At a glance
- Skill
- Listening
- Questions
- 5
- Time to answer
- 5 min
What you need to do
In Listening Part 4, you hear a short news report, like the local news on the radio. It's usually a community story: a new service in town, a local event, a person who did something special or a change that affects people in the area.
Only one person speaks, the news reader, and they speak clearly but quickly. News reports pack a lot of facts into a short time, so the skill here is catching who, what, where, when and why.
The stories are about ordinary places and people, and you don't need any special knowledge. Everything you need to answer the questions is in the report itself.
What you'll see on the test
- One short news report, read by one speaker.
- 5 questions, which appear on the screen after the report.
- 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
The main event
What happened or what is changing. The first sentence of a news report usually tells you.
The key facts
Who is involved, where it happened, when it starts and how many people it affects.
Causes and results
Why it happened, and what will happen because of it.
Quotes and reactions
News reports often include what a local person said. Questions may ask how they feel or what they plan.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Catch the headline in the first sentence
News reports start with the main story. Write it in a few words before the details begin.
- 2
Use a who–what–where–when–why grid
Write the five words down the side of your paper before you listen, and fill them in as you hear the facts.
- 3
Listen for the reason
Words like "because", "after" and "due to" usually introduce the cause. These are common questions.
- 4
Note who is quoted
When the report says "says" or "told us", write the person's role, like "owner" or "mayor", and their main point.
- 5
Listen for words like "if" and "plans to"
News often talks about things that haven't happened yet. "Will open if it's cold enough" is not the same as "is open now", and questions test the difference.
Common mistakes
Getting lost in the details.
Keep the main story in mind. Every detail belongs to the headline you wrote down first.
Mixing up numbers, like dates, ages and amounts.
Write a label next to each number: "$3,000 raised", "opens May 5".
Thinking the news reader's words are someone's opinion.
The reader gives facts. Opinions usually come from the people who are quoted.
Missing the ending.
News reports often end with what happens next. That's a common last question.
Choosing an answer that is true in real life.
An option can sound sensible and still be wrong. Only choose what the report actually said.
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
News reader: Families in Riverside will have a new place to skate this winter. The town is building a free outdoor rink in Lakeview Park. The idea came from residents: last spring, more than four hundred people signed a letter to town council asking for one. The rink should open in mid-December, but only once it's cold enough for the ice to freeze. Volunteers from the Riverside Minor Hockey Club have offered to clear the snow off the ice every morning. Club president Dana Kaur says her members are happy to help. "When I was a kid, we skated outside all winter," she says. "We want our kids to have that too." For now, the rink will only be open during the day. The town says it plans to add lights next year, so people can skate in the evenings.
Why is the town building the rink?
- AThe hockey club needs a place to play its games.
- BMany residents asked for it in a letter.Correct answer
- CThe town's indoor rink is closing.
- DThe town wants to sell skating passes.
Why: The report says that more than four hundred people signed a letter to town council asking for a rink. The hockey club only helps by clearing the snow. Skating will be free, so (D) is wrong, and no indoor rink is mentioned.
Example 2
This question uses the same recording as the example above.
What will change next year?
- ASkating will no longer be free.
- BThe rink will move to a different park.
- CThe hockey club will stop clearing the snow.
- DPeople will be able to skate in the evenings.Correct answer
Why: The last sentence says the town plans to add lights next year, "so people can skate in the evenings." The ending of a news report is often where the "what happens next" answer is.
Questions students ask
How many questions are in CELPIP Listening Part 4?
There are 5 questions about one news report, and you have about 5 minutes to answer them.
What are the news reports about?
Everyday local stories in Canada, like community projects, new services, local events or changes in a town or city.
Is the news reader hard to understand?
They speak clearly, but quickly, and give many facts. Listening to local radio news is excellent practice for this part.
How many speakers are in the news report?
Usually just one, the news reader. Sometimes the reader shares what a local person said, but you won't hear a conversation.
Do I need to know about Canadian news to do well?
No. The stories are about local places and people, and all the facts you need are in the report. Knowing everyday words for community life, like council, volunteers and fundraiser, does help.