Start free

CELPIP Listening Course · Lesson 2 of 9

Note-Taking When You Hear It Once

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

Because you see most questions only after the recording, your notes are your memory. Good notes are short and focused on what questions usually ask.

What to write

Questions ask about the main problem, what each person wants or suggests, the final decision, reasons, numbers and what happens next. Write those, in single words or symbols. Do not try to write sentences; you'll miss the next part.

Layouts that work

  • Conversations (Parts 1, 2): two columns, one per speaker. Mark the final decision with a star.
  • Explanations and news (Parts 3, 4): a numbered list in the order you hear it.
  • Discussion (Part 5): one line per speaker name with their view (+ for, − against).
  • Viewpoints (Part 6): two columns, side A and side B, with reasons.

Abbreviations

Use symbols you can read back instantly: → (leads to, then), ✗ (no, rejected), ✓ (agreed), $ (cost), ↑ ↓ (more, less), ? (unsure), w/ (with). Practise them in everyday listening so they are automatic.

Key points

  • Note problems, suggestions, decisions, reasons and numbers.
  • Use a layout that matches the part.
  • Symbols and single words, never sentences.

Exercise

Write notes for: "I was going to take the 8:15 train, but it's been cancelled, so I'll drive and pick up Sarah on the way. We should still arrive before nine."

  1. Your notes
Show answers
  1. 8:15 train ✗ (cancelled) → drive ✓, pick up Sarah, arrive < 9

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

CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.