At a glance
- Skill
- Listening
- Questions
- 8
- Time to answer
- 8 min
What you need to do
In Listening Part 1, you hear two people talking about a problem and trying to solve it. For example, two friends find out their plans don't work anymore, or two co-workers have to fix a mistake before a deadline.
The conversation is split into three sections. After each section, the recording stops and you answer a few questions about it. Then the next section plays. By the end, you know what the problem was, which ideas they tried and what they finally decided.
This is the first scored part of the test, so it's a good chance to settle in and earn points. The key is to follow the story from the problem to the final decision.
What you'll see on the test
- One conversation between two people, played in three sections.
- 8 questions in total, split across the three sections (usually 3, 2 and 3).
- The questions appear on the screen after each section, not before.
- 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 8 minutes in total to answer the questions. The time the recording plays doesn't count.
What the test is looking for
The problem
What went wrong, and why it matters to the speakers. The first questions often ask about this.
Options and reasons
Which ideas they discuss, and why they reject some of them: too expensive, too far, not enough time.
Changes of mind
Speakers often suggest one plan and then change it. Questions like to test the new plan, not the first one.
The final decision
What they agree to do, who will do each part, and what happens next.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Write the two names first
Draw two columns on your paper, one for each speaker. Write each idea or opinion under the person who said it.
- 2
Catch the problem in the first few lines
The problem is almost always explained at the start. Write it in three or four words, like "restaurant closed Sat".
- 3
Note numbers and plans with arrows
Times, prices and places change often. Cross out the old plan and draw an arrow to the new one.
- 4
Answer each section's questions right away
The questions are about the section you just heard, so the details are still fresh. Don't wait to check later — you can't go back.
- 5
Reset for the next section
After you answer, look at your notes for a few seconds so you remember where the story is, then get ready to listen again.
Common mistakes
Choosing the first plan you heard.
Listen for "actually", "wait" or "on second thought". The last plan they agree on is usually the answer.
Mixing up who said what.
Keep your notes in two columns, one per speaker. Many questions ask what the man or the woman suggests.
Writing full sentences.
Write key words only. While you write a sentence, you miss the next important detail.
Picking an answer because it repeats a word from the recording.
Wrong answers often reuse words you heard. The right answer usually says the same idea in different words.
Worrying about a missed question during the next section.
Make your best guess and move on. Every question is worth the same.
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
Nadia: Marco, it's me. I just got a call from Bella Cucina. They have to cancel our booking for Mom's birthday dinner on Saturday. Marco: Cancel? Why? Nadia: A pipe burst in their kitchen last night, so they're closed until it's fixed. They said it could take two weeks. Marco: Oh no. Okay, what about the Greek restaurant on Main Street? Mom loves it there. Nadia: I already called them. They're fully booked on Saturday. It's a long weekend, so everywhere is busy. Marco: Then why don't we have the dinner at your place? Your dining room is big enough for twelve people. Nadia: It is, but I can't cook for twelve people. I work until two on Saturday. Marco: You don't have to cook. I'll order take-out from the Greek restaurant and pick it up on my way over. Nadia: Oh, that's a great idea. Okay, I'll clean up and set the table, and you bring the food. Marco: Perfect. I'll call the restaurant tonight and place the order.
Why did Bella Cucina cancel the booking?
- AIt had a problem in its kitchen.Correct answer
- BIt was fully booked for the long weekend.
- CIt doesn't take groups of twelve people.
- DThe birthday dinner was moved to another day.
Why: Nadia says a pipe burst in the restaurant's kitchen, so it is closed until it's fixed. (B) is a trap: the Greek restaurant is fully booked, not Bella Cucina. Always check which place or person a detail belongs to.
Example 2
This question uses the same recording as the example above.
What will Marco do?
- ACook dinner for the whole family.
- BBook a table at the Greek restaurant.
- CClean up and set the table.
- DOrder take-out food and bring it to Nadia's home.Correct answer
Why: Marco says, "I'll order take-out from the Greek restaurant and pick it up on my way over." Nadia is the one who will clean up and set the table, so (C) mixes up the two speakers. Nobody is going to cook, and the restaurant can't take a booking.
Questions students ask
How many questions are in CELPIP Listening Part 1?
There are 8 questions. The conversation is played in three sections, and you answer a few questions after each one.
Can I listen to the conversation again?
No. You hear each section only once, so take short notes as you listen.
Can I go back and change an answer from an earlier section?
No. Once you move on to the next section, your earlier answers are final. Answer each question carefully before you continue.
Is Part 1 the hardest Listening part?
No. Many people find Parts 5 and 6 harder. But Part 1 is long, with three sections, so staying focused the whole time is important.