CELPIP Listening Part 5: The Video Discussion
By Iris · Listening · Published · 4 min read
Part 5, Listening to a Discussion, is the only part of CELPIP Listening with video. Three people talk through a decision, and you answer eight questions about who said what and what the group decided. It is one of the longer parts, and it carries as many questions as Part 1, so it is worth a plan of its own.
What happens in CELPIP Listening Part 5?
You watch a video of about two to three minutes in which three people discuss a topic and work toward a decision, then answer eight multiple-choice questions with four options each.
The setting is usually a workplace meeting or a community group: colleagues choosing a venue for a staff event, volunteers deciding how to spend a small budget, or neighbours planning a shared garden. The video plays once, and you answer the questions after it ends.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 8 |
| Format | 1 video, questions after it |
| Speakers | 3 |
| Length | About two to three minutes |
| Question style | Multiple choice, 4 options |
What do Part 5 questions ask?
Most questions ask what a particular person thinks or suggests, why they hold that view, and what the group finally decides.
- Opinion: "What does the woman in the blue jacket think about the proposal?"
- Reason: "Why is one man against holding the event on a weekend?"
- Agreement: "Who agrees with the idea of a shorter meeting?"
- Decision: "What do the speakers decide to do?"
- Next step: "What will one of the speakers do after the meeting?"
These are original CELPass examples of the question types, not official wording. Because the questions refer to people, sometimes by appearance or role rather than by name, you need to know who is who.
Should I watch the video or take notes?
Both: watch to see who is speaking, then write a word or two under that person's label without looking down for long.
The video helps you in ways audio alone cannot. Faces and gestures show who is talking, and body language (nodding, frowning, crossed arms) often signals agreement or doubt before the words do. If you stare at your paper, you lose that help and may give an opinion to the wrong speaker.
How do I keep three speakers apart?
Set up three columns before the video starts, then label each one as soon as each person speaks, with their name, role or something visible such as "glasses" or "red top".
Under each label, note the person's position (for, against, unsure) and one word for their reason. Add a line at the bottom for the group decision. Here is what notes on an original CELPass example might look like for a team choosing where to hold a year-end lunch:
| Priya (manager) | Tom (glasses) | Ana (red top) |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant? b/c easy | X restaurant b/c cost | office + catering |
| worried about space | agrees w/ Ana | book bigger room |
| → OK if room free | will check budget | will call caterer |
From these notes you could answer who first suggested a restaurant, why Tom objected, who supported Ana and what each person will do next.
What are the most common traps in Part 5?
The biggest trap is attributing an opinion to the wrong speaker; the second is choosing an idea that was discussed but not finally chosen.
- Wrong speaker: an option states a real opinion from the video, but the question asks about a different person.
- Early idea: the first suggestion is often rejected or changed. The decision usually comes near the end.
- Partial agreement: "That's a fair point, but…" is not agreement. Listen for what comes after "but".
- Changed minds: a speaker may start against an idea and come round to it. The question may ask about either point, so note both.
- Repeated words: an option that copies a phrase from the video is not automatically right.
What language signals agreement and disagreement?
Speakers in Part 5 rarely say "I agree" or "I disagree" directly; they use softer phrases, so learn to recognise them.
| Agreeing | Disagreeing or doubting | Deciding |
|---|---|---|
| "That makes sense." | "I'm not sure that would work." | "So we're going with…" |
| "I'm with Ana on this." | "I see your point, but…" | "Let's go ahead with…" |
| "Good idea." | "My concern is…" | "Okay, that's settled." |
| "That would solve the cost problem." | "Wouldn't it be better to…?" | "I'll look into it and let you know." |
How should I practise for Part 5?
Practise with real three-person videos under test conditions: one viewing, three-column notes, then the questions from your notes alone.
- Use Part 5 practice material, such as Paragon's official free practice tests or a practice platform, and play the video only once.
- Answer from your notes, then check. For each wrong answer, decide whether you had the wrong speaker, an early idea, or simply missed the line.
- Between practice tests, watch short panel discussions or meetings online and fill in the same three-column table. Then summarise who wanted what and what was decided.
- Keep the decision line habit: if you cannot say in one sentence what the group decided, re-watch and find the moment.
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.