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CELPIP Listening Course · Lesson 9 of 9

Distractors, Guessing and Test Day

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

The final lesson covers the traps that appear in every part and how to keep your concentration through the whole section.

Common distractors

  • Word echo: an option repeats words you heard but changes the meaning.
  • Old information: a time, price or plan that was later changed.
  • Wrong speaker: the right idea, attributed to the wrong person.
  • Not said: sensible, but never stated in the recording.

Guessing well

If you are unsure, remove options that fall into the trap types above and choose from what is left. Do not spend long on one question; the next recording will not wait for you. Always choose something.

Concentration on test day

  • Adjust the headset volume during the practice task.
  • Between parts, take one breath and start a fresh section of notes.
  • If you miss something, let it go and listen for the next point.
  • Practise full Listening sections at home so 50 minutes of focus feels normal.

Key points

  • Four distractors: word echo, old information, wrong speaker, not said.
  • Eliminate, then guess; never leave a blank.
  • Reset between parts; build stamina with full sections.

Exercise

Recording: "The workshop was planned for Tuesday, but the room's booked, so it's moved to Thursday. Bring a laptop if you have one." Options: A Tuesday, laptop required. B Thursday, laptop optional. C Thursday, laptop required. D Tuesday, bring a laptop.

  1. Which is correct, and what trap is A?
Show answers
  1. B. A uses old information (Tuesday) and turns "if you have one" into "required".

Practise with free questions

Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.

All lessons in this course

  1. How CELPIP Listening Works and Is Scored
  2. Note-Taking When You Hear It Once
  3. Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
  4. Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
  5. Part 3: Listening for Information
  6. Part 4: Listening to a News Item
  7. Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
  8. Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
  9. Distractors, Guessing and Test Day

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