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CELPIP Listening Course · Lesson 3 of 9

Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

Part 1 is a conversation split into three sections, with questions after each. Two people work through a problem, so the answers depend on following how the plan changes.

Problem, options, decision

Section one usually sets up the problem. Section two explores options. Section three reaches a decision. Note the problem in a few words, list each suggestion with who made it, and star the one they finally choose.

Suggested is not decided

The most common trap is an option that someone suggested and the other person rejected. Listen for rejections: "That won't work because…", "I'd rather not", "Actually, a better idea is…".

Stay with the third section

Concentration often drops by section three, which is where the solution usually comes. Reset your notes at the start of each section and listen actively to the end.

Key points

  • Note problem → options (with who) → final decision.
  • Rejected suggestions are traps.
  • The solution usually comes in section three.

Exercise

Man: "Let's just ask the landlord to fix the heater." Woman: "He took three weeks last time. I'd rather buy a space heater for now and ask him anyway." Man: "Fine, I'll grab one after work."

  1. What will they do first?
Show answers
  1. Buy a space heater (the man after work), and still ask the landlord. Only asking the landlord is not the full decision.

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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