The CELPIP team often receives questions from test takers about the best strategies for preparing for certain sections of the CELPIP exam.
It’s no surprise that the Speaking section tends to get the most attention. In this article, the CELPIP team has compiled the 8 most useful tips for the Listening section of the CELPIP test. Thousands of test takers have used these strategies to ease anxiety, boost confidence, and reach their desired score goals!
1. Build an English Listening Practice Habit.
It may sound like the most straightforward and self-evident advice to practice English listening as much as possible, but it may be the best advice of all. Get into a headspace where you spend time not only listening to, but also enjoying English radio programs, podcasts, TV shows, movies, and more. Your brain is your most powerful ally; building those new neural pathways is key!
2. Pay close attention to the recording.
When it’s time for you to take the CELPIP test, listen carefully to the recording. Each audio file can only be played once, so be sure to listen carefully. Also, be sure to read all the instructions so you know when the recording starts and what you need to do when it ends.
3. Take notes as you listen.
Even if you listen very carefully, it can be difficult to remember everything you hear. This is even more difficult in stressful situations such as exams. Jotting down key points while listening to a recording will help you remember information that may be useful. Use some abbreviations or symbols that you think will help you take notes faster. A helpful strategy you can adopt throughout the day is to practice taking notes while listening to the radio or news programs as you prepare for your listening test.
4. Relax and listen.
If you don’t understand a word, phrase, or sentence, keep listening and focus on what you heard. Even if you don’t understand every word, you can still understand many of the key points in a section or paragraph. If you forget what you heard, don’t worry! Just keep taking notes from the recording. If you focus too much on the parts you missed, you may miss more information.
5. Move on to the next question if necessary.
In some parts of the listening test, you have a certain amount of time to answer the question; when the time runs out, you will automatically move on to the next question. In these test parts, you can take as much time as you want to determine your answer. However, in other test parts, you have a certain amount of time to answer several questions, so you must manage your time more carefully. In these parts, if you can’t answer a question, move on. If you have time left, you can always go back to the questions you are unsure of.
6. If you are unsure, try to guess.
It is critical to answer all of the Listening test questions. The multiple choice questions on the CELPIP test have no penalty for incorrect answers, so if you don’t know the answer, try to eliminate options that you know are incorrect. By eliminating some options, your chances of guessing the correct answer will be higher.
7. Watch the clock.
Each section of the CELPIP test has a timer in the corner of the screen, so pay attention to the clock! Make sure you have enough time to complete all of the questions in each section of the Listening test.
8. Check your answers.
Before moving on to the next question or section of the Listening test, make sure you have clicked on your answer option. This is especially important on the Listening test section because there is no opportunity to go back and change your answer.
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone on this journey. If you are looking for more ways to prepare for the CELPIP test, we have free monthly webinars on our website for each test section (including Listening) that can be signed up for on our website. For additional prep materials, visit our Free Resources page for practice tests, free webinars, strategies from CELPIP experts, and more!
