How to Take Notes in CELPIP Listening
By Iris · Listening · Published · 5 min read
In CELPIP Listening you hear each recording once, and in most parts you see the questions only after the audio ends. Your notes are the only record you have. The goal is not to write down everything, but to catch the small number of things questions are built from. This post gives you a system you can practise until it is automatic.
Why notes matter so much in CELPIP
Because the questions often come after the recording, you cannot listen for one specific answer. You have to hold the whole conversation in your head, or on paper. Memory is unreliable under test pressure, especially for numbers, names and who said what. The scrap paper you are given at the test is there for exactly this.
Good notes also keep you focused. Writing a keyword every few seconds forces you to follow the recording actively, which makes it harder to drift off in a long part like Part 5 or Part 6.
What to write down
Most CELPIP questions are about a handful of things. Write these, and almost nothing else:
- Who: names or short labels for each speaker (M and W, or the first letter of each name).
- The problem or topic, in three or four words.
- Numbers: times, dates, prices, quantities. Cross out a number when it changes, and keep the new one.
- Suggestions and decisions: mark a rejected idea with an X and the final decision with a box or a star.
- Opinions and reasons: "for" or "against", plus one word for why.
- Feelings and tone: a quick symbol such as + (pleased), − (annoyed) or ? (unsure).
- Signal words: when you hear "but", "actually" or "however", draw an arrow. What follows usually matters.
Abbreviations and symbols that save time
You do not need a full shorthand system. A dozen symbols you use every time are enough. Practise with the same ones so you can read your own notes instantly.
| Symbol | Meaning | Example note |
|---|---|---|
| → | leads to, then, next | call shop → refund |
| X | rejected, will not happen | X taxi |
| ★ | final decision | ★ bus 7:15 |
| ↑ / ↓ | increase / decrease | rent ↑ $50 |
| + / − | positive / negative feeling | W − (late again) |
| b/c | because | against b/c cost |
| w/ , w/o | with, without | w/o receipt |
| ? | unsure, maybe | Sat? |
| = | means, is the same as | fee = $20 |
A layout for each part
Set up the page before each recording starts, so you are not deciding where to write while the audio plays.
| Part | Layout | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Problem Solving | Two columns, one per speaker; a line between the three sections | Suggestions, rejections, final decision |
| Part 2: Daily Life Conversation | Two columns | Latest time or amount, feelings, what happens next |
| Part 3: Listening for Information | Numbered list | Steps, facts, reasons, corrections |
| Part 4: News Item | Main point at the top, then people and numbers | What happened, who said what, what comes next |
| Part 5: Discussion | Three columns, one per speaker, plus a line for the group decision | Each person's position and reason |
| Part 6: Viewpoints | Two columns: main argument and opposing view | Reasons on each side, the speaker's own view |
A worked example
Here is a short original CELPass example in the style of Part 2, not an official recording. Read it as if you were hearing it once.
Woman: "Hi Raj, are we still on for the farmers' market Saturday at nine?" Man: "About that, my sister's flight moved, so I have to pick her up at the airport in the morning. Could we do ten thirty instead?" Woman: "Ten thirty is tight. The good bakery stall usually sells out by eleven." Man: "Okay, what if I meet you there at ten and leave for the airport after?" Woman: "Perfect. I'll save you a coffee."
Good notes for this might look like: "W / R. mkt Sat. 9 → X 10:30 → ★ 10. R sister airport. bakery sells out 11. W +". That is about a dozen words, and it answers the likely questions: why the plan changed (sister's flight), the final time (10, not 10:30), why the woman hesitated (the bakery sells out) and how she feels at the end (pleased).
Notice the trap: 10:30 is mentioned clearly and is easy to remember, but it was rejected. An option saying they will meet at 10:30 would be wrong.
Note-taking mistakes to avoid
- Writing full sentences. By the time you finish one, you have missed the next point.
- Writing every word you know. Notes full of easy words are not the notes you need; aim for names, numbers, decisions and opinions.
- Looking down for too long. In Part 5, glance at the video for who is speaking, then write a word or two.
- Not marking changes. If you write "9" and then "10:30" with nothing showing which one won, your notes can mislead you.
- Trying a new system on test day. Use the same layout and symbols in every practice session.
How to practise note-taking
- Pick one Listening part and play it once, taking notes as you would in the test.
- Answer the questions using only your notes.
- Check your answers, then compare your notes with the transcript. Mark anything you needed but did not write.
- Adjust one thing for next time, for example noting reasons as well as opinions.
- Repeat with a different recording. Ten minutes a day is enough to make the system automatic within a couple of weeks.
Real-world audio works too: take notes on a short radio interview or a news story, then summarise it in three sentences from your notes alone. Our guide to practising at home has ideas for Canadian sources.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take notes during the CELPIP Listening test?
Yes. You are given scrap paper for notes during the test. Only your answers are scored, not your notes.
Should I write while watching the Part 5 video?
Yes, but briefly. Glance up to see who is speaking, then write a word or two next to that person's label.
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.