This study was meant to find out if there is a gap between the actual listening abilities ofrnninth grade students and the listening level required of them in understa nding thernplasma lesson. Based on th is a null (Ha) and an alternate (Ha) hypothesis were made.rnThe null hypothesis says there is no significant difference between the actual and thernexpected listening abilities of the students. The (Ha) stresses that the reverse isrnpossible. Then these hypothesis were tested using a ch i-squire (X2) test. The resu lt ofrnthe chi-squire (X2) test rejects the (Ha).rnThe main research instrument was the listening ability test. To achieve the statedrnobjectives three different teachers' lessons (Biology, Maths, and Physics) werernrecorded, transcribed and analyzed to determine the levels and type of languagernfunctions used. A modified form of Sinclair and Coulthard's, (1975) system of analysisrnwas adopted for the analysis. This analysis revealed the type of language functionsrnthat has to be tested. Then , four types of tests were set. The first three were contentrnbased the fourth one was general listening ability test. The tests were used to assessrnthe students abilities in the language functions and th eir strength and weakness inrnusing strategies.rnTo sUbstantiate the collected data , through listening ability tests, unstructuredrnobservation was also conducted . This data helps to find out some factors that affect thernstudents listening comprehension.rnThe result showed that the actual listen ing ability of the students was below the levelrnexpected of them: The students are weak in :rnUnderstandi ng the gistrnPredicting the coming ideasrnIdentifying specific functions of description, cause and effect, genera lization ,rncomparison and contrast, and purpose.rnThe findings led to the formulation of possible recommendations. It is hoped that thernrecommendations could possibly help to bridge the gap between the actual and thernexpected listening abilities of the students.