the support of a prompter must have access to this during practice so that it is their usual
way of working.

Some of our candidates have been approved 25% additional time for listening. What does this
mean for their examination?
Additional time for listening means that the candidate is permitted to pause, rewind and repeat the audio.

Why should candidates with access to additional time, scribe or reader take the listening
examinations on their individual laptops?
Candidates who have been authorized additional time for writing will be permitted to pause (and rewind,
if they have additional time for listening) the examination. Candidates who have access to a scribe or
reader, will need this human assistance during the examination. Therefore, these candidates require
individual devices for the examination.

What are the invigilation specifications when candidates have additional time?
Given that it would be malpractice if a candidate with additional time for writing has used the rewind
function to repeat the audio, the invigilator should be able to oversee the candidates use of their access
functionalities. It is up to the school to decide how many invigilators would be needed to oversee
candidates (however, the minimum requirements detailed in the Conduct of examinations booklet must be
adhered to).

Can a prompter act as an invigilator?

No, a prompter cannot act as an invigilator to meet the required ratio. However, if a school has a need for
an additional support for the invigilator (over and above the stipulated invigilation ratio of 1:20 with a
minimum of two) for deploying the examination for candidates with access arrangements, then a
prompter can fulfil this role (having received the required training around the conduct of examinations).

Why is 10% additional time not available for these examinations?

Suitable additional time has already been built into the design of the standard examinations (for all
candidates).

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 12

Who is eligible for an exemption to the listening comprehension examinations?
Candidates with severe and profound hearing difficulties, who have not been able to hear speech or lip-
read during teaching and learning (despite accessibility aids and appliances), during their course of study
will be eligible for an exemption (upon authorization from the IB).

How will the IB cater for candidates who have been authorized modified papers for IB examinations?
Where modified question papers have been authorized for written examination papers, they will be
provided for the Language Acquisition Listening comprehension question paper.

Will schools be provided with a separate audio file for candidates with authorized additional time?
No, only one version of the audio file is provided for each subject/level. Schools should refer to the
Language Acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide for further information.

How can candidates who lip read be supported for these examinations?
Upon authorization from IB, a transcript will be provided electronically to the school 2 hours before the
examination is due to commence. The designated reader(s)* will then follow the instructions and timings as
detailed on the transcript.
*the designated reader must be a responsible adult, not related to the candidate, and not the subject teacher. It is important that the
candidate has been able to practice this process with this designated reader.

Support resources available on the programme resource

centre
• Specimen listening comprehension guide (read before downloading zipped audio files)
• Downloading and extracting the audio files instructional video
• Diploma Programme language acquisition: examination question types and rubrics (for first
examinations 2020)
• Conduct of examinations booklet

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 13

Annex B - School responsibility checklist
Failure to carry out these responsibilities will lead to candidates not receiving any marks
for this component.

In the weeks leading to the examinations, schools must:

• Ensure that all candidates have had sufficient time to practice with the specimen listening
examinations (available on the programme resource centre)
• Ensure that the appropriate hardware will be available during the examination weeks
(including spare hardware)
• Ensure that each candidate has a copy of the Conduct of the examinations: Notice to
candidates poster and the Conduct of the examinations: Language acquisition listening
comprehension examinations poster and are fully aware of the rules and regulations
relating to the examinations
• Ensure that all relevant persons (for example, invigilators and IT specialists) have access to
this guide.

The week prior to the examinations, schools must:

• Ensure that all relevant colleagues (for example, invigilators and IT specialists) are aware of
the examination schedule and their responsibilities
• Ensure that the conduct posters are displayed outside the examination room(s)
• Download the audio files from IBIS
• If applicable, distribute audio files to candidate devices.

The day of the examination, schools must:

• If applicable, distribute the audio files to candidate devices
• Ensure that the examination room(s) – including the positioning of desks/tables – adheres to
the regulations.
• Securely print/save the unzipping password from IBIS.
• Ensure that copies of this document and the Conduct of examinations booklet are made
available in the examination room(s)
• Inform the relevant persons of the contact details of the IB, in case they are required in the
event of an emergency/if technical difficulties are experienced.

After the examination has ended, schools must:

• Delete the audio file from each device before returning any personal devices to candidates
• Report any outstanding issues to the IB
• Mail the completed examination scripts within 24 hours of the examination ending
• Ensure that teachers provide feedback on the examination(s).

Annex C - Access and inclusion

Candidates may require inclusive access arrangements for the listening examinations, for example, to
support their hearing, writing or reading challenges. Unless otherwise stated, inclusive access
arrangements must be authorised by the IB.

Additional time, a reader, a scribe and/or modified papers are the standard access arrangements
(requiring authorization from the IB) that are available for candidates with access requirements.
Additionally, candidates with a mild or moderate hearing condition, which requires them to lip read may
be authorized this support. Candidates with a severe or total hearing impairment will be authorized
an exemption from the listening examinations.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 14

Whenever possible, appropriate inclusive access arrangements should be discussed with the
candidate when they start their course, not just in preparation for their examinations.

For candidates who are authorized additional time, no separate audio file is provided. The invigilator
will run the examination for the length of time the candidate is authorized, and candidates with

a) ‘additional time for listening’ (due to challenges to hearing, auditory processing) must be
given full control of the audio including the ability to pause, rewind and replay.
b) ‘additional time for producing written responses’ (due to challenges to writing, reading,
working memory etc) must be given limited control of the audio. These candidates are
permitted only to pause the audio track to extend their writing time. They must not be
permitted to rewind or replay the audio track.

We recommend that these candidates also make use of a prompter for support with time
management. The use of a prompter does not require prior authorization from the IB. The IB also
recommends that candidates with working memory, processing or attention difficulties take notes
during the examination, using the space provided.

Further details about requesting inclusive access arrangements can be found in Assessment
Procedures (section C6.3).

Annex D - length of intervals and pauses between each audio text:

Ab initio B SL
Trilingual instructions 2 minutes 2 minutes

Number of times each audio

3 2
text is played

Text A Up to 1 minute Up to 2 minutes

Interval prior to first playing
3 minutes 4 minutes
of text
Length of pause after each
2 minutes 2 minutes
playing of text

Text B Up to 1 minute 30 seconds Up to 2 minutes 30 seconds

Interval prior to first playing
3 minutes 4 minutes
of text
Length of pause after each
2 minutes 2 minutes
playing of text

Text C Up to 2 minutes Up to 3 minutes

Interval prior to first playing
3 minutes 4 minutes
of text
Length of pause after each
2 minutes 2 minutes
playing of text

Remaining time prior to the

2 minutes 19 seconds 4 minutes 48 seconds
end of the examination

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 15

 B HL
Trilingual instructions 2 minutes

Number of times each audio text is played 2

Text A Up to 3 minutes
Interval prior to first playing of text 4 minutes
Length of pause after first playing of text 2 minutes
Length of pause after second playing of text 2 minutes 30 seconds

Text B Up to 3 minutes 30 seconds

Interval prior to first playing of text 4 minutes
Length of pause after first playing of text 2 minutes
Length of pause after second playing of text 2 minutes and 30 seconds

Text C Up to 4 minutes
Interval prior to first playing of text 4 minutes
Length of pause after first playing of text 2 minutes
Length of pause after second playing of text 2 minutes and 30 seconds

Remaining time prior to the end of the examination 12 minutes and 48 seconds

Annex E - Essential contacts

Requirement Contact Method
UK: +44 29 2054 7740
Emergency contact IB Answers Singapore: +65 6579 5055
US: +1 301 202 3025

General inquiries IB Answers systemsupport@ibo.org

Via appropriate Contact us link on

Adverse circumstances Adverse circumstances team
IBIS

Via appropriate Contact us link on

Access and inclusion Access and inclusion team
IBIS

Via appropriate Contact us link on

Academic misconduct Academic misconduct team
IBIS

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 16

Copyright
All audio file content is the intellectual property of the IB and may not be copied, reproduced or
distributed without the IB’s express written permission. Should you have any questions relating to
intellectual property, please contact the IB at copyright@ibo.org

Disclaimer
Please note, the IB cannot be held responsible for any metadata that is automatically populated
into media players when Language Acquisition listening comprehension examination audio tracks
are played.

Language acquisition listening comprehension examinations user guide 17