Welcome to Unit 2: Listening!
In this unit, we focus on your ability to understand spoken English in different situations. We are starting with the first two parts of your listening exam: Recordings 1 and 2. These recordings are short, clear, and usually deal with everyday information like radio adverts, public announcements, and phone messages.
Because these are at the start of the exam, they are a great way to build your confidence. Let’s dive in and see how to master them!
Section 1: Recording 1 – Adverts and Announcements
Recording 1 is typically a short clip of about 90–100 words. You will usually hear one person speaking (a monologue) or a very short conversation. The question type used here is Multiple Choice.
What will you hear?
You will listen to recordings that relate to Topics 1–4 of your syllabus (Myself and Others, Travel, Education, or Employment). Common examples include:
- Radio Adverts: Promoting a new shop, a sale, or a local gym.
- Public Announcements: Information at a train station, a school assembly update, or a change in a flight time.
- Short Conversations: Two friends briefly discussing where to meet.
Exam Strategy: The "Predict and Listen" Method
Before the recording starts, you are given time to read the questions. Use this time wisely!
1. Underline Keywords: Look for names, dates, times, or specific nouns in the question. For example, if the question asks "When does the sale end?", your brain should be ready to catch a day or a date.
2. Think of Synonyms: The recording might not use the exact word in the question. If the question says "cheap," the speaker might say "low cost" or "on offer."
3. Watch for Distractors: This is a common trick! A speaker might mention two different times (e.g., "The shop used to close at 6:00, but now it closes at 8:00"). If the question asks for the closing time, the answer is 8:00, not 6:00.
Quick Takeaway: Recording 1 is about Multiple Choice. Focus on specific details like times, prices, and locations.
Section 2: Recording 2 – Voicemails and Short Recordings
Recording 2 is slightly longer, around 100–120 words. The format changes here to Multiple Response. This means you will be given a list of options, and you must choose more than one correct answer (for example, ticking three boxes out of seven).
What will you hear?
These recordings are often voicemails or messages left for someone. You might hear:
- A friend leaving a message about a birthday party (Topic 1).
- A travel agent explaining the details of a hotel booking (Topic 2).
- A teacher leaving instructions about a school project (Topic 3).
- An employer calling back about a part-time job (Topic 4).
How to handle Multiple Response questions
Multiple response questions can be tricky because you have to keep track of several pieces of information at once. Don’t worry; follow these steps:
- Count the required ticks: Always check how many answers you need to select. If the instructions say "Select the three correct statements," don't just pick two!
- Listen for the "No": Sometimes a speaker mentions something only to say it won't happen. (Example: "I thought about going to the beach, but it's too cold, so we are going to the cinema instead.") In this case, "beach" is a wrong answer.
- Use the second listen: You hear every recording twice. Use the first time to mark your best guesses, and use the second time to confirm they are correct.
Quick Takeaway: Recording 2 uses Multiple Response. You are looking for several correct facts within a single message.
Common Topics and Vocabulary
The exam will always stay within these four main areas. Here is what to listen for in Recordings 1 and 2:
Topic 1: Myself and Others
Listen for: Hobbies, meeting times, family members, or descriptions of houses.
Topic 2: Travel and Tourism
Listen for: Types of transport (bus, train, coach), types of accommodation (hotel, youth hostel), and destinations.
Topic 3: Education
Listen for: School subjects, classroom numbers, ICT equipment, or future university plans.
Topic 4: Employment
Listen for: Job titles, hourly pay rates (e.g., \(£10\) per hour), and dates for interviews.
Top Tips for Success
1. Spelling doesn't have to be perfect: In the Listening unit, if you have to write a word, you won't lose marks for small spelling mistakes as long as the examiner can understand what you meant. (Note: This is not true for the Writing unit!)
2. Stay Calm: If you miss an answer, don't panic. If you spend too long worrying about Question 1, you might miss the answer to Question 2. Just move on and catch it during the second playback.
3. The "Two-Listen" Rule: Every recording is played twice.
- Listen 1: Try to get the general idea and answer as much as you can.
- Listen 2: Check your answers and fill in any gaps.
Did you know? Even if you are unsure, never leave a multiple-choice question blank! There is no penalty for a wrong guess, so always pick the answer that seems most likely.
Summary Checklist
- Recording 1: 90–100 words, Radio Ads/Announcements, Multiple Choice.
- Recording 2: 100–120 words, Voicemails/Messages, Multiple Response.
- Context: Topics 1 to 4 only.
- Assessment: 45 minutes total for the whole unit; all questions are compulsory.
In the next chapter, we will look at Recording 3, which focuses on short conversations between different speakers.