CELPIP Listening: Problem Solving Conversations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a CELPIP Listening to a Problem Solving conversation, what is the FIRST thing you should identify when the audio begins?
- The problem the speaker is describing (Correct answer)
- The names of every speaker
- The exact time of day
- The background music
Correct answer: The problem the speaker is describing
Identifying the central problem early gives you a framework for understanding the proposed solutions.
Question 2: A customer tells a store clerk: 'I bought this blender last week and the motor already stopped working.' What is the customer's problem?
- A defective product that broke quickly (Correct answer)
- The blender is the wrong color
- The store is closing soon
- The price was too high
Correct answer: A defective product that broke quickly
The customer is reporting a defective blender whose motor failed after only a week.
Question 3: When a speaker offers a solution like 'Why don't you exchange it for a new one?', what type of statement is this?
- A suggestion (Correct answer)
- A complaint
- An apology
- A refusal
Correct answer: A suggestion
'Why don't you...' is a common English structure used to make a suggestion.
Question 4: In the Problem Solving task, why is tone of voice important to notice?
- It signals the speaker's attitude and whether they are satisfied (Correct answer)
- It tells you the speaker's age
- It indicates the recording length
- It reveals the test score
Correct answer: It signals the speaker's attitude and whether they are satisfied
Tone helps you infer emotions such as frustration, satisfaction, or politeness, which are often tested.
Question 5: A caller says: 'I'd prefer a refund rather than a replacement.' What does the caller want?
- Money back instead of a new item (Correct answer)
- A new item only
- A discount on a future purchase
- A repair service
Correct answer: Money back instead of a new item
'Refund rather than a replacement' clearly states a preference for money back.
Question 6: If a representative says 'Let me check with my manager,' what is most likely happening?
- The representative needs approval before deciding (Correct answer)
- The call is ending immediately
- The customer is being transferred to billing
- The problem has already been solved
Correct answer: The representative needs approval before deciding
Checking with a manager indicates the representative requires authorization to proceed.
Question 7: Which strategy best helps you answer questions about a Problem Solving conversation?
- Taking brief mental notes of the problem and each proposed solution (Correct answer)
- Memorizing every single word
- Ignoring the speakers' emotions
- Focusing only on the first sentence
Correct answer: Taking brief mental notes of the problem and each proposed solution
Tracking the problem and solutions as they unfold prepares you for the comprehension questions.
CELPIP Listening: Problem Solving Conversations 2
In a CELPIP Listening to a Problem Solving conversation, what is the FIRST thing you should identify when the audio begins?