CPE Listening Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many parts are in the CPE Listening paper?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 5
Correct answer: 4
The CPE Listening paper has 4 parts, each with a different task type and audio format testing a range of listening skills.
Question 2: What task type is used in CPE Listening Part 1?
- Long monologue with gap-fill
- Multiple choice with three short extracts (Correct answer)
- Sentence completion
- Multiple matching with five speakers
Correct answer: Multiple choice with three short extracts
CPE Listening Part 1 features three short unrelated extracts, each followed by two multiple-choice questions with three options.
Question 3: In CPE Listening Part 2, what task do candidates complete?
- Match statements to five speakers
- Complete gaps in sentences using information from a monologue (Correct answer)
- Answer true/false questions about a dialogue
- Write a summary of a radio broadcast
Correct answer: Complete gaps in sentences using information from a monologue
CPE Listening Part 2 is a sentence completion task based on a long monologue, requiring candidates to write specific words heard in the recording.
Question 4: What does CPE Listening Part 4 (multiple matching) require candidates to do?
- Match five speakers to two different sets of options (Correct answer)
- Write a paragraph summarizing a conversation
- Answer questions about one long interview
- Listen and correct written errors in a script
Correct answer: Match five speakers to two different sets of options
CPE Listening Part 4 features five short monologues and requires matching each speaker to two sets of options (task one and task two).
Question 5: Which of the following listening skills is particularly tested in CPE Listening Part 3?
- Listening for gist in very short clips
- Understanding a long interview or discussion in detail (Correct answer)
- Spelling single words from a dictation
- Identifying accents from different countries
Correct answer: Understanding a long interview or discussion in detail
CPE Part 3 is a long interview or conversation with multiple-choice questions testing detailed understanding and the ability to follow complex interactions.
Question 6: What is a useful strategy when preparing for CPE Listening Part 2 sentence completion?
- Guess answers randomly if unsure
- Read the sentences carefully before listening to predict word types needed (Correct answer)
- Only listen to the first 30 seconds of the audio
- Write entire sentences rather than the specific words heard
Correct answer: Read the sentences carefully before listening to predict word types needed
Previewing the sentences before the audio plays helps candidates predict the type of information (e.g., a number, noun, or adjective) needed for each gap.
CPE Listening Comprehension 1
How many parts are in the CPE Listening paper?