{"id":49860,"date":"2023-03-08T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T09:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=49860"},"modified":"2023-03-07T13:26:17","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T12:26:17","slug":"guide-to-the-cambridge-c2-proficiency-listening-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/guide-to-the-cambridge-c2-proficiency-listening-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Listening Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Would you like to know some tips to help you feel more at ease<\/strong><\/span><\/em>? If so, make yourself at home!<\/p>\n

When you\u2019ve finished reading this blog, you\u2019ll understand the structure of the Cambridge C2 Proficiency Listening test, how you should approach each part and what you can do to prepare well. Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n

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What are the different parts of the C2 Proficiency listening test?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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The C2 Proficiency listening test is divided into four parts. Each one tests your ability to listen (of course!) But, what you\u2019re listening for and how you can improve that specific listening skill, varies from part to part. Your ability to select keywords, anticipate answers and identify distracting information will be vital too.<\/p>\n

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CPE Listening Part 1<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Part 1 consists of three extracts, each approximately one minute long, with two multiple-choice questions for each extract, which are usually monologues or interviews. Make sure you read the options very carefully, as there\u2019ll be distracting information to throw you off the scent<\/strong><\/span><\/em>. Here we have marked keywords to focus on in one of the questions and options.<\/p>\n

\"CPE
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Once you\u2019ve done this, be prepared to hear them used in a combination of ways. Be sure that your answer matches the correct option completely. Let\u2019s look at the information which gives the answer, as well as the distractors.<\/p>\n

\"CPE
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First, the speaker says \u2018not just to promote\u2019, so we know that tourism is not the main objective. Next, we also learn that although the bottles are being recycled, it\u2019s not to help the environment in the usual way. \u2018Primarily\u2019 indicates the main objective, so we know the answer must be C!<\/p>\n

Be aware that in Part 1, you won\u2019t know the order you\u2019ll hear the answers in. So, when you listen to each extract for the first time, try and answer both questions. Then, use the second time to help you consolidate your choice.<\/p>\n

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CPE Listening Part 2<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Part 2 is a monologue about one subject. A speaker will talk for about four minutes and you must complete nine gaps with a word or short phrase. Before the speaker starts talking, you\u2019ll have forty five seconds to read the sentences.<\/p>\n

\"CPE
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The content of each monologue can vary wildly, so give yourself an advantage by using the reading time wisely. Even if the topic is completely new and unknown to you, you can always use the surrounding information to make an educated guess<\/strong><\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n

For example, in question 8 we can see Mastic resin will<\/em> _______ only in the region around the Mediterranean<\/em>. With your grammar knowledge telling you that will is followed by a verb, and the context telling you it\u2019s something connected to food production, you\u2019re on your way to finding the answer!<\/p>\n

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CPE Listening Part 3<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In Part 3 you\u2019ll hear a conversation between two people about a specific topic. There are five questions and you\u2019ll have a choice of four answers for each one. The conversation will last approximately four minutes and you\u2019ll have one minute to read the questions and options.<\/p>\n

\"CPE
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Part 3 tests your ability to pick out information, put it into different words and match it to an answer. Don\u2019t expect to hear the same words that you see in the options. Be sure to anticipate synonyms and paraphrasing.<\/p>\n

Try to choose one option the first time you listen, and then use the second time to confirm. Even if you have heard something that has suggested one option, make sure to identify why the others are incorrect.<\/p>\n

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CPE Listening Part 4<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Part 4 consists of two tasks. You\u2019ll hear five speakers talking in turn about the same subject, for about thirty seconds each. Part 4 is separated into two tasks, and although you\u2019ll listen to the complete recording twice, there are two things you need to find for each speaker.<\/p>\n

\"CPE
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A typical format in Part 4 is why the person did the activity, and what the outcome of the activity was<\/em>. Pay attention to the intonation and speed. Short phrases like \u201cHowever, it didn\u2019t end up that way\u201d can show that the speaker is displaying a mixture of emotions.<\/p>\n

There are two alternative strategies that we recommend. Try them both several times, then choose the one that works best for you.<\/p>\n

1. Try to complete both tasks the first time you listen, and use the second time to confirm your answers.<\/p>\n

2. Use the first time you listen to focus fully on Task 1. Then use the second time to concentrate on Task 2.<\/p>\n

Regardless of which strategy works best for you, make sure that you use the forty five seconds of preparation time to familiarise yourself fully with all of the options. For each task there are three options that are not used.<\/p>\n

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How should I prepare for the C2 Proficiency listening test?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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You should aim to squeeze in<\/strong><\/span><\/em> as much authentic listening practice as possible. Vary your independent listening practice and listen to as many formats as you can.<\/p>\n

 
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