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CELPIP Listening · Part 5

Part 5 practice course: Listening to a Discussion

Follow a video of three people talking, keep track of who wants what, and answer questions about each speaker's view and the outcome. 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 5 format and strategy first.

6 stepsabout 8 minutes · 8 questionsFree · no account needed
Illustration: listening to a discussion 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

Three people, one decision, eight questions

You watch a video of three people, often co-workers or family, trying to settle a plan. Each person pushes an idea or raises a worry, and the talk usually ends without a final decision. Then you answer eight questions.

Main purpose or subject line

What is the best subject line for an email after this meeting?

  1. Note the goal in the first lines: "we need to decide...".
  2. Note how it ends: decided, or still open?
  3. Pick the option that covers the whole talk and its real outcome.
Who thinks what

What is the man's main worry about the plan?

  1. Give each speaker a column in your notes.
  2. Write each idea or worry under the person who said it.
  3. Check the option matches that person, not someone else.
Why does a speaker mention...

Why does the woman mention last year's party?

  1. Note the story or example a speaker brings up.
  2. Ask what point it supports in the argument.
  3. Choose the purpose, not a detail from the story.

Part 5 cheat sheet

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

How to follow three voices

Before you listen
  • Read the introduction: who the three people are and the topic.
  • Make three columns, one per speaker, with a name or a letter.
  • Use the video to link each voice to a face.
While you listen
  • Write each idea under the person who said it.
  • Mark corrections: "That was Dad, not Mom" often becomes a question.
  • Note the last few lines: is anything decided, or is it left open?
When the questions come
  • For each question, go to the right speaker's column first.
  • For purpose questions, look at the whole talk, not one part.
  • Choose "still deciding" if nobody agreed at the end.

The traps this part sets

  • Giving one speaker's idea to another speaker. Write every idea in that speaker's column, with a word or two.
  • Choosing an option that repeats words from the talk. Check that the meaning answers the question, not just the words.
  • Treating an idea as a final decision. Listen to the last lines and note whether the plan is settled or still open.

Signal words to listen for

  • Disagreeing (a worry follows): “Hang on, though.”, “But”, “I'm not sure”, “What worries me is”, “Fair, but”
  • Correcting someone: “That was..., not...”, “Not that one,”, “Closer to”, “Actually,”
  • Suggesting: “What if we...?”, “Could we...?”, “Why not just...?”, “So here's my thought.”
  • Not decided yet: “Let me check”, “Depends on”, “We're not settling this today”, “before we go any further”, “Probably. Not definitely.”

Questions about Part 5

How does CELPIP Listening Part 5 work?

You watch a video of three people, often co-workers or family, trying to settle a plan. Each person pushes an idea or raises a worry, and the talk usually ends without a final decision. Then you answer eight questions. Main purpose or subject line: Note the goal in the first lines: "we need to decide...".; Note how it ends: decided, or still open?; Pick the option that covers the whole talk and its real outcome.. Who thinks what: Give each speaker a column in your notes.; Write each idea or worry under the person who said it.; Check the option matches that person, not someone else.. Why does a speaker mention...: Note the story or example a speaker brings up.; Ask what point it supports in the argument.; Choose the purpose, not a detail from the story..

How should I use my time in CELPIP Listening Part 5?

Before you listen: Read the introduction: who the three people are and the topic. Make three columns, one per speaker, with a name or a letter. Use the video to link each voice to a face. While you listen: Write each idea under the person who said it. Mark corrections: "That was Dad, not Mom" often becomes a question. Note the last few lines: is anything decided, or is it left open? When the questions come: For each question, go to the right speaker's column first. For purpose questions, look at the whole talk, not one part. Choose "still deciding" if nobody agreed at the end.

What traps does CELPIP Listening Part 5 set?

Giving one speaker's idea to another speaker. With three people, it is easy to remember a worry but forget who raised it. Instead: Write every idea in that speaker's column, with a word or two. Choosing an option that repeats words from the talk. Wrong options borrow a number, a place or a phrase someone said about something else. Instead: Check that the meaning answers the question, not just the words. Treating an idea as a final decision. Speakers suggest plans, but the talk often ends with nothing booked or approved. Instead: Listen to the last lines and note whether the plan is settled or still open.

Is this Part 5 course free?

Yes. Every step is free and needs no account, and nothing you do leaves your browser. With a free CELPass account, your wrong answers are saved with the trap they fell for and turned into daily drills.

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