Lesson 1: all about the listening test

opened to the public

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  managed by
  

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  days per year
  
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  As you’re listening to the recording, remind yourself that you are not looking for the exact words as in the question but the same meaning.
  

5) Answer order

The answers will come in the same order in the recording as they are listed in the question so, you will hear answer 11 first, then answer 12 and so on. This makes it easier to pick out the answers than if they were in a random order.
6) Problematic vocabulary
There are 6 types of vocabulary that can cause particular problems for students and some of them will almost certainly be present in notes completion questions. The 6 types are:

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  Time 5478218485599
  

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  Numbers 49165216153565985
  

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  Prices
  

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  Dates
  

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  Letters
  

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  Addresses
  

You must be able to recognise them in speech and to write them correctly in your answers.

I’ve written a whole lesson on this topic, including 8 listening exercises to help you recognise & learn these types of vocabulary. Follow this link to the lesson: Vocabulary Lesson & Exercises
7) Watch out for distractors
The examiners will try and catch you out with distractors. A distractor is a word or a phrase that changes or corrects the original piece of information given. So, you may be given an answer and then have it taken away again.
Here are some sample sentences containing distractors. I’ve highlighted the relevant words.

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  The Centre has always been famous for its theatrical productions but in recent years it has become better known for operatic performances.
  

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  In the original design of the building, there was a sculpture hall next to the art galleries. However, the plans were changed to include a studio for visiting performers to run workshops.
  

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  The first visitors were welcomed in July 1983.