CELPIP - Tips for Listening
For non-English speakers, the listening component can prove to be pretty difficult, and enrolling in a CELPIP preparation programme might help you alleviate exam anxiety. Not only that, but a prep programme can offer you the confidence and abilities you need to perform effectively and achieve your goals. Instead of going through the examination section by section, we’ll concentrate on the overall goal of improving our listening skills. The listening section of the examination is divided into six segments and takes roughly 50 minutes to complete. Each question has a time limit of 30 seconds. Furthermore, because each clip is only played once, it is critical to pay great attention. We’ll now talk about how to ace the listening section of the examination in this article.
Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills
Speaking is always given a lot of consideration. Speaking is considered an important aspect of everything, from meetings to interviews to our personal lives. Communication skills, particularly speaking, are emphasised if you want to develop your career, get the job you want, and make great friends. Active, attentive listening, on the other hand, is an equally significant personality trait. Here are some ways by which you can improve your listening skills.
1. Be fully present in the moment
Have you ever been irritated or upset by someone who is zoning out or distracted when you’re talking to them? We’ve all done it at one point or another. If you become side-tracked, remind yourself that you are in the middle of a conversation and return to the present moment. Give heed not only to the words but also to the tone of voice when listening. This could provide you with more information than the words themselves.
2. Make an effort to remember important details
Make a mental note of everything important. At least, what you may consider to be relevant. It could be things like destinations, bus numbers, times, and locations. You can also use the note paper and pen provided at the exam centre to take notes. You can take notes at any time during the exam, but it’s especially helpful during the listening section.
3. Improve your ability to listen actively.
We’re often preoccupied with preparing a response before the individual speaking to us has completed making their point. That exemplifies a lack of listening skills. When you do that, you only get half of the details. Rather, attempt to concentrate solely on the speaker. You’ll realise that you’re able to focus on what the other person is saying much better when you’re not thinking about a reply or responding. Only concentrate on what the person is saying during your CELPIP examination. Don’t worry about what you could have missed or what might come next.
4. Concentrate on the topic and context.
You can often understand snatches of a foreign language discussion if you pay attention to the context. Body language and tone of voice are also useful. For example, if a mother scolds a child in a language different than yours, you can know from the sternness in her voice and expression, as well as the stiffness in her body, that it isn’t a joyful conversation. When you add content to all of this, the meaning becomes much more obvious. Of course, when listening to an audio clip, you don’t have the benefit of visual cues, but you can still answer the questions if you pay attention to the context (stories, circumstances, themes): a conductor and a passenger discussing a route; a mother and child discussing meals etc.
So, go ahead and try to put these skills into practice, and ace the listening module!