Listening

 The FCE Listening paper tests your ability to understand spoken English in different contexts and accents. The test includes 4 parts and lasts approximately 40 minutes, including time to transfer your answers.



Part Task Type What's in? Link to Understand
Part 1 Multiple choice Eight short extracts from monologues or conversations between interacting speakers. There is one multiple-choice question for each extract, and you have to choose A, B or C. Watch
Part 2 Sentence completion A monologue (which may be introduced by a presenter) lasting approximately 3 minutes. You have to complete the sentences on the question paper with the missing information which you hear on the recording. Watch
Part 3 Multiple matching A series of five themed monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. On the question paper, you have to select five correct options from a list of eight possible answers. Watch
Part 4 Multiple choice A conversation between two or more speakers of approximately 3–4 minutes. You have to answer some multiple-choice questions by choosing the correct answer from three options (A, B or C). Watch


GENERAL LISTENING TIPS

  • Each recording is played twice.

  • Stay calm – if you miss something the first time, focus on catching it the second time.

  • Use the time before each part to read the questions carefully.

  • Underline keywords in the questions or options to help you focus your listening.

  • Listen for synonyms and paraphrases – the exact words may not appear in the audio.

  • Transfer your answers clearly at the end when given time (usually 5–6 minutes).


SECTION-BY-SECTION STRATEGIES

Part 1: Multiple Choice (Short Extracts)

Tips & Tricks:

  • Focus on what the speakers are doing (e.g. suggesting, apologizing, warning).

  • Watch for tone of voice and emotion – not just content.

  • Eliminate answers that don’t match the situation logically.

TIP: Practice identifying the function of the speech: agreeing, disagreeing, advising, etc.

Link to Practice

Part 2: Sentence Completion

Tips & Tricks:

  • Predict the type of word you need: a noun, number, adjective, etc.

  • The words you write must be exactly what you hear.

  • Spelling counts. Incorrect spelling = incorrect answer.

TIP: Listen for signposting words: “first of all,” “the most important thing,” “finally.”

Link to Practice

Part 3: Long Multiple Choice

Tips & Tricks:

  • Focus on opinion, attitude, and purpose, not just facts.

  • Read the questions before the conversation starts.

  • Watch out for distractors – things that sound right but aren’t the answer.

TIP: Use the second listening to confirm your answers, not find new ones.

Link to Practice

Part 4: Multiple Matching

 Tips & Tricks:

  • Read all 8 options before the audio starts.

  • Focus on what each speaker’s main message is.

  • Be flexible – they may not use the same words as the options.

TIP: Practice with audio clips where different people talk about the same topic (e.g. "5 people talking about their jobs").

Link to Practice

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