Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
Format
- 6 questions, 3 minutes to answer all questions.
- A monologue where a speaker presents a detailed argument or viewpoint. You must understand the thesis, supporting evidence, and overall argument structure.
- A single audio followed by 6 dropdown-style questions displayed on screen.
- Example scenarios: a speaker arguing for or against facial recognition technology, debating single-use plastic bans, discussing telemedicine expansion, evaluating congestion pricing.
Strategies
1
Identify the thesis statement early
The speaker usually states their main position within the first 15-20 seconds. Everything else supports this thesis.
2
Map the argument structure
Listen for how the speaker builds their case: "My first reason is…", "Furthermore…", "The most important factor is…" Each reason typically corresponds to a question.
3
Distinguish between the speaker's view and counterarguments
Speakers often acknowledge opposing views before dismissing them ("Some people say X, but I believe Y"). Questions may test whether you know which position the speaker actually holds.
4
Listen for the conclusion
The final 15-20 seconds usually contain a summary or call to action. This often answers the "main idea" question.
Example
Note: In the real exam, the audio plays once with no replay and no pause. The questions are also audio-only and will not appear as text on screen.
You will hear a report. The report presents different viewpoints on facial recognition technology.
Listen to the conversation.
How to apply the strategies
- Strategy #1 (Identify the thesis early): The speaker states the thesis early, mentioning the city council's proposal for public safety.
- The speaker connects the technology to "identifying suspects and deterring criminal activity," which maps to option C.
- Strategy #3 (Speaker's view vs counterarguments): Options A and B sound like things facial recognition could do, but the speaker never claims these as the council's goal. Only choose what was actually stated.
Practice Listening Now
Apply these strategies with real CELPIP-style listening questions.
Start Practicing