Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3 Answers (2026) | Detailed Explanations & Vocabulary
If you are practising Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3, this article gives you the complete answer key, clear explanations, useful vocabulary, common IELTS Listening traps, and practical tips to improve your score.
English Guru Campus Trainer Note: Do not use this page only to check your marks. Use it to understand why each answer is correct, where the distractors appear, and how IELTS paraphrases information.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3 Overview
| Book | Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic |
|---|---|
| Test | Listening Test 3 |
| Total Questions | 40 |
| Sections | 4 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3 Answer Key
Part 1: Junior Cycle Camp
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | park |
| 2 | blue |
| 3 | reference |
| 4 | story |
| 5 | rain |
| 6 | snack |
| 7 | medication |
| 8 | helmet |
| 9 | tent |
| 10 | 199 |
Part 2
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | A / C |
| 12 | A / C |
| 13 | B / C |
| 14 | B / C |
| 15 | D |
| 16 | F |
| 17 | A |
| 18 | H |
| 19 | C |
| 20 | G |
Note: Questions 11 and 12 can be written in either order. Questions 13 and 14 can also be written in either order.
Part 3
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | C / D |
| 22 | C / D |
| 23 | C / E |
| 24 | C / E |
| 25 | C |
| 26 | A |
| 27 | B |
| 28 | A |
| 29 | A |
| 30 | C |
Note: Questions 21 and 22 can be written in either order. Questions 23 and 24 can also be written in either order.
Part 4: Hand Knitting
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | grandmother |
| 32 | decade |
| 33 | equipment |
| 34 | economic |
| 35 | basic |
| 36 | round |
| 37 | bone |
| 38 | rough |
| 39 | style |
| 40 | sheep |
Detailed Answer Explanations
Questions 1–10: Junior Cycle Camp
1. park — Children at this level first practise in a park. This is a simple location answer. In Part 1, IELTS often tests basic nouns such as places, objects, days, prices, and colours.
2. blue — The instructors wear blue shirts. Colour words are common in IELTS Listening, and they are usually easy marks if you stay focused.
3. reference — A reference is required before someone can work as an instructor. This means someone must recommend or confirm the person’s suitability.
4. story — During quiet times, children may listen to a story or play a game. The answer is singular, so do not write “stories”.
5. rain — Classes are held even if there is rain. This tests your ability to catch weather-related information.
6. snack — Children should bring a snack. Do not write “food” if the recording specifically says snack.
7. medication — If a child needs medication, parents must provide it. This word is often misspelled, so be careful.
8. helmet — A helmet is needed for safety. This is connected to cycling, so the answer is predictable from the topic.
9. tent — Children need a tent for the camp. The word is short and simple, but students may miss it if they are not following the list.
10. 199 — The cost is 199. Numbers are common in Part 1, and you must write them accurately.
Trainer’s Note: Section 1 should be your safest section. If you lose marks here, the problem is usually spelling, plural forms, or losing concentration during easy information.
Questions 11–20: Part 2
11 and 12. A / C — These two answers can be written in either order. The speaker gives two correct points, and both options A and C match the information. For “choose two” questions, never choose an option only because one familiar word is mentioned.
13 and 14. B / C — These answers can also be written in either order. The correct options are supported by the speaker’s explanation. The wrong options may sound related, but they do not fully answer the question.
15. D — Option D is correct because it matches the specific information given about the first job opportunity. In matching questions, listen for the meaning behind the description.
16. F — Option F matches the second job opportunity. IELTS may use synonyms instead of repeating the exact words from the option.
17. A — Option A is correct because the speaker links this job with the risk or issue described in the option.
18. H — Option H matches the information given in the recording. Keep following the order carefully because one missed answer can affect the next one.
19. C — Option C is correct because the speaker mentions difficult weather conditions connected with this opportunity.
20. G — Option G is the correct final match. In matching questions, eliminate used options to reduce confusion.
Questions 21–30: Part 3
21 and 22. C / D — These two answers can be written in either order. The speakers agree on two points, and both C and D are fully supported by the conversation.
23 and 24. C / E — These answers can also be written in either order. The speakers discuss two suitable points, and options C and E match their final decision.
25. C — Option C is correct because it reflects the speaker’s opinion after discussion. Part 3 often tests final decisions, not first ideas.
26. A — Option A is correct. Listen carefully for agreement and correction between the two speakers.
27. B — Option B matches the speaker’s view. Part 3 questions usually test attitude, evaluation, or reasoning.
28. A — Option A is correct because the speaker supports this idea clearly.
29. A — Option A matches the relevant statement in the conversation. Similar options may appear, but only one fully fits.
30. C — Option C is correct. The final answer depends on understanding the full discussion, not only hearing a keyword.
Trainer’s Note: Part 3 is usually harder than Part 1 and Part 2 because two speakers are involved. They may agree, disagree, hesitate, or change their mind. Follow the logic of the conversation.
Questions 31–40: Hand Knitting
31. grandmother — The speaker refers to a grandmother in relation to learning or early experience. This is a family-related noun and must be spelled correctly.
32. decade — A decade means a period of ten years. This is a useful IELTS time-related word.
33. equipment — The answer is equipment. Be careful: this word is uncountable, so do not write “equipments”.
34. economic — The word economic is used as an adjective. Do not confuse it with “economy” or “economical”.
35. basic — The speaker refers to basic skills or techniques. This adjective means simple or fundamental.
36. round — The answer is round. This may describe shape or form in the context of knitting.
37. bone — The answer is bone. This is a material-related noun.
38. rough — The word rough describes texture. It means not smooth.
39. style — The answer is style. This refers to a particular way of designing or making something.
40. sheep — The final answer is sheep. This connects with wool, which is commonly used in knitting.
Important Vocabulary from Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cycle camp | A camp where children practise cycling and related skills |
| instructor | A person who teaches a practical skill |
| reference | A recommendation or confirmation of someone’s suitability |
| medication | Medicine used for treatment |
| helmet | A protective covering worn on the head |
| opportunity | A chance to do something useful or valuable |
| physical fitness | The condition of being physically healthy and strong |
| equipment | Tools or items needed for an activity |
| economic | Connected with money, trade, or financial conditions |
| rough | Not smooth |
| style | A particular way of doing or designing something |
Common IELTS Listening Traps in This Test
- Spelling mistakes: reference, medication, equipment, economic
- Singular/plural mistakes: story, snack, helmet, tent
- Numbers: 199 must be written accurately
- Matching confusion: options are paraphrased, not repeated exactly
- Part 3 traps: speakers may change or correct their opinions
- Part 4 vocabulary: academic and topic-specific words appear quickly
IELTS Listening Tips for Cambridge 16 Test 3
- Read the questions before the recording begins.
- Predict whether the answer should be a noun, adjective, number, or place.
- Do not write the first possible answer without checking the full meaning.
- For “choose two” questions, make sure both answers are clearly supported.
- For matching questions, listen for paraphrases and eliminate used options.
- In Part 4, follow the notes carefully and check spelling after listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3 difficult?
It is moderate to difficult. Part 1 is manageable, but Parts 2 and 3 require careful attention to matching, multiple choice, and speaker opinion. Part 4 requires good vocabulary and spelling.
Can Questions 11 and 12 be written in any order?
Yes. Questions 11 and 12 can be written as A and C in either order.
Can Questions 13 and 14 be written in any order?
Yes. Questions 13 and 14 can be written as B and C in either order.
Can Questions 21 and 22 be written in any order?
Yes. Questions 21 and 22 can be written as C and D in either order.
Can Questions 23 and 24 be written in any order?
Yes. Questions 23 and 24 can be written as C and E in either order.
How should I review this listening test?
Check your score first. Then listen again to the questions you got wrong. Identify the distractor, write the correct answer, and note the reason for your mistake.
Related IELTS Listening Articles
- Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 1 Answers with Detailed Explanations
- Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 2 Answers with Detailed Explanations
- Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 4 Answers with Detailed Explanations
- IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Tips
- Common IELTS Listening Spelling Mistakes
Final Advice from English Guru Campus
Cambridge IELTS 16 Listening Test 3 is a strong practice test because it includes form completion, multiple choice, matching, and note completion. These are common IELTS Listening question types.
If you lost marks in Part 1, focus on spelling and accuracy. If you lost marks in Parts 2 and 3, focus on paraphrasing, matching, and speaker opinion. If you lost marks in Part 4, improve your academic vocabulary and practise note completion regularly.
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