Overview

Listening to Problem Solving is the first part of the CELPIP Listening Test. This section evaluates your ability to understand a conversation where two speakers are discussing a problem and possible solutions. You will listen to a conversation divided into three sections, with questions following each segment.

Structure

• Number of Questions: 8 questions
• Audio Length: Approximately 3 minutes, split into three sections
• Question Format: Multiple choice, with 30 seconds to answer each question after the audio

What to Expect

• Context: The conversation usually occurs in everyday situations, such as a workplace, a customer service scenario, or between friends or colleagues discussing a personal issue.
• Focus: The dialogue will focus on a problem one speaker is experiencing and the possible solutions offered by the other speaker.
• Content: After each section of the conversation, you will answer questions that may ask about the problem, the solutions discussed, or the attitudes and preferences of the speakers.

Key Features

• Two Speakers: The conversation typically involves one male and one female speaker.
• Conversational Tone: The dialogue is generally polite and relatively informal, reflecting a real-world scenario where one person is seeking help or advice from another.
• Three Sections: The conversation is broken into three distinct sections, with 2-3 questions following each section.

Strategies and Tips

1. Active Listening from the Start

• You won’t have a chance to preview the questions, so it’s crucial to focus from the moment the audio begins. Listen carefully to identify the main problem introduced by one of the speakers.

2. Identify the Problem Quickly

• In the first section of the conversation, identify the main problem. This is usually introduced at the start and forms the basis of the questions that follow.

3. Focus on Suggested Solutions

• Pay attention to the solutions or advice offered by the second speaker. Note any preferences or decisions discussed by the speakers, as these are often the subject of the questions.

4. Note the Dynamics Between Speakers

• Understanding the relationship between the speakers (e.g., are they colleagues, customer and service provider, etc.) can help you interpret the conversation and the formality of the language used.

5. Pay Attention to Details

• Details such as specific suggestions, preferences, or reasons for decisions are crucial. These details are often the focus of the questions.

6. Organize Your Notes

• Take notes during the conversation, especially during pauses between sections. Organize them sequentially, as questions generally follow the order of the conversation.

7. Anticipate Common Question Types

• Questions may focus on:
  • The main problem being discussed
  • Details about the suggested solutions
  • Preferences or decisions made by the speakers
  • The tone and attitude of the speakers

8. Practice and Familiarity

• Regular practice with CELPIP-like materials will help you get accustomed to the format and improve your ability to extract important information quickly and accurately.

Common Pitfalls

• Missing Key Details: Without the ability to preview questions, it’s essential to catch as much detail as possible during the conversation.
• Overthinking: Trust your instincts on what you heard instead of overanalyzing, which could lead to confusion.
• Inadequate Note-Taking: Poor or disorganized note-taking can make it difficult to recall specific details needed to answer questions.

Final Advice

Success in the Listening to Problem Solving section relies on your ability to listen attentively and extract key information in real-time. By honing your listening skills and practicing with real CELPIP materials, you’ll develop the confidence needed to handle this section effectively, even without the advantage of previewing questions.