Guide & Tips

#3. Information

Overview

Listening Part 3 of the CELPIP test is designed to assess your ability to listen for information in a structured conversation. In this part, you'll listen to a dialogue between two speakers — typically, one expert and one information-seeker. The task focuses on understanding key details, inferring meaning, and identifying the main message.

Key Features of Part 3

  • Length of Audio: Approximately 2 to 2.5 minutes.
  • Speakers: One man and one woman (always two speakers).
  • Context: The conversation usually involves a situation where one speaker is an expert or service provider, and the other is seeking help or asking questions.
  • Questions: 6 questions follow the audio.
  • Playback: The audio is played only once — no pausing or replaying.
  • Format: Questions are read out loud and displayed one at a time on screen. You have 30 seconds to respond to each question.

Question Types

  1. General Meaning Questions

    • Focus on the main idea or purpose of the conversation.
    • Example: What is the conversation mainly about?

  2. Specific Information Questions

    • Target details mentioned in the dialogue (e.g., a number, name, date).
    • Example: What type of vision problem does Riley have?

  3. Inference Questions

    • Require logical deduction from the context.
    • Example: What is the relationship between the speakers?

Core Strategies

🎧 1. Listen Actively

  • Since the audio plays only once, focus all your attention on listening.
  • Don't let your mind wander. Every sentence may carry useful information.

✍️ 2. Take Quick Notes

  • Use short forms, symbols, and columns (e.g., “Man” and “Woman”).
  • Avoid full sentences — aim for quick, memorable triggers (e.g., “Rx daily 30m”, “20/20 vision”).
  • Track the 5Ws:
    • Who is speaking?
    • What is the topic?
    • Where does it happen?
    • When does it happen?
    • Why does it matter?

🧠 3. Identify the Type of Question

Knowing whether you're answering a general, specific, or inference-based question helps you locate the answer in your notes more efficiently.

  • General → scan the whole conversation
  • Specific → find exact words/phrases
  • Inference → combine clues and apply logic

⏱️ 4. Use Your 30 Seconds Wisely

  • Read the four choices quickly.
  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers.
  • Make a decision within time — unanswered questions are scored as incorrect.

📉 5. Eliminate to Improve Odds

  • If unsure, eliminate 1–2 choices based on logic or irrelevance.
  • Even a 50/50 guess improves your chances — no penalties for wrong answers.

Note-Taking Example Structure

Set up your paper like this before the audio starts:

| Man          | Woman             |
|--------------|-------------------|
| Asks about R | Just tested R’s eyes |
| Mentions PTA | Describes vision issue |

This visual structure helps map the flow of information between speakers.

What to Expect in Terms of Difficulty

  • Part 3 is mid-level in complexity.
  • Vocabulary and sentence structures are moderately challenging.
  • It's a good balance between the easier parts (1-2) and harder parts (5-6).

Additional Tips

  • Practice with real audio: Don’t rely only on transcripts.
  • Develop note-taking habits: Use the same format in every practice.
  • Practice listening without looking: This simulates test conditions.
  • Paraphrasing awareness: Correct answers are often phrased differently from the audio.

Mastering Part 3 requires a blend of focused listening, organized note-taking, and quick decision-making. Practice often and simulate real test conditions as much as possible.