FCE B2 LISTENING

what to expect?

1. Conversation format: Part 1 usually features a conversation between two speakers. It could be a dialogue between friends, a discussion between a customer and a shop assistant, or an interview-style conversation.

2. Short exchanges: The conversation will consist of several short exchanges, each focusing on a different topic or situation. These exchanges may be related to everyday situations, such as making plans, discussing preferences, or giving directions.

3. Multiple-choice questions: The task type in Part 1 is typically multiple-choice. You will be given a question with three or four options, and you need to select the best answer that corresponds to the information provided in the conversation.

4. Key details: The questions in Part 1 will often focus on specific details or pieces of information mentioned in the conversation. You will need to pay attention to names, places, numbers, time expressions, or other relevant details.

5. Contextual clues: Sometimes, the conversation may contain contextual clues that help you understand the meaning of certain words or phrases. Pay attention to the overall context of the conversation to assist in answering the questions.

6. Straightforward language: The language used in Part 1 is usually straightforward and easier to understand compared to later parts of the listening section. However, you should still be attentive to the pronunciation, intonation, and specific words or phrases used.

7. Practice examples: Before the actual Part 1 begins, you will be provided with an example question and answer to familiarize yourself with the format. Use this opportunity to understand how the questions are structured and how to approach them.

8. Time management: Part 1 is relatively short and usually consists of 5-6 exchanges. Each exchange is typically played once. It's important to manage your time effectively, as you will have limited time to read the question, listen to the conversation, and select the correct answer.

9. Gradual difficulty: Part 1 is considered the easiest section of the listening exam. The difficulty level may increase slightly as you progress through the exchanges, but overall, it aims to assess your ability to comprehend basic conversational English.

10. Official practice materials: To familiarize yourself with the specific format and question types in Part 1, it's recommended to practice with official Cambridge B2 preparation materials. These materials will provide you with a realistic representation of what to expect in Part 1 of the listening section.

how to do it?

1. Understand the task: Part 1 of the listening section typically consists of a conversation between two people. You will hear a dialogue or an interview, and you need to answer multiple-choice questions based on the information provided.

2. Skim the questions: Before the audio starts, quickly skim through the questions related to Part 1. Pay attention to the instructions and the options provided for each question. This will give you an idea of what to listen for.

3. Predict the answers: Based on the question prompts, try to predict the type of information or answer options you might hear during the audio. Underline or circle keywords in the questions that will help you focus on the relevant information while listening.

4. Listen actively: During the audio, listen carefully to the conversation between the speakers. Concentrate on understanding their main ideas, specific details, and any information that relates to the questions. Stay alert for keywords or phrases you underlined or circled earlier.

5. Manage your time: Remember that the audio will only be played once, so it's crucial to manage your time effectively. Don't spend too much time on a single question. If you're unsure about an answer, make an educated guess and move on. You can always come back to it later if time permits.

6. Eliminate incorrect options: After listening to the conversation, go through the options for each question. Eliminate any answer choices that are clearly incorrect based on what you heard. This will help narrow down your options and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

7. Choose the best answer: Once you have eliminated incorrect options, carefully consider the remaining choices and select the one that best fits the information provided in the audio. Pay attention to details and nuances in the conversation that may help you make a more accurate choice.

8. Transfer your answers: Once Part 1 is completed, you will have a short period to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Make sure you transfer them accurately and clearly, using the correct question number for each answer.

9. Review your answers: If you have any spare time at the end, quickly review your answers for Part 1. Check for any errors or mismatches between your answers and the questions. Make any necessary corrections if needed.

10. Practice regularly: To improve your performance in Part 1, practice listening to similar conversation-style audio materials. Familiarize yourself with different accents and develop your ability to identify main ideas, specific details, and implied meanings in dialogues.

example:

 Speaker 1: Hi, Mark! Have you decided which movie to watch tonight? Speaker 2: Hey, Lisa! I'm not sure yet. I heard there's a new action movie called "The Guardian" playing at the cinema. Speaker 1: Oh, I've heard about that one. Is it the one with the famous actor, Jason Williams? Speaker 2: No, that's a different movie. "The Guardian" stars Emily Adams and David Thompson. It's about a group of firefighters. Speaker 1: Ah, got it. Is it getting good reviews? Speaker 2: Yes, most of the reviews have been positive. They say it's an intense and thrilling movie with great special effects. Speaker 1: Sounds interesting! What time does it start? Speaker 2: The showtimes are at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. We can catch the 7:00 p.m. show if you want. Speaker 1: Sure, that works for me. Let's meet at the cinema around 6:45 p.m., then.

Question: Who are the main actors in the movie "The Guardian"?

A) Jason Williams and Emily Adams B) David Thompson and Jason Williams C) Emily Adams and David Thompson D) Mark and Lisa

Answer: C) Emily Adams and David Thompson

In this example, the conversation is about choosing a movie to watch. The question asks about the main actors in the movie "The Guardian." The correct answer, based on the conversation, is option C) Emily Adams and David Thompson.