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CELPIP Listening · Part 3

Part 3 practice course: Listening for Information

Pick out the facts, rules and changes of plan in a conversation where one person gives another information. Work through six short steps, from how the part works to a timed test, about 40 minutes in all. New to this part? Read the Part 3 format and strategy first.

6 stepsabout 6 minutes · 6 questionsFree · no account needed
Illustration: listening for information in daily life
Step 1 of 6

Learn the part

How the part works, how to use your time, the traps it sets and the signal words, then a quick check.

Part 1 of 5

One person explains, the other asks

You hear one conversation, often a tour, a phone call or a service desk, where one person gives information. It plays once, then six questions follow about the details, the rules and what the listener will do.

A fact or a rule

What kind of membership does the man have?

  1. Listen for the rule or fact in the explainer's words.
  2. Note numbers, days, prices and limits.
  3. Pick the option with the same fact, often in other words.
A mistaken idea

What did the man wrongly believe?

  1. Listen for a surprise: "Oh", "Wait", "I thought".
  2. Note what he believed and what is really true.
  3. The answer is the belief, not the correction.
Why, or what next

Why can't the installation happen on moving day?

  1. Listen for the reason after "because", "since" or "the thing is".
  2. Note the plan that replaces the first one.
  3. Check the option gives the real reason, not one that only sounds close.

Part 3 cheat sheet

The key points of the course on one screen, to read again just before your test.

How to keep up with a lot of information

Before you listen
  • Read the context: who explains and who asks.
  • Expect rules, prices, times and one or two problems.
  • Set up a T-chart: facts on one side, problems and changes on the other.
While you listen
  • Write numbers and times as digits: $20, 8-6, Tues 2nd.
  • Note each "but" or "only": the limit is often the answer.
  • Mark any moment where the listener is surprised or corrected.
When the questions come
  • Read all four options before you choose.
  • Check the detail fits this person and this plan, not another one.
  • If two options look right, pick the one your notes prove.

The traps this part sets

  • Choosing the option that repeats words from the recording. Ask which question the detail really answers.
  • Mixing up two similar details. Note each detail with what it belongs to: "$20: locker, flex plan".
  • Missing a "not" or "only". Listen hard for not, only, never and no exceptions, and write them down.

Signal words to listen for

  • Contrast (the answer often follows): “but”, “though”, “here's the thing”, “the bad news is”, “one thing, though”
  • Limits and rules: “only”, “not even”, “no exceptions”, “up to”, “after that”
  • A correction: “close”, “you're right”, “actually”, “wait”, “I assumed”
  • Reasons: “because”, “so”, “it's an insurance thing”, “that's why”, “since”

Questions about Part 3

How does CELPIP Listening Part 3 work?

You hear one conversation, often a tour, a phone call or a service desk, where one person gives information. It plays once, then six questions follow about the details, the rules and what the listener will do. A fact or a rule: Listen for the rule or fact in the explainer's words.; Note numbers, days, prices and limits.; Pick the option with the same fact, often in other words.. A mistaken idea: Listen for a surprise: "Oh", "Wait", "I thought".; Note what he believed and what is really true.; The answer is the belief, not the correction.. Why, or what next: Listen for the reason after "because", "since" or "the thing is".; Note the plan that replaces the first one.; Check the option gives the real reason, not one that only sounds close..

How should I use my time in CELPIP Listening Part 3?

Before you listen: Read the context: who explains and who asks. Expect rules, prices, times and one or two problems. Set up a T-chart: facts on one side, problems and changes on the other. While you listen: Write numbers and times as digits: $20, 8-6, Tues 2nd. Note each "but" or "only": the limit is often the answer. Mark any moment where the listener is surprised or corrected. When the questions come: Read all four options before you choose. Check the detail fits this person and this plan, not another one. If two options look right, pick the one your notes prove.

What traps does CELPIP Listening Part 3 set?

Choosing the option that repeats words from the recording. Information talks are full of details, and wrong options borrow them for the wrong question. Instead: Ask which question the detail really answers. Mixing up two similar details. The speaker gives several prices, plans or times, and the option uses the wrong one. Instead: Note each detail with what it belongs to: "$20: locker, flex plan". Missing a "not" or "only". A single small word flips the rule, but the option keeps the rest of the sentence. Instead: Listen hard for not, only, never and no exceptions, and write them down.

Is this Part 3 course free?

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