Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation

What happens in Part 2

• You hear one conversation of about one to two minutes, then answer five questions.
• Questions cover details, the speakers' relationship and what will happen next.

Tips for a higher score

• Listen for tone as well as words: questions often ask how a speaker feels.
• Times, dates and amounts change during the conversation. Note the latest one.

Common mistakes

• Confusing an offer that was made with one that was accepted.

Step-by-step strategy for Part 2

1. Prepare a two-column T-chart. Set up one column per speaker before the audio starts. Part 2 is short, so keep notes to a word or two per line.
2. Work out who the speakers are and why they are talking. The first lines usually reveal the relationship (neighbours, a customer and a clerk, co-workers) and the reason for the conversation. Note both, because questions often ask about them.
   • Hi, I'm calling about ...
   • Sorry to bother you, but ...
   • Do you have a minute?
   • I was wondering if ...
3. Update times, dates and amounts as they change. Cross out a number when it is replaced rather than writing the new one beside it. The latest figure is almost always the one the question wants.
   • Actually, make that ...
   • Wait, it's not ... it's ...
   • Could we push it to ...?
   • That comes to ...
4. Note feelings and tone. Write a quick word for each speaker's attitude, such as "annoyed", "relieved" or "unsure". Questions on how someone feels depend on tone as much as on words.
   • I can't believe ...
   • That's a relief.
   • I'm a bit worried that ...
   • Honestly, I'd rather ...
5. Listen to the end for what happens next. The last lines usually settle an offer or a plan. Mark whether each offer was accepted or turned down, then answer from your notes.
   • I'll see you at ...
   • So I'll drop it off ...
   • Thanks, but I'll ...
   • Let me know if ...

Part 2 vocabulary and signal words

Part 2 sample tests (30 free practice tests)

Each test has the full text, every question and the answer key. Choose your answers and check them on the page.

• Cancelled Theater Ticket
• Catering a Small Event
• Charity Run or Walk
• City-Run Seniors’ Fitness Program
• Community Food Kitchen
• Community Meeting Room
• Cook a New International Dish
• Cooking Class
• Cultural Misunderstanding
• Donated Bike
• First Job Interview
• Historical Monument

All 30 Part 2 sample tests · Full-length Listening practice tests (all parts, 38 questions)

Practice ideas for Part 2

1. A neighbour asks to borrow a ladder but discovers it was lent to someone else. Expect questions on the relationship, the reason it is not available and what the neighbour does instead.
2. A customer returns a jacket without a receipt. Expect questions on what the clerk offers, how the customer feels and what they finally accept.
3. Two friends arrange a carpool to a hockey game and change the pickup time twice. Expect a question on the final time and why it changed.
4. A parent calls a swimming instructor to switch a child's lesson day. Expect questions on the reason for the call and which day they agree on.
5. Two co-workers plan a lunch to welcome a new colleague. Expect questions on the restaurant they choose, who pays and how one speaker feels about the plan.

Listening Part 2 questions, answered

More CELPIP Listening

• Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
• Part 3: Listening for Information (next)
• Part 4: Listening to a News Item
• Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
• Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints