CELPIP Listening

Overview

A conversation about solving a problem, played in three sections. Questions come after each section, so you answer as the story moves on.

How to approach it

• •In the first section, find out what the problem is and who has to solve it. Later questions build on this.
• •Listen for offers and refusals: “What I can do is…”, “That might be hard because…”. The final plan is often the answer.
• •Keep track of numbers, days and prices — they often change during the conversation.
• •Do not get stuck on a question; the next section starts soon and will not wait for you.

A short everyday conversation, for example between neighbours or family members, followed by five questions.

How to approach it

• •The first lines tell you the relationship between the speakers and the reason for the conversation.
• •Notice favours and conditions: “I’ll lend it to you if…”, “Just bring it back by…”.
• •Questions about what someone “will do” usually depend on the last few lines.
• •Wrong options often use words from the recording in the wrong way — check who said what.

One person asks for information — about a course, a service or an event — and the other explains the options.

How to approach it

• •Before you listen, think about what a person would want to know in this situation: price, time, place, rules.
• •Listen for comparisons between options (“shorter”, “cheaper”, “only on Saturdays”).
• •Rules and requirements (“you must finish…before…”) are often tested.
• •Note down key numbers in a word or two; do not try to write sentences.

A short news report about a local event or change, followed by five questions.

How to approach it

• •The first sentence of a news item usually contains the main idea — the first question often asks about it.
• •Listen for who is involved and why the change happened.
• •Reports often end with a surprise or a different point of view (“Some people were worried, but…”).
• •Be careful with options that are too general or too extreme compared with what was said.

A discussion in which people with different views work toward a decision. It is the longest part and has eight questions.

How to approach it

• •Keep a simple note of each person’s position and whether it changes.
• •Many questions ask why someone disagrees or what convinces them. Listen for reasons after “but”, “because” and “my worry is”.
• •Track the decision at the end: what they agree on and who will do what next.
• •Do not confuse what one speaker suggests with what the group finally decides.

A talk that presents two or more opinions on an issue, followed by six questions.

How to approach it

• •Listen for signal phrases that introduce each side: “Supporters say…”, “Not everyone agrees…”, “Critics argue…”.
• •Separate the opinions from the facts (for example research results).
• •Questions often ask what a group believes and why — match the reason to the right group.
• •The last lines often describe a compromise or the next step in the decision.

Worked example (our own item, Part 2 style)

What does the man want to do?

1. A. Take his car to the market
2. B. Get a ride with the woman✓ correct
3. C. Sell food at the market
4. D. Fix the woman’s car

Why

• •“Could I come with you?” after “If you’re driving” is a request for a ride.
• •A is wrong: his car is in the shop until Monday.
• •C and D use ideas from the conversation (market, car) but describe things nobody plans to do.