how to do it?
Understand the task: Part 3 of the listening section typically involves a conversation between two or more speakers. You will hear a recording, and you need to match speakers to statements or complete a table or form based on the information provided.
Skim the statements, table, or form: Before the audio starts, quickly skim through the statements, table, or form related to Part 3. Pay attention to the information that needs to be matched or completed. This will give you an idea of what to listen for.
Predict the matching or missing information: Based on the statements, table, or form, try to predict the type of information you might hear during the audio. Underline or circle keywords in the prompts that will help you focus on the relevant information while listening.
Listen actively: During the audio, listen attentively to the conversation between the speakers. Pay close attention to the main ideas, specific details, and any information that matches the statements or completes the table or form. Look out for the keywords or phrases you underlined or circled earlier.
Take notes: As you listen, take quick notes of the information that matches the statements or completes the table or form. Write down key words, phrases, or numbers that will help you remember the correct matches or missing details.
Manage your time: Remember that the audio recording is played only once, so it's important to manage your time effectively. Don't spend too much time on a single statement or table entry. If you're unsure about a match or missing information, make an educated guess and move on. You can revisit it later if time permits.
Review your notes: After the audio is finished, quickly review the notes you took for each statement or table entry. Make sure you can read your notes clearly and that they accurately represent the matches or missing information.
Transfer your answers: Once Part 3 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.
Review your answers: If you have any spare time at the end, quickly review your answers for Part 3. Check for any errors or mismatches between your notes and the statements or table entries. Make any necessary corrections if needed.
Practice regularly: To improve your performance in Part 3, practice listening to conversations between multiple speakers. Focus on understanding the relationships between the speakers, identifying main ideas, and extracting specific information that matches statements or completes tables or forms.
In Part 3 of the Cambridge B2 listening exam, you can generally expect the following:
Multiple speakers: Part 3 typically involves a conversation or discussion among multiple speakers. You will listen to a group of people discussing a topic or solving a problem together.
Academic or semi-academic content: The conversations in Part 3 often revolve around academic or semi-academic topics. They may include discussions related to lectures, seminars, student projects, or group activities.
Note completion or summary completion tasks: The task type in Part 3 is usually note completion or summary completion. You will be provided with notes or a summary, and you need to listen to the conversation and complete the missing information.
Listening for specific details and main ideas: The questions in Part 3 will require you to listen for specific details mentioned in the conversation. You may need to complete missing words, phrases, or numbers. Additionally, you will be assessed on your ability to understand the main ideas or the overall purpose of the discussion.
Time management: Part 3 is longer and more complex than the previous parts. It typically lasts around 4-5 minutes. You will have limited time to read the questions, listen to the conversation, and complete the notes or summary. Effective time management is crucial to complete the tasks within the given time frame.
Understanding relationships and opinions: Part 3 may also assess your ability to understand the relationships between speakers, such as their roles or attitudes towards the topic being discussed. You may be asked to identify a speaker's opinion or agreement/disagreement with a statement.
Contextual clues and signposting language: The conversation may contain contextual clues or signposting language that helps you follow the flow of the discussion and understand the structure of the information. Pay attention to transitional phrases, topic shifts, or expressions used to introduce or conclude ideas.
Varied accents and speech speeds: The audio recordings in Part 3 may feature different accents and speech speeds to reflect real-life academic discussions. It's important to practice listening to various accents to improve your comprehension skills.
Official practice materials: To become familiar with the specific format and question types in Part 3, it's recommended to practice with official Cambridge B2 preparation materials. These materials will provide you with a realistic representation of what to expect and help you improve your listening abilities.
example
you will hear a conversation among three students, Amy, Ben, and Chloe, discussing their group project on sustainable energy sources. They are discussing different aspects of renewable energy and its benefits. You will have to complete a summary by filling in the missing words. Listen to the conversation and fill in the gaps with the appropriate information.
Summary: Renewable Energy Sources
Amy: Our group project is about renewable energy sources. We've been researching different options, and one of the most common ones is solar power. It harnesses energy from the sun and is highly (1) __________. Ben: That's true, Amy. Solar power is not only abundant but also environmentally friendly. Another promising source is wind energy. Wind turbines convert wind power into (2) __________, and they are being used in various countries to generate electricity. Chloe: Absolutely, Ben. In addition to solar and wind power, we should also consider hydropower. It utilizes the energy of flowing water to produce electricity. It's a reliable source, especially in areas with (3) __________. Amy: That's a good point, Chloe. Another benefit of renewable energy sources is their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources don't release (4) __________ into the atmosphere. Ben: You're right, Amy. By transitioning to renewable energy, we can contribute to combating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.
Now, listen to the conversation and fill in the gaps in the summary:
Summary: Renewable Energy Sources
Amy: Our group project is about renewable energy sources. We've been researching different options, and one of the most common ones is solar power. It harnesses energy from the sun and is highly (1) efficient. Ben: That's true, Amy. Solar power is not only abundant but also environmentally friendly. Another promising source is wind energy. Wind turbines convert wind power into (2) electricity, and they are being used in various countries to generate electricity. Chloe: Absolutely, Ben. In addition to solar and wind power, we should also consider hydropower. It utilizes the energy of flowing water to produce electricity. It's a reliable source, especially in areas with (3) rivers or waterfalls. Amy: That's a good point, Chloe. Another benefit of renewable energy sources is their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources don't release (4) carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Ben: You're right, Amy. By transitioning to renewable energy, we can contribute to combating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.
In this example, the conversation revolves around renewable energy sources. The summary contains gaps that need to be filled with the appropriate information provided in the conversation. The correct answers for the missing words in the summary are:
(1) efficient (2) electricity (3) rivers or waterfalls (4) carbon dioxide