At a glance
- Skill
- Listening
- Questions
- 6
- Time to answer
- 6 min
What you need to do
In Listening Part 6, you hear a report about an issue that people disagree on. For example, whether cities should change a rule, whether a new idea at work is a good one, or how families should handle something.
The speaker explains the issue, presents the arguments on each side, and often gives examples or facts. The questions check that you can tell the different viewpoints apart and understand the reasons behind them. This is the last and one of the most challenging Listening parts.
What you'll see on the test
- One report or talk, given by one speaker.
- 6 questions, which appear on the screen after the recording.
- 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.
- The questions have their own time limit. When it ends, the Listening test is over.
What the test is looking for
The issue
What the debate is about, in one sentence. The report usually explains it at the start.
Each side's arguments
What supporters say and what critics say, and the reasons each side gives.
Examples and evidence
A study, a number or an example from another city, and which side it supports.
The speaker's conclusion
Some reports end with a summary or a view of what will happen next. The last question is often about it.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Write the issue as a question
For example, "ban gas leaf blowers?" Then every argument you hear is a "yes" or a "no" to that question.
- 2
Split your paper into two sides
Write "for" on one side and "against" on the other, and put each argument on the right side.
- 3
Listen for signal phrases
"Supporters say", "critics argue", "on the other hand", "however" and "in the end" tell you which side is speaking.
- 4
Connect examples to arguments
When you hear a number or a study, draw a line to the argument it supports.
- 5
Pay attention to the ending
The last part often sums up the issue or says what happens next. Many reports save a key point for the end.
Common mistakes
Putting an argument on the wrong side.
Listen for the signal phrase before each argument, like "critics say" or "supporters point out".
Confusing the report's facts with someone's opinion.
Ask: is this something that is true, or something one group believes?
Choosing your own opinion.
The question is about what the speaker said, not what you think. Answer only from the report.
Losing energy at the end of the test.
This is the last part. Take a deep breath before it starts and give it full attention.
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
Speaker: Every fall, the sound of gas leaf blowers fills neighbourhoods across Canada. Now, some cities are asking a question: should these machines be banned? Supporters of a ban give two main reasons. First, gas leaf blowers are very loud. One resident told us she can't work from home on Saturday mornings because of the noise from her neighbours' yards. Second, their small gas engines cause a lot of air pollution. Supporters say people should switch to electric blowers, which are much quieter and cleaner. But not everyone agrees. Landscaping companies say electric blowers are less powerful, and their batteries don't last through a full work day. They say a ban would force them to buy expensive new equipment, and their customers would end up paying higher prices. Some cities are trying a middle path, like allowing gas blowers on weekdays only. For now, most cities say they will wait and see how these rules work before they make a final decision.
Why are landscaping companies against a ban?
- AThey think gas blowers are quieter than electric ones.
- BThey say electric blowers aren't strong enough for a full day of work.Correct answer
- CThey don't think the noise bothers anyone.
- DThey already use electric blowers.
Why: The companies say electric blowers are "less powerful" and their batteries "don't last through a full work day". (A) is the opposite of what was said: electric blowers are the quiet ones. Nobody says the noise doesn't bother anyone.
Example 2
This question uses the same recording as the example above.
What are most cities doing now?
- ABanning gas leaf blowers completely.
- BAllowing gas blowers on weekends only.
- CBuying electric blowers for landscaping companies.
- DWaiting to see how the new rules work.Correct answer
Why: The last sentence says most cities "will wait and see how these rules work before they make a final decision." Some cities allow gas blowers on weekdays, not weekends, so (B) changes one small word.
Questions students ask
How many questions are in CELPIP Listening Part 6?
There are 6 questions about one report.
What kinds of topics are in Part 6?
Everyday issues that people in Canada disagree on, like city rules, work habits, technology or family life. You don't need any special knowledge.
Do I have to agree with one side?
No. You only need to understand the viewpoints in the report. Your own opinion doesn't matter here.
Does the speaker give their own opinion?
Sometimes. Often the speaker stays neutral and ends with what will happen next. If they do give a view, it usually comes near the end, with words like "in my view" or "it seems".
How is Part 6 different from Part 5?
In Part 5 you watch three people talk. In Part 6 one speaker presents the different views, so you track arguments instead of people.