CELPIP Listening · Part 4

Part 4 vocabulary: Listening to a News Item

The words and phrases that come up in Listening Part 4, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this part? Read the Part 4 format and strategy.

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Phrases 18

officials say
phraseCLB 6
Reports what authorities stated.
“Officials say the road will reopen next week.”
Similarauthorities report
CELPIP tip Note who gave the information, which is often tested.
in response to
phraseCLB 7
As a reaction to something.
“In response to the complaints, the city added more buses.”
Similaras a reaction to
CELPIP tip Links cause and action in news stories.
is expected to
phraseCLB 6
Is predicted to happen.
“The new centre is expected to open in the spring.”
Similaris scheduled tois set to
CELPIP tip Future plans are common questions.
so far
phraseCLB 5
Up to now.
“So far, more than 500 people have signed the petition.”
Similarto dateuntil now
CELPIP tip Numbers with 'so far' are often tested.
breaking news
phraseCLB 6
News that is happening now.
“Breaking news: a major fire downtown.”
Similarlatest news
CELPIP tip News happening now. Introduces the main event.
earlier today
phraseCLB 5
Before now, today.
“Earlier today, the premier announced new funding.”
Similarthis morning
CELPIP tip Places the event in time.
is scheduled to
phraseCLB 6
Is planned to.
“The bridge is scheduled to open in May.”
Similaris set to
CELPIP tip Planned for a future time. Listen for the date.
in an effort to
phraseCLB 7
Trying to.
“In an effort to reduce waste, the city banned plastic bags.”
Similarto try to
CELPIP tip Introduces the purpose of an action.
as part of
phraseCLB 6
Included in.
“As part of the plan, 100 trees will be planted.”
Similarwithin
CELPIP tip Shows that one thing belongs to a larger plan.
due to
phraseCLB 6
Because of.
“The game was cancelled due to rain.”
Similarbecause of
CELPIP tip Introduces a cause. Cause questions are common.
in the wake of
phraseCLB 8
Following and because of.
“In the wake of the storm, crews worked all night.”
Similarafterfollowing
CELPIP tip Following and because of an event. Introduces a cause.
there are plans to
phraseCLB 6
Something is planned.
“There are plans to build a new school.”
Similarthey plan to
CELPIP tip Introduces a future plan.
no one was injured
phraseCLB 5
Nobody was hurt.
“Fortunately, no one was injured.”
Similarthere were no injuries
CELPIP tip A key detail in accident reports.
for the first time
phraseCLB 5
Never before.
“For the first time, the event will be held online.”
Similarnewly
CELPIP tip Highlights something new. Questions often ask what is happening for the first time.
more than
phraseCLB 5
Over a number.
“More than 300 people attended.”
Similarover
CELPIP tip Introduces a number: note it exactly.
is said to
phraseCLB 7
People say that.
“The new park is said to be the largest in the province.”
Similarreportedly
CELPIP tip Reported information, not confirmed.
amid concerns
phraseCLB 8
While people are worried about something.
“The festival was postponed amid concerns about the heat.”
Similarbecause of worriesgiven fears
CELPIP tip Introduces the reason behind a decision.
a stark reminder
phraseCLB 9
Something that clearly shows a serious fact.
“The flood was a stark reminder of the need for better drainage.”
Similara sharp remindera clear warning
CELPIP tip Often introduces the lesson or the main idea of the news item.

Nouns 55

residents
nounCLB 6/ˈrɛzɪdənts/
People who live in an area.
“Local residents expressed concern about the noise.”
Similarlocalscommunity
CELPIP tip Listen for residents' reactions.
initiative
nounCLB 7/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
A new plan to solve a problem.
“The initiative aims to reduce food waste.”
Similarprogramprojectscheme
CELPIP tip News often describes new initiatives.
funding
nounCLB 6/ˈfʌndɪŋ/
Money provided for a purpose.
“The project received $2 million in funding.”
Similarfinancinggrant
CELPIP tip Amounts and sources of funding are typical details.
spokesperson
nounCLB 7/ˈspoʊksˌpɜːrsən/
Someone who speaks officially for a group.
“A spokesperson for the company declined to comment.”
Similarrepresentative
CELPIP tip Identify who the spokesperson represents.
mayor
nounCLB 5/ˈmeɪər/
The elected leader of a city.
“The mayor spoke at the opening ceremony.”
Similarcity leader
CELPIP tip Identify who made statements.
city council
nounCLB 6
The elected group that governs a city.
“City council voted to approve the plan.”
Similarmunicipal government
CELPIP tip The elected group that governs a city. Often the decision-maker in local news.
authorities
nounCLB 7/ɔːˈθɒrətiz/
Officials in charge.
“Authorities are investigating the cause.”
Similarofficials
CELPIP tip Officials in charge. Often the source of information in the report.
investigation
nounCLB 6/ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃən/
An official examination of facts.
“An investigation is underway.”
Similarinquiry
CELPIP tip An official examination. Means the facts are still being checked.
incident
nounCLB 7/ˈɪnsɪdənt/
An event, often unpleasant.
“No one was injured in the incident.”
Similareventoccurrence
CELPIP tip An event, often unpleasant. Usually the main event of the report.
accident
nounCLB 5/ˈæksɪdənt/
An unexpected event causing damage or injury.
“A car accident closed the highway.”
Similarcrashcollision
CELPIP tip A common news topic. Listen for when, where and who was involved.
witness
nounCLB 6/ˈwɪtnəs/
A person who saw an event.
“Witnesses say the fire started around noon.”
Similarbystanderobserver
CELPIP tip Someone who saw the event. Their account is often quoted.
victim
nounCLB 6/ˈvɪktɪm/
A person harmed.
“The victims were taken to hospital.”
Similarcasualty
CELPIP tip Someone who was harmed. Listen for details about them.
community
nounCLB 5/kəˈmjuːnəti/
People living in one area.
“The community came together to help.”
Similarneighbourhood
CELPIP tip People in one area. Often the people affected by the news.
fundraiser
nounCLB 6/ˈfʌndˌreɪzər/
An event to collect money.
“The fundraiser raised $10,000.”
Similarcharity event
CELPIP tip An event to collect money. Amounts and causes are often tested.
donation
nounCLB 6/doʊˈneɪʃən/
Something given to help.
“Donations poured in from across the country.”
Similarcontributiongift
CELPIP tip Something given to help. Listen for who gave what.
charity
nounCLB 6/ˈtʃærəti/
An organization helping people in need.
“All proceeds go to a local charity.”
Similarnon-profit
CELPIP tip An organization helping people. Listen for its purpose.
proceeds
nounCLB 7/ˈproʊsiːdz/
Money earned from an event.
“Proceeds will support the food bank.”
Similarearningsprofits
CELPIP tip Money earned from an event. Listen for where it will go.
budget
nounCLB 5/ˈbʌdʒɪt/
A plan for spending money.
“The city's budget was cut by 10%.”
Similarfunds
CELPIP tip A plan for spending. Numbers are often tested.
project
nounCLB 5/ˈprɒdʒɛkt/
A planned piece of work.
“The project will take two years.”
Similarplanscheme
CELPIP tip The planned work at the centre of the report.
construction
nounCLB 5/kənˈstrʌkʃən/
Building work.
“Construction begins next month.”
Similarbuilding work
CELPIP tip Building work. Listen for timelines and delays.
delay
nounCLB 5/dɪˈleɪ/
A period of waiting.
“The delay was caused by bad weather.”
Similarholdup
CELPIP tip Waiting longer than planned. The cause is often tested.
closure
nounCLB 6/ˈkloʊʒər/
The act of closing.
“The road closure will last a week.”
Similarshutdown
CELPIP tip Something being closed. Listen for how long it will last.
shortage
nounCLB 6/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/
Not enough of something.
“There's a shortage of nurses.”
Similarlackdeficit
CELPIP tip News items often report a shortage as the problem: listen for what is in short supply and why.
increase
nounCLB 5/ˈɪnkriːs/
A rise.
“There's been an increase in housing prices.”
Similarrisegrowth
CELPIP tip A rise. Listen for what increased and by how much.
decrease
nounCLB 5/ˈdiːkriːs/
A fall.
“A decrease in crime was reported.”
Similardropdecline
CELPIP tip A fall. Listen for what decreased and why.
survey
nounCLB 5/ˈsɜːrveɪ/
A study asking people questions.
“A recent survey found that most residents agree.”
Similarpollstudy
CELPIP tip A study asking people questions. Its results are often reported.
study
nounCLB 6/ˈstʌdi/
Research.
“A new study shows benefits of walking.”
Similarresearchreport
CELPIP tip Research. Listen for what the study found.
researcher
nounCLB 6/rɪˈsɜːrtʃər/
A person doing research.
“Researchers at the university found that...”
Similarscientist
CELPIP tip A source of information in the report.
expert
nounCLB 6/ˈɛkspɜːrt/
A person with special knowledge.
“Experts warn of a cold winter.”
Similarspecialist
CELPIP tip A source of expert opinion, often quoted.
statement
nounCLB 6/ˈsteɪtmənt/
An official announcement.
“The company issued a statement.”
Similarannouncement
CELPIP tip An official announcement. Listen for its key message.
press conference
nounCLB 7
A meeting where officials speak to reporters.
“The mayor held a press conference.”
Similarmedia briefing
CELPIP tip Officials speaking to reporters. Listen for what was announced.
policy
nounCLB 6/ˈpɒləsi/
An official plan of action.
“The new policy takes effect in July.”
Similarruleplan
CELPIP tip An official plan. Listen for changes to it.
regulation
nounCLB 7/ˌrɛɡjəˈleɪʃən/
An official rule.
“New regulations limit noise after 11 p.m.”
Similarrulelaw
CELPIP tip An official rule. Listen for what it controls.
legislation
nounCLB 8/ˌlɛdʒɪsˈleɪʃən/
Laws.
“The legislation passed last week.”
Similarlaws
CELPIP tip Laws. Common in government news.
election
nounCLB 6/ɪˈlɛkʃən/
A vote to choose leaders.
“The election will be held in October.”
Similarvote
CELPIP tip A vote to choose leaders. Listen for dates and candidates.
candidate
nounCLB 6/ˈkændɪdət/
A person running for office.
“Three candidates are running for mayor.”
Similarnominee
CELPIP tip A person running for office.
citizens
nounCLB 6/ˈsɪtɪzənz/
People of a country or city.
“Citizens are encouraged to vote.”
Similarresidents
CELPIP tip People of a country or city, often the people affected.
volunteers
nounCLB 6/ˌvɒlənˈtɪərz/
Unpaid helpers.
“Hundreds of volunteers helped clean the park.”
Similarhelpers
CELPIP tip Unpaid helpers. Common in community news.
organizers
nounCLB 6/ˈɔːrɡəˌnaɪzərz/
People who plan an event.
“Organizers expect 5,000 visitors.”
Similarplanners
CELPIP tip People who plan an event. Often quoted.
festival
nounCLB 5/ˈfɛstɪvəl/
A celebration event.
“The music festival returns this summer.”
Similarcelebration
CELPIP tip A celebration event. Listen for dates and activities.
award
nounCLB 5/əˈwɔːrd/
A prize.
“She won an award for her community work.”
Similarprizehonour
CELPIP tip A prize. Listen for who won and why.
achievement
nounCLB 6/əˈtʃiːvmənt/
Something done successfully.
“It's a remarkable achievement.”
Similaraccomplishment
CELPIP tip Something done successfully. Often the focus of a positive story.
rescue
nounCLB 6/ˈrɛskjuː/
Saving someone from danger.
“The rescue took six hours.”
Similarsaving
CELPIP tip Saving someone from danger. Listen for who was rescued and how.
emergency
nounCLB 5/ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
A dangerous situation needing quick action.
“Emergency crews arrived quickly.”
Similarcrisis
CELPIP tip A dangerous situation. Listen for the response.
flood
nounCLB 5/flʌd/
Water covering normally dry land.
“The flood damaged dozens of homes.”
Similarinundation
CELPIP tip Water covering dry land. Listen for the damage and response.
wildfire
nounCLB 6/ˈwaɪldfaɪər/
An uncontrolled forest fire.
“The wildfire forced thousands to evacuate.”
Similarforest fire
CELPIP tip An uncontrolled forest fire. Listen for evacuations and areas affected.
storm
nounCLB 5/stɔːrm/
Severe weather.
“The storm knocked out power.”
Similartempest
CELPIP tip Severe weather. Listen for its effects.
power outage
nounCLB 6
Loss of electricity.
“The power outage affected 10,000 homes.”
Similarblackout
CELPIP tip Loss of electricity. Listen for how many people and how long.
traffic
nounCLB 5/ˈtræfɪk/
Vehicles on the road.
“Traffic was backed up for miles.”
Similarcongestion
CELPIP tip Vehicles on the road. Often affected by events in the news.
transit
nounCLB 6/ˈtrænzɪt/
Public transportation.
“The city is expanding public transit.”
Similarpublic transport
CELPIP tip Public transportation. Listen for service changes.
residents' concerns
nounCLB 6
Worries of local people.
“The plan raised residents' concerns about noise.”
Similarworries
CELPIP tip Local worries. Questions may ask how people reacted.
impact
nounCLB 6/ˈɪmpækt/
A strong effect.
“The impact on local businesses was huge.”
Similareffect
CELPIP tip A strong effect. Listen for what the impact was.
turnout
nounCLB 8/ˈtɜːrnaʊt/
The number of people who come to an event or vote.
“Organizers were surprised by the huge turnout at the fundraiser.”
Similarattendancecrowd
CELPIP tip Listen for numbers and whether the turnout was higher or lower than expected.
backlash
nounCLB 9/ˈbæklæʃ/
A strong negative reaction from many people.
“The new parking fees caused a backlash from downtown shoppers.”
Similarcriticismoutcryopposition
CELPIP tip Signals public reaction, often the cause of a later change.
moratorium
nounCLB 10/ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/
An official temporary stop to an activity.
“The province announced a moratorium on new logging permits.”
Similarfreezesuspensionban
CELPIP tip Temporary, not permanent; a likely question detail.

Verbs 18

announced
verbCLB 6/əˈnaʊnst/
Officially made something known.
“The mayor announced a new recycling program.”
Similardeclaredrevealed
CELPIP tip The main announcement is often the main idea.
launched
verbCLB 6/lɔːntʃt/
Started a new project or product.
“The library launched a free tutoring service.”
Similarstartedintroduced
CELPIP tip Common verb in news items.
confirmed
verbCLB 6/kənˈfɜːrmd/
Said that something is true.
“Police confirmed that no one was injured.”
Similarverifiedstated
CELPIP tip Separate confirmed facts from rumours.
estimated
verbCLB 6/ˈɛstɪˌmeɪtɪd/
Guessed a number based on information.
“It's estimated that 3,000 people attended.”
Similarcalculatedapproximated
CELPIP tip Approximate numbers are often tested.
reported
verbCLB 6/rɪˈpɔːrtɪd/
Gave information about.
“Police reported two arrests.”
Similarstated
CELPIP tip Gave information about something. Note the source.
evacuated
verbCLB 7/ɪˈvækjuˌeɪtɪd/
Moved people out of danger.
“Residents were evacuated overnight.”
Similarclearedmoved out
CELPIP tip Moved people out of danger. Listen for how many and from where.
approved
verbCLB 6/əˈpruːvd/
Officially accepted.
“The council approved the budget.”
Similarpassedaccepted
CELPIP tip Officially accepted. Often a decision in local news.
raised
verbCLB 6/reɪzd/
Collected money.
“The event raised $50,000.”
Similarcollected
CELPIP tip Collected money. Amounts are often tested.
warned
verbCLB 6/wɔːrnd/
Told about danger.
“Officials warned drivers to stay home.”
Similarcautionedalerted
CELPIP tip Told about danger. Listen for who warned whom.
urged
verbCLB 7/ɜːrdʒd/
Strongly advised.
“Police urged residents to lock their doors.”
Similarencouraged
CELPIP tip Strongly advised. Listen for what people were urged to do.
spearhead
verbCLB 8/ˈspɪrhed/
To lead an effort or campaign.
“A group of local teens spearheaded the cleanup of the river trail.”
Similarleadheadchampion
CELPIP tip Tells you who started or led the project, a common question.
allocate
verbCLB 8/ˈæləkeɪt/
To give money or resources for a particular purpose.
“The city has allocated two million dollars to repair the bridge.”
Similarassignset asidedistribute
CELPIP tip Pay attention to the amount and the purpose.
surpass
verbCLB 8/sərˈpæs/
To be greater than something.
“Donations surpassed the original goal of $50,000.”
Similarexceedgo beyondtop
CELPIP tip Questions often compare results with the goal.
garner
verbCLB 9/ˈɡɑːrnər/
To collect or gain something such as support or attention.
“The proposal has garnered support from local business owners.”
Similargainattractearn
CELPIP tip Usually with support, attention, praise or votes.
reinstate
verbCLB 9/ˌriːɪnˈsteɪt/
To bring back something that was stopped.
“The council voted to reinstate the late-night bus service.”
Similarrestorebring backrevive
CELPIP tip Listen for what was cancelled earlier and why it came back.
bolster
verbCLB 10/ˈboʊlstər/
To strengthen or support something.
“The grant will bolster programs for newcomers.”
Similarstrengthenboostreinforce
CELPIP tip Means the program already exists and is being made stronger.
rescind
verbCLB 10/rɪˈsɪnd/
To officially cancel a law, decision or offer.
“After protests, the school board rescinded the uniform policy.”
Similarcancelrevokereverse
CELPIP tip Means the decision was reversed; check what happens next.
mobilize
verbCLB 10/ˈmoʊbəlaɪz/
To organize people or resources for action.
“Neighbours mobilized within hours to fill sandbags.”
Similarorganizerallygather
CELPIP tip Usually describes how a community responded.

Adjectives 7

ongoing
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈɒnˌɡoʊɪŋ/
Still happening.
“The investigation is ongoing.”
Similarcontinuingcurrent
CELPIP tip Shows the story isn't finished.
temporary
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈtɛmpəˌrɛri/
Lasting only for a limited time.
“The closure is only temporary.”
Similarshort-terminterim
CELPIP tip Listen for how long a change will last.
local
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈloʊkəl/
From a nearby area.
“Local businesses are struggling.”
Similarnearbycommunity
CELPIP tip From a nearby area. Shows who is affected.
record-breaking
adjectiveCLB 6
Better or more than ever before.
“The city saw record-breaking heat.”
Similarunprecedented
CELPIP tip More than ever before. Highlights an achievement.
unprecedented
adjectiveCLB 8/ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd/
Never happened before.
“The demand was unprecedented.”
Similarunheard of
CELPIP tip Never happened before. Signals how unusual the event is.
interim
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈɪntərɪm/
Temporary, until something permanent is arranged.
“An interim director will lead the library until a new one is hired.”
Similartemporaryactingprovisional
CELPIP tip Tells you the situation will change later.
landmark
adjectiveCLB 10/ˈlændmɑːrk/
Very important and marking a big change.
“It was a landmark decision for accessibility rights.”
Similarhistoricground-breakingmilestone
CELPIP tip Signals why the news matters, often the main idea.

Expressions 1

according to a recent report
expressionCLB 7
Gives the source of information.
“According to a recent report, housing prices have risen 5%.”
Similara new study shows
CELPIP tip Note the source and the statistic.

Adverbs 2

reportedly
adverbCLB 7/rɪˈpɔːrtɪdli/
According to reports.
“The suspect reportedly fled on foot.”
Similarallegedly
CELPIP tip Information from reports, not yet confirmed.
recently
adverbCLB 5/ˈriːsəntli/
Not long ago.
“The program was recently expanded.”
Similarlately
CELPIP tip Not long ago. Places the event in time.

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More CELPIP Listening vocabulary

Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving (100 words)
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation (101 words)
Part 3: Listening for Information (99 words)
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion (100 words)
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints (108 words)

All CELPIP vocabulary lists

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Phrases 18

officials say

in response to

is expected to

so far

breaking news

earlier today

is scheduled to

in an effort to

as part of

due to

in the wake of

there are plans to

no one was injured

for the first time

more than

is said to

amid concerns

a stark reminder

Nouns 55

residents

initiative

funding

spokesperson

mayor

city council

authorities

investigation

incident

accident

witness

victim

community

fundraiser

donation

charity

proceeds

budget

project

construction

delay

closure

shortage

increase

decrease

survey

study

researcher

expert

statement

press conference

policy

regulation

legislation

election

candidate

citizens

volunteers

organizers

festival

award

achievement

rescue

emergency

flood

wildfire

storm

power outage

traffic

transit

residents' concerns

impact

turnout

backlash

moratorium

Verbs 18

announced

launched

confirmed

estimated