LanguageCert B1 listening part

What happens in part 4a, step by step

1. The examiner reads a short monologue. You listen.
2. You may take notes.
3. The examiner reads it a second time.
4. You see the questions for 10 seconds.
5. You answer three questions out loud.

Example style, written by us: the examiner reads a short talk about a local event; you hear it twice and then answer three spoken questions about the main points and the details.

How this part is marked

The first criterion in the handbook is Listening & Responding. It is worth 0 to 10 marks out of 30. That is more than any other criterion.

You answer out loud, so your answer is judged on whether it responds to the question. Clear grammar and pronunciation also count under the other criteria.

Tips for taking notes

• Write only key words: numbers, times, places, names.
• Do not write full sentences.
• Use the second reading to check your notes.
• Check the questions during your 10 seconds and look for the words in your notes.

Tips for answering

Answer the question you hear. Start with a short sentence that uses words from the question. For example, if the question is “When does the meeting start?”, say “The meeting starts at ...”. If you are not sure, give a short answer. A short guess is better than silence.

How to practise

Listen to short messages and speakers on the radio or in videos, twice each. Write key words, then answer three questions aloud. LanguageCert publishes practice papers and sample interviews; see its B1 page.

You can practise this part with an AI examiner on this site, or start with the free level check, no sign-up, at level check. More on the whole test: LanguageCert B1 test.