At a glance
- Skill
- Listening
- Questions
- 5
- Time to answer
- 5 min
What you need to do
In Listening Part 2, you hear one everyday conversation between two people. It might be a customer and a store clerk, two co-workers, two neighbours or a patient and a receptionist.
The situations are the kind you meet in daily life in Canada: booking an appointment, asking about a service, fixing a small problem or making plans. The questions check that you understood what each person wants, what they agree on and how they feel.
The conversation is short and the language is natural, with the small words people use every day, like "sure", "no worries" and "hang on". If you're used to hearing English at work, in stores and on the phone, this part will feel familiar.
What you'll see on the test
- One conversation between two people, played once from start to finish.
- 5 questions, which appear on the screen after the conversation.
- You hear the recording only once. You can't pause it, replay it or read along.
- Every question has four answer choices, and there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
- About 5 minutes to answer the questions.
What the test is looking for
Why they are talking
What one person needs from the other: information, help, a change or a solution.
Important details
Days, times, prices and names. These often change during the conversation.
Feelings and attitudes
Is the customer annoyed, relieved or unsure? Listen to how things are said, not only the words.
What happens next
The last question is often about the plan at the end: what someone will do, bring or check.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Listen for the situation in the first lines
In the first few seconds you usually learn where they are and what the problem is. Write it down in a few words.
- 2
Note details with the speaker
Write "W" or "M" (or the names) next to each detail, so you know who asked for what.
- 3
Listen to the tone
"Oh, great" can be happy or sarcastic. The way people say things tells you how they feel.
- 4
Pay extra attention at the end
People often sum up the plan before they say goodbye. This is where many answers are.
- 5
Answer in order, then check
The questions usually follow the order of the conversation. Answer them in order, using your notes, and change an answer only if your notes clearly show it's wrong.
Common mistakes
Remembering the first time or price you heard.
Details often change. Cross out the old one in your notes and write the new one.
Guessing a feeling from one word.
Think about the whole situation. "Fine" can mean the person is not happy at all.
Choosing an answer that is true but doesn't answer the question.
Read the question again. The right answer must fit what was asked, not only what was said.
Relaxing because it's a short part.
With only 5 questions, each one counts. Stay focused until the very end of the conversation.
Mixing up the two speakers' needs.
Write who wants what. A question about what the customer wants has a different answer from one about what the clerk offers.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Listen to the recording first. On the real test, you hear it only once.
This recording uses AI-generated voices.
Show transcript
Clerk: Good morning, Northside Auto. How can I help you? Customer: Hi. I'd like to book an appointment to put my winter tires on. Do you have anything this Friday? Clerk: Sorry, Friday is completely full. It's our busiest time of year. The next openings are Monday at nine in the morning, or Tuesday at four in the afternoon. Customer: Monday morning won't work, because I start work at eight. But Tuesday at four is fine. I'll take that one. Clerk: Great, you're booked for Tuesday at four. Can I get your name? Customer: Sure, it's Daniel Park. Clerk: Thanks, Daniel. Are you bringing your own winter tires, or do you need to buy a set from us? Customer: I have my own. They're in my garage. Clerk: Okay. Just bring them with you when you come in. The tire change is sixty dollars, and you pay when you pick up the car. Customer: Sounds good. See you on Tuesday.
When is Daniel's appointment?
- AOn Friday
- BOn Monday morning
- COn Tuesday afternoonCorrect answer
- DOn Tuesday morning
Why: The clerk offers "Tuesday at four in the afternoon", and Daniel says, "Tuesday at four is fine. I'll take that one." Friday is full, and Monday morning doesn't work because Daniel starts work at eight.
Example 2
This question uses the same recording as the example above.
What does the clerk ask Daniel to do?
- APay sixty dollars before the appointment.
- BBring his winter tires with him.Correct answer
- CBuy a new set of tires at the shop.
- DCall back on Friday.
Why: The clerk says, "Just bring them with you when you come in." The price is sixty dollars, but Daniel pays when he picks up the car, not before, so (A) changes the detail. He already has tires, so he doesn't need to buy any.
Questions students ask
How many questions are in CELPIP Listening Part 2?
There are 5 questions about one conversation, and you have about 5 minutes to answer them.
Who is speaking in Part 2?
Two people in an everyday situation, like a customer and a staff member, two friends or two co-workers.
Do I see the questions before the conversation?
No. The questions appear after the conversation, so take short notes on the main points and details.
How can I get better at Part 2?
Listen to real everyday conversations: phone calls to businesses, chats with co-workers, or TV shows set in Canada. After a short conversation, try to say who wanted what and what they agreed to do.
What if I don't know a word in the conversation?
Don't stop to think about it. Keep listening. You can usually understand the main idea from the rest of the conversation, and the questions rarely depend on one difficult word.