Part 4: Listening to a News Item

The main point comes first

News reports open with the key event: what happened, where, and to whom. Write it down immediately; at least one question usually asks about it. The rest of the report adds background, quotes and next steps.

People and numbers

Note each person quoted with their role (mayor, resident, organiser) and what they said. Numbers (dates, costs, how many people) are easy to mix up, so write them with a label: "$2M, cost", "300, volunteers".

• Listening Part 4 strategy and practice

What comes next

Reports usually end with what will happen next: a vote, an opening date, a meeting. Note it; it is a common final question.

Key points

• Note the opening event immediately.
• Label every number and every person's role.
• The ending tells you what happens next.

Exercise

"The new library branch, which cost $4 million, will open on June 3rd. Councillor Wong says a second branch could follow within five years."

1. When does the library open?
2. Who mentioned a second branch?

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.

• Listening Part 4 sample tests: Listening to a News Item
  30 free tests with answers
• Full-length Listening practice tests
  25 free tests · all parts, 38 questions, estimated CLB

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