CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Integrated Task: Listening to Write Questions and Answers

Question 1

In the CAEL Integrated Task, you listen to a lecture and read a passage on the same topic.
If the lecture presents a viewpoint that directly contradicts a key argument in the reading passage, what is the most effective approach for your written response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge both viewpoints and explain how they differ, using evidence from both sources.

Answer

Choose the viewpoint you agree with and argue only for that side.

Answer

Assume the lecture information is more current and therefore correct, ignoring the reading.

Answer

State that the sources are contradictory and therefore a conclusion cannot be drawn.

Question 2

When preparing to write the Extended Response, which note-taking strategy is most effective for integrating information from the lecture and the reading passage?

Accepted Answer

Creating a two-column or T-chart, with key ideas from the reading in one column and related points from the lecture in the other.

Answer

Writing a detailed, linear summary of the reading first, then a separate summary of the lecture.

Answer

Focusing only on taking notes from the lecture, as auditory information is harder to retain.

Answer

Transcribing as much of the lecture as possible word-for-word to ensure no details are missed.

Question 3

Imagine the reading passage states: "Urban beekeeping provides critical pollination for city gardens." The lecture adds: "However, a high density of honeybee hives can outcompete native bee species for limited floral resources." Which sentence best synthesizes these two points?

Accepted Answer

While the reading highlights the benefit of urban beekeeping for pollination, the lecture introduces a counterpoint, cautioning that it may negatively impact native bee populations.

Answer

The reading says beekeeping is good for gardens, and the lecture says it is bad for other bees.

Answer

Urban beekeeping is a controversial topic with both benefits for gardens and drawbacks for native bees.

Answer

The reading correctly identifies the pollination benefits of urban beekeeping, but the lecture fails to acknowledge this.

Question 4

In your written response for the Integrated Task, why is it crucial to clearly attribute ideas to either the reading or the lecture (e.g., "According to the reading..." or "The lecturer explains that...")?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates that you are synthesizing information from both sources and not presenting the ideas as your own.

Answer

It is the only way to meet the minimum word count for the essay.

Answer

It proves that you believe the information from the sources is true.

Answer

It shows the marker that you have superior vocabulary and grammar.

Question 5

The CAEL "Listening to Write" task reflects a common university activity. What is the primary academic skill this task is designed to assess?

Accepted Answer

The ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to form a coherent, integrated understanding of a topic.

Answer

The ability to memorize specific facts from a lecture and a text.

Answer

The ability to write a persuasive essay arguing for a personal opinion.

Answer

The ability to take dictation from a lecture at high speed.

Question 6

When writing the Extended Response, which of the following is the LEAST important element for achieving a high score?

Accepted Answer

Including a strong, personal opinion that was not mentioned in either the reading or the lecture.

Answer

Paraphrasing the key ideas from the sources using your own words.

Answer

Organizing the essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Answer

Making clear connections between the points made in the lecture and the reading passage.

In the CAEL Integrated Task, you listen to a lecture and read a passage on the same topic.If the lecture presents a viewpoint that directly contradicts a key argument in the reading passage, what is the most effective approach for your written response?

In the CAEL Integrated Task, you listen to a lecture and read a passage on the same topic.
If the lecture presents a viewpoint that directly contradicts a key argument in the reading passage, what is the most effective approach for your written response?