Part 5: Listening to a Discussion

What happens in Part 5

• This is the only video in the test: three speakers discuss a topic for about two to three minutes.
• Questions ask what each person thinks and what the group decides.

Tips for a higher score

• Note each speaker's name and opinion as soon as you hear it.
• Watch for agreement and disagreement: questions often ask who supports which idea.

Common mistakes

• Attributing an opinion to the wrong speaker.

Step-by-step strategy for Part 5

1. Set up three columns before the video starts. Draw a T-chart with three columns, one per speaker, and leave a line at the bottom for the group decision. Label each column as soon as each person speaks, using a name, role or something visible.
2. Identify the topic and the decision to be made. The opening usually states what the group needs to decide, such as choosing a venue or changing a process. Write it above your columns.
   • So we need to decide ...
   • The main item today is ...
   • Let's figure out ...
   • We have a few options.
3. Record each speaker's position and reason. Write each person's preference and their main reason in their own column. Most questions ask who thinks what, so this is where your points come from.
   • I'd prefer ...
   • My concern is ...
   • Personally, I think ...
   • From my side, ...
4. Mark agreement, disagreement and changes of mind. Use arrows or ticks to show when one speaker backs another or switches sides. Speakers sometimes soften or change their view after hearing a good argument.
   • I see your point, but ...
   • I'm with ... on this.
   • That's a fair point.
   • Okay, you've convinced me.
   • I'm not sure I agree.
5. Note the final decision and any compromise. Write what the group agrees on and who takes on which task. The decision is often a compromise that no speaker suggested at the start.
   • So let's go with ...
   • How about we meet halfway?
   • Can we all agree on ...?
   • I'll look into ...
6. Answer from your columns. There are 8 questions, so check each one against the right speaker's column. Most wrong answers come from giving an opinion to the wrong person.

Part 5 vocabulary and signal words

Part 5 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.

• After School Activity Programs
• Book Club Event
• Charity Run
• Cleanup Day
• Community Art Exhibition
• Community Fitness Challenge
• Community Language Class
• Community Pet Adoption Event
• Community Project
• Community Recycling Program
• Community Service Recognition
• Company Workshop

All 30 Part 5 sample tests · Full-length Listening practice tests (all parts, 38 questions)

Practice ideas for Part 5

1. Three co-workers choose between a restaurant dinner and a team activity for an end-of-year event. Expect questions on each person's preference, their reasons and the final choice.
2. Three members of a condo board discuss whether to install electric-vehicle chargers. Expect questions on the cost concern, who supports the plan and what they agree to do first.
3. Three parents plan a school fundraiser and disagree about selling food or holding an auction. Expect questions on who changes their mind and why.
4. Three staff at a clinic discuss moving to online appointment booking. Expect questions on each person's worry and the trial period they settle on.
5. Three friends plan a weekend camping trip and debate which campground to book. Expect questions on each person's priority and the compromise they reach.

Listening Part 5 questions, answered

More CELPIP Listening

• Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
• Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
• Part 3: Listening for Information
• Part 4: Listening to a News Item
• Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints (next)