FIRST B2: LISTENING PART 1

TASK INFORMATION

a)    You hear eight short unrelated extracts from monologues or exchanges. There is one multiple-choice question per extract with three options. You hear each extract twice. Each piece is quite short and lasts about 30 seconds.

b)   Part 1 tests your understanding of gist, detail, opinion, attitude, function, purpose, relationship, topic, place, situation, agreement, etc.

c)    The question includes information about the situation (e.g. a phone call, a radio programme, an extract from a play, etc.) followed by a direct question (e.g. How does she feel?)

ACTION PLAN

a)    For each question, quickly read the first line. What’s the situation? Will you hear one person or two? Female or male?

b)   Look at the direct question and stem (e.g. Who is the woman?) and underline the keywords.

c)    Before you listen, think of other expressions for the words in the question.

d)   When you first hear the recording, try to think of an answer to each question in your own words. Then, choose the option most like your answer.

e)   Check your answer the second time you listen.

f)    If you´re still unsure which is the correct answer, cross out any you are sure are wrong and guess.

g)   When the recording has finished, and you have chosen any answer, forget about that question and concentrate on the next one.

h)   Make sure you always know which question and situation you are listening to.

     EXERCISES: 1, 2