Password Listening: Overview
Watch the following video to find out about the Listening paper.
Password Listening: Overview
Look at the Password Listening screen below and put the words in the correct spaces.
Finish Section Question Section Information Play Button
Password Listening: Overview
Look at the five listening question types below and match them to their explanations.
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Section 1: Short recordings |
You will listen to 6 short, more complex, recordings of information with a single multiple choice question on each. | |
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Section 2: Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned |
You will listen to a longer recording of two speakers with different views on a topic and choose four points which are mentioned by each. | |
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Section 3: Multiple choice questions |
You will listen to 10 short recordings of information with a single multiple choice question on each. | |
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Section 4: Long multiple choice |
You will listen to a longer recording of information such as a lecture and answer 5 multiple choice questions. | |
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Section 5: Topic selection |
You listen to a longer recording of information such as a lecture, and choose correct, incorrect or not mentioned for 8 pieces of information. |
Password Listening: Test Section 1 - Short recordings
Hotel
Listen to directions about how to reach a hotel you are going to stay in. You will hear the directions twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Where is the hotel?
New Suitcase
Listen to a woman who has just bought a new suitcase. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What colour suitcase did the woman buy?
Travel announcement
Listen to a travel announcement. You will hear the announcement twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Where does the announcement come from?
Hot cities
Listen to a talk about why cities are hotter than the country. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What do scientists say makes cities hotter?
The first railways
Listen to a talk about the first railways. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
How were the first railways powered?
Ordering food
You will listen to a man ordering food. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What does Simon usually order when he’s in a restaurant?
Password Listening: Test Section 1 - Short recordings
Now let's look at the answers to the questions and where to find them in the audio.
You are going to stay in a hotel. The manager will tell you how to reach the hotel.
Do you know where the hotel is? No? It’s quite easy. When you come out of the station turn left, you’ll come to a car park, carry on past the car park and 200 meters further on you’ll see the hotel on your right.
Where is the hotel?
Listen to a woman who has bought a new suitcase.
They had a lot of suitcases in the shop and it was difficult to choose. I wasn’t keen on buying a black one, all black suitcases look the same. I looked at a nice blue one but decided that it wasn’t big enough; I always take a lot of clothes with me. In the end I got this red one, it looks quite strong. There was some very expensive luggage there, there was a green one that I really loved but I couldn’t afford it.
What colour suitcase did the woman buy?
Listen to a travel announcement.
Welcome to Manchester. We hope you enjoy your visit. Please leave by the forward door, and make sure you take all your hand luggage. A bus will be waiting to take you to the airport terminal, where you can buy train tickets for your onward journey.
Where does the announcement come from?
Listen to a talk about why cities are hotter than the country.
We know that cities are often hotter than the country, with higher temperatures in both summer and winter. Most people think this is because there are more people in cities and they live close together. But scientists suggest that it is buildings not people that make cities hotter. Buildings get warm in the day and take a long time to cool down at night, so both daytime and evening temperatures are higher than in the country.
What do scientists say makes cities hotter?
Listen to a talk about the first railways.
The first railways began in the 1500’s. This was a long time before the steam engine was invented. Railways were used to transport heavy goods and fuel. Before this the workers had to move everything by hand. The job of moving the railway wagons was usually done by horses. However on downhill areas they only needed a driver to slow them down. They would then need to be pulled up the hill again.
How were the first railways powered?
Listen to a man ordering food.
Do you know what you’re going to have Simon? Mmm, I think so. I saw the roast salmon with salad and thought it looked nice, and it seems like a good price too. Then I noticed that the steak is on special offer so I was going to choose that because I love steak. But I nearly always have steak when I go out for dinner so that’s a bit boring. So, I think I’m going to be adventurous and have the seafood pasta – it’s the kind of thing that I’d never cook at home. Are you going to have the salad again?
What does Simon usually order when he’s in a restaurant?
Password Listening: Test Section 1 - Short recordings
Listen to the teacher and the class talking about Short recordings.
Answer the questions based on the discussion.
Teacher: So today we are looking at the Short recordings exercise. Let's talk about the words in the questions and answers first.
Maria: I think that it's important to think of other words that mean the same as the words in the question and answers.
Ying: It might also be useful to think of words that mean the opposite of those words too.
Teacher: Good, so synonyms, words that mean the same, and antonyms, words that mean the opposite, might help us to understand what we are hearing. What else?
Ying: We should look closely at the difference between the answers.
Desmond: Yes, we might hear words from all of the answers but we need to listen to how they are being used.
Teacher: Good. You might hear words in the audio from incorrect answers, so it is important to think about the context, like nearby negative words.
Maria: I think this exercise is quite easy because the language is not very difficult to understand.
Teacher: I think all of you should do well in this exercise, but make sure you listen the second time and check your answers. Just because it is easy, doesn't mean you should rush!
What are synonyms?
What are antonyms?
What is important when comparing the answers?
What should you do when you find a correct answer?
Password Listening: Test Section 1 - Short recordings
Here is a list of ways to get a good score on Short recordings.
Password Tips
There is one question for each of the 10 short recordings.
The first time, listen and try to understand the main points.
Look for the key words in the question and answers.
Think of synonyms and antonyms for the words that are used.
Decide if any answers are wrong.
Decide which answer is most likely to be correct.
Use the second listening to carefully check your answer.
Password Listening: Test Section 1 - Short recordings
College receptionist
Listen to a college receptionist talking to a new student. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What time do lectures finish on Friday?
Student lives
Listen to the student describing where she lives. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Where are the books?
Exhibition
Listen to the lecture about an exhibition in London. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Where did the exhibition first take place?
Silent film
Listen to the lecture about silent film. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
When was the first 'talking' film made?
Great Lakes
Listen to a lecture about the Great Lakes. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
How deep is the largest lake?
Booking a holiday
Listen to a person talking about booking a holiday. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Which destination wasn't available?
News announcer
Listen to the news announcer. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Why was the mayor late?
City planning
Listen to the lecture on city planning. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Why are people choosing to cycle more?
Illness at work
Listen to the lecture about illness at work. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What is the main reason people don't go to work?
About Scotland
Listen to the lecture about Scotland. You will hear the talk twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Where did the word clan come from?
Password Listening: Test Section 2 - Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned
The Californian Gold Rush
Listen to a lecture about the Californian Gold Rush. Listen for the MAIN points that the speaker makes. You will hear the lecture twice. After the first time you hear it, some questions will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Below are eight general points about the Californian Gold Rush. Some of the points are correct, some are incorrect and some are not mentioned in the talk. You have 40 seconds to read them. The points are not in the same order as the talk.
Levi Strauss arrived in California at the start of the Gold Rush.
San Francisco was a new town at the time of the Gold Rush.
Levi Strauss sold lots of different types of clothing.
John Sutter was a landowner.
Many men died before they even arrived in California.
John Sutter was pleased that he found gold.
Mark Twain was influenced by his experiences in San Francisco.
Gold has always been quite difficult to mine.
Password Listening: Test Section 2 - Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned
Now listen to the class talking about how best to approach this exercise type.
Teacher: So, Section 2 is quite different from Section 1 of the Listening paper. How did you deal with it?
Desmond: I think the most difficult thing is that the questions aren't in the same order as the audio. I tried to group the questions together.
Ying: What do you mean by that? How do you group them?
Desmond: Look for questions about the same subject, it might be a persons name, or a place or just a general theme.
Ying: I hadn't thought of that, I think it's a great idea.
Teacher: Of course you still need to be thinking of synonyms and antonyms for words in the questions and listen carefully to see if the answer is Correct or Not Correct.
Maria: Then at the end, we need to mark any of the answers we haven't heard as Not Mentioned.
Teacher: Good, so you need to listen carefully and choose the correct and incorrect statements, then those that aren't mentioned at the end.
Questions in this sections are not in the same order as the information you hear.
Synonyms and antonyms aren't useful in this exercise.
Write down as much as you can of what you hear.
Grouping questions about the same subject can be useful.
Correct
Password Listening: Test Section 2 - Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned
The Californian Gold Rush
Gold is one of the most precious materials on earth. And for hundreds of years, many men have concentrated on finding gold. As lands have been mined, gold has become more and more difficult to find. But this wasn’t always the case. In fact, there is one time in history which stands out in terms of gold mining, and this is the mid to late 19th century. One year in particular, 1849, is known as the height of the famous California gold rush. This is when it became known that gold was easy to reach in California, and people came from many places in the world to mine this gold. In fact, the population of San Francisco grew from less than a thousand people in 1847 to one hundred thousand in 1949. This gives you an idea of just how many people flooded into California to seek their fortune.
Some people found success in this changing time, but also the gold rush ruined many. One interesting example of someone who suffered from the California Gold Rush is John Sutter. Interestingly, he was also the first to discover the gold. Sutter owned a farm in California that he hoped to turn into a place of beauty. When one of his workers discovered gold on his land, he was actually disappointed because he didn’t want to, or know how, to become a gold miner. He feared the worst from this discovery, and it came true. As the desire to search for gold became more popular, Sutter’s workmen quit to look for gold themselves, and people paid no attention to laws, using and mining Sutter’s land without either asking or paying. Sutter lost almost everything he owned to his first discovery of gold in California.
However, there were also success stories, and one of these is a name that you might know of now–that is Levi Strauss. He sailed for California at the beginning of the gold rush and set up a store to sell goods to the gold miners. The store was a success, but even more successful were the trousers he sold to the miners. They were originally made from heavy brown cloth, but he adapted them over the years and became the creator of the first pair of denim blue jeans in 1873. The gold rush was the place where Levi Strauss started in making trousers, and by the end of the century, Levi Strauss and Co was the largest manufacturer of trousers in the world.
The gold rush also gave many people inspiration. One such person is Mark Twain, a famous American writer. Although he was too young to be in California at the start of the gold rush, by the time he did arrive, the cities were dominated by their gold rush roots. San Francisco was one of the most unusual cities in the world at that stage. It was populated by people from all over the world and was a mixture of diversity and lawlessness, very different from its Eastern counterpart of New York which was ordered and civilised. San Francisco was wild, an isolated city full of drinking, dancing and fighting, where you could eat German bratwurst on one corner, Korean noodles on another, and Mexican empanadas on another. This combination worked as great inspiration for Twain and gold rush influences can easily be found in his later works.
The California Gold Rush was a very special time in history. It made men and it broke men. For all the more famous examples we can think about above, there were also many nameless men, who died on ships to reach California, lost their money to unsuccessful gold digs, or died of alcohol or disease in the growing San Francisco, but also men who made their fortunes, either in gold or supplying goods to gold miners.
Levi Strauss arrived in California at the start of the Gold Rush.
San Francisco was a new town at the time of the Gold Rush.
Levi Strauss sold lots of different types of clothing.
John Sutter was a landowner.
Many men died before they even arrived in California.
John Sutter was pleased that he found gold.
Mark Twain was influenced by his experiences in San Francisco.
Gold has always been quite difficult to mine.
Password Listening: Test Section 2 - Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned
Here is a list of ways to get a good score on – Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned.
Password Tips
There is one recording with 8 statements.
Sentences are NOT in the same order as the recording.
Read the list of sentences and group the ones that you might hear close together.
How can you decide if the information is Correct, Not correct or Not mentioned?
Look for any key words that might help you as you listen.
At the end, check the ones you have not answered, they were probably not mentioned.
Password Listening: Test Section 2 - Correct/ Not correct/ Not mentioned
Story telling
Listen to a lecture about story telling. Listen for the MAIN points that the speaker makes.
You will hear the lecture twice. After the first time you hear it, some questions will appear.
Click play when you are ready to start.
Below are eight general points about story telling. Some of the points are correct, some are incorrect and some are not mentioned in the talk. Listen again and choose the correct answer. The points are not in the same order as the talk.
The oldest paintings that tell a story are in Germany.
Telling stories is far older than the ability to write.
Aesop wrote his stories down.
The speaker thinks written stories are negative.
The older paintings that tell a story show animals.
There are key differences between oral and written stories.
Oral storytelling often gives lessons on good and bad.
Cavemen told stories.
Password Listening: Test Section 3 - Multiple choice questions
Crime
You will hear the beginning of a talk about crime. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
When will the speaker talk about social causes of crime?
The development of governments
Listen to a talk about the development of governments. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What is the lecturer not going to talk about today?
Democracy
Listen to a lecture on democracy. You will hear the lecture twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
According to the speaker, what does democracy not cater for?
Shame
Listen to a talk about shame. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
The main feature of shame is...
Solar flares
Listen to the lecture about solar flares. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What point does the lecturer emphasise about solar flares?
Password Listening: Test Section 3 - Multiple choice questions
Now let's look at where to find the answers to the questions.
So today I'm going to talk about crime in this country. Now, when we talk about crime, there is an awful lot to cover. I'll start by a definition of crime and then move on to how different crimes are categorised. We'll then look at some statistics on this. Finally, I will outline some of the social reasons for crime. Then in the next lecture, I'd like to look at some case studies exploring particular crimes.
When will the speaker talk about social causes of crime?
In today's lecture, we're going to explore the development of systems of government. We'll begin by looking at how people organized themselves before structured political systems existed. And then we'll look at the features of some different forms of political systems covering things like communist, monarchic and republican systems. We won't cover electoral systems today, but this will be on the agenda in further lectures. What we will be looking at in this session, however, is power distributions in different systems. This is perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of all systems of government.
What is the lecturer not going to talk about today?
Democracy has been the cornerstone of many, but not all governments around the world for at least the past 100 years. From the Greek, meaning rule by the people, many modern democracies revolve around representation by election, where everyone has a vote. However, I would argue that recent events have shown the problems underlying democracy that essentially lie in philosophy. It assumes that everyone is equal, withan equal right to a say. However, this ignores logical judgment. If one person understands a subject and another person doesn't, should they have an equal say in it? This opens up many questions for modern democracies, which at present cannot be answered.
According to the speaker, what does democracy not cater for?
Many people believe that shame and embarrassment are synonymous. But when we take a closer look, there are very striking differences. Embarrassment normally forms from loss of dignity, usually in a social situation. However, shame is rather different, yet still closely connected to personal loss. Firstly, it is more personal. It doesn't need to be a judgment from others. Rather, it is simply a feeling that we have crossed some form of line in morality for which we feel bad. And we must separate this feeling from feelings of guilt too. Guilt is a focus on an action. Shame, on the other hand, is a focus on the self. Guilt can be a constructive feeling. Shame rarely is.
The main feature of shame is...
Let’s look at solar flares in more detail. Basically these are bursts of energy from the surface of the sun and just to put them into perspective, the energy they release is 10 million times greater than that from a volcanic explosion! We are well protected from solar flares due to the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field. However, it is worth bearing in mind that although solar flares are not physically harmful to people directly, they can cause problems with radio communication, reduce the effectiveness of satellites and make GPS systems less accurate. Okay, so we’re going to look at each of these in a bit more detail to find out exactly what the problems are and how serious they can be to our lives.
What point does the lecturer emphasise about solar flares?
Password Listening: Test Section 3 - Multiple choice questions
Now let's look at how to find each answer. Start the audio when you are ready.
Teacher: This exercise is more difficult than the ones before, so it is important that you listen to all of what is being said. You will need to understand the whole audio to find the correct answer. Synonyms are important again in this exercise but they are not simple words like 'big' and 'large'. It may be that a whole phrase has been changed to different words but the meaning is the same. You may not recognise all of the words but try to guess what they mean, or even just if they are negative or positive. Negative words change the meaning of whole sentences, so listen carefully. Negative words may also appear in the questions and answers, so read them several times. There will also be words that show contrast in the text like 'however' and 'rather', and these are very important. Even if you think the answer is easy, always listen for the second time to check your answers.
It is important to listen...
Paraphrasing means to...
Words showing contrast can...
The second time you listen...
Password Listening: Test Section 3 - Multiple choice questions
Here is a list of ways to get a good score on Multiple choice questions.
Password Tips
There are 6 recordings each with one question.
It is important to listen to all of the recording to understand the answer.
When you look at the question, think of synonyms for the key words.
Also think about how to paraphrase the whole answers.
Notice any words that show contrast such as 'however' or 'rather', these might be very important.
Listen for negative words that can totally change the meaning of a sentence.
Check your answers before you move on.
Password Listening: Test Section 3 - Multiple choice questions
Trees
Listen to part of a lecture on trees. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What is the lecturer going to talk about next?
New book
Listen to the radio broadcast on a new book. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
The reviewer thinks the book is ...
Bears
Listen to the lecture on bears. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
The lecturer says the best way to identify a grizzly bear is by its ...
Dieting
Listen to the talk about dieting. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
The speakers main point is that diets ...
Architecture
Listen to the lecturer talk on architecture. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
The lecturer thinks that the most important environmental consideration of architecture is ...
Adverstising
Listen to a section of a lecture about adverstising. You will hear the message twice.
After the first time you hear it, a question will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
What does the example show about advertising?
Password Listening: Test Section 4 - Long multiple choice
Eco-friendly shopping malls
Listen to the lecture about eco-friendly shopping malls. After you have heard the whole talk, you will see some questions on the screen. You will then hear the talk again and you will be asked to answer the questions. You will need to scroll down to answer the questions.
You will see some questions on screen about the lecture. You have 40 seconds to read the questions and then you will hear the lecture again. It will stop three times and each time you will be asked to answer one or two questions on the screen.
Why are shopping malls becoming better for the environment?
What is the main reason malls use so much energy?
Why are some mall owners positive about the new architecture?
Choose TWO advantages of using double glazing as a building material for malls.
How does covering the roofs of malls in grass help the environment?
What impacts shopping mall energy consumption most?
Password Listening: Test Section 4 - Long multiple choice
Eco-friendly shopping malls
Now let's look at the answers.
Okay, everyone so this morning we’re continuing our focus on ways to make buildings environmentally friendly and today is the shopping mall. We’ve seen the eco-friendly approach to building design applied to homes, schools, hospitals and so on, but until recently shopping malls haven’t really featured, and why should they, given that they are venues for consumption and waste. They use vast quantities of raw materials and the manufacturing process of their products has a large carbon footprint. But these buildings are becoming more eco-friendly. Remember that some of this come from the innovation of the architectural companies designing them, but mostly they come from changes in recent building legislation. We’re starting to see many countries update old planning laws to incorporate eco-friendly measures to building design. These ensure that companies have to implement eco-friendly construction methods.
Shopping malls are energy-intensive buildings. They need large amounts of lighting, air conditioning and heating, escalators that are constantly in operation, not to mention the lifts and the water usage by customers and employees. And remember that in many countries the shopping day is long – some up to 18 hours per day which significantly contributes to massive energy consumption. In fact this is often the largest factor. But this type of shopping mall is rapidly becoming a thing of the past as more and more companies embrace new technologies and building materials. Although some people have a more negative view and suggest that companies are only doing it due to tax incentives, many owners find this new form of architecture exciting, especially as it usually saves them money. Anyway, now I want to look at some of these measures so you can see how they work and the environmental differences they make.
One key consideration is building materials and the use of glass to reduce environmental impact. Double glazed glass can be used to build the walls and the roof to lessen heat penetration to the building. This means the temperature stays ambient and less air conditioning is required, even in busy periods. Also, it provides better natural lighting, which makes customers enjoy the time they spend shopping more. The rooves tend to be fitted with solar panels nowadays so that the shopping mall can be self-sustaining in terms of electricity. In terms of structure, shopping malls are large so making use of the roof space is a great possibility. They are often covered with grass to attract insects and birds, which helps bring much more species variety to cities and towns. And the roofs can also help reduce the water usage in malls as clever design in drainage means rain water can be collected and then used in the toilet facilities. Examples of malls using these methods are the Westfield Centre in London and Singapore’s City Square Mall.
Another aspect which is vital to consider is building layout and this is where architects can help significantly. For example, if the majority of the building is made from glass, and the shops are positioned correctly so that they can benefit from as much natural light as possible, far less lighting is needed and any that is needed can be generated using low cost LED technology. Small innovative changes like this can make the biggest difference to the amount of energy these buildings consume over their lifetime and they are far more effective than large radical changes to design. Okay, so now let’s take a look at some of these savings …
Why are shopping malls becoming better for the environment?
What is the main reason malls use so much energy?
Why are some mall owners positive about the new architecture?
Choose TWO advantages of using double glazing as a building material for malls.
How does covering the roofs of malls in grass help the environment?
What impacts shopping mall energy consumption most?
Password Listening: Test Section 4 - Long multiple choice
Now listen to the students talking about how they found their answers.
Teacher: So how was this exercise for everyone? Did you find any ways to make it easier?
Ying: I think the listening exercises where there are several questions for the same audio are more difficult. It is easy not to hear one answer and then get confused and miss the next ones. So it is important to read all of the questions first and know which one comes next.
Maria: And even if you hear the bit of the audio where the answer is, it can be quite complicated, so it is important to think about the answers carefully. I think synonyms and paraphrasing are also necessary here, just like the previous exercises.
Desmond: There is also one question where you have to choose more than one answer. That makes it harder to choose the correct answers, because even if you find one that is correct, it doesn't mean the others are wrong.
Ying: I think the first time you listen, before you see the questions, it is useful to listen for changes in topic in the audio. That means you can think of it as different sections to the listening and it will be easier to know when to move to the next question.
Maria: I think you are right, we need to use more strategies for this section than the earlier ones.
Teacher: You're all getting very good at this, I think those are all excellent ideas.
When there are several questions for one audio...
The answers can be...
Choose TWO ways to help you know which question you are on.
One of the questions...
Password Listening: Test Section 4 - Long multiple choice
Here is a list of ways to get a good score on Long multiple choice.
Password Tips
In this section there is one recording and 5 questions.
The questions are multiple choice (one answer) and multiple selection (more than one answer).
The recording will stop more than once to allow you to answer questions.
Read the question carefully and make the correct number of selections.
Know when to move on to the next question.
Listening for a change in topic or cohesive devices (e.g. 'in conclusion' or 'finally').
If you aren't sure, guess the answer and move on to the next.
Password Listening: Test Section 4 - Long multiple choice
Social networking
Listen to a talk about social networking. After you have heard the whole talk, you will see some questions on the screen. You will then hear the talk again and you will be asked to answer the questions. You will need to scroll down to answer the questions.
You will see some questions on screen about the lecture. You have 40 seconds to read the questions and then you will hear the lecture again. It will stop three times and each time you will be asked to answer one or two questions on the screen.
What does the speaker say about how social networking is portrayed in the news?
Name TWO reasons given for the reaction to social media:
How do young people treat online privacy?
When teenagers get older ...
Cyber bullying is ...
The lecturer thinks the key to success is using social media is ...
Password Listening: Test Section 5 - Topic selection
Learning a Foreign Language
You will hear two speakers with very different views on learning a foreign language. You will hear the recording twice. After the first time you hear the first speaker, some questions will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Questions for speaker 1
Here are TEN topics relating to learning a foreign language. Choose FOUR topics that the first speaker
mentioned.
Questions for speaker 2
Now listen to a speaker who has a different view. Listen for the MAIN points.
Here are TEN topics relating to learning a second language. Choose FOUR topics that the second speaker mentioned. One or more may be the same as a topic mentioned by Speaker 1
Password Listening: Test Section 5 - Topic selection
Learning a Foreign Language
Now let's look at where to find the answers.
Speaker 1
Well, I suppose that everyone really should at least try and learn a second language. I’ve read articles that say it actually can be quite beneficial. As I recall learning another language can help you to improve academically. In other words, the actual process of learning a language can help you develop skills which you use across many academic subjects. This can only be a good thing in my opinion, and I personally would like to see more importance placed upon second language learning in education. At the moment, yes, I suppose there are classes to learn another language, but these are very much seen as peripheral. There is no reason why this shouldn’t be more central to our education system. We must think of the benefits for us as a country as well. Although English is a popular language for business, surely it can but help to learn languages of some of the world’s biggest economies, like China and Japan. Imagine what that could do for trade. We don’t want to be left behind in the linguistic stakes, which I think can happen when English is your first language, as you can develop a kind of reticence to learn new languages, perhaps because one doesn’t think they need it.
Speaker 2
I would consider learning another language, however it’s hard to find the time for something which is such a vast task. I mean, actually learning the language is completely different from just learning a couple of handy phrases to use when on a trip. It’s not just about learning new words, you have to know how the structure works, how to say them. It’s rather a tall order for me! Although I have heard that speaking a second language can enhance your career potential. I suppose I can see how that could be the case, as you’ve more potential to work at higher levels, internationally, and I certainly wouldn’t mind that. …of course language learning has more benefits than that. I imagine it helps you experience new horizons. Sometimes when you go to different countries you can stick to the tourist haunts rather than go and see the lives of the locals. I would say largely this is because people are worried about not being able to function in these areas when they lack the language skills. I have to say though, I still manage to get out and about when going abroad. There is actually an awful lot that can be said through just simple actions. A lot of language isn’t always strictly necessary.
Questions for speaker 1
Here are TEN topics relating to learning a foreign language. Choose FOUR topics that the first speaker
mentioned.
Questions for speaker 2
Now listen to a speaker who has a different view. Listen for the MAIN points.
Here are TEN topics relating to learning a second language. Choose FOUR topics that the second speaker mentioned. One or more may be the same as a topic mentioned by Speaker 1
Password Listening: Test Section 5 - Topic selection
Teacher: So, how was that exercise for you?
Desmond: I think this is the hardest of the Listening sections. The first time you listen, it is important to try to identify the main topics the people mention. We are listening for people's opinions, so what we know or expect to hear isn't important. People often use words like 'however' or 'but,' or negative words to change the meaning of what they are saying. So we must listen for these. For that reason, when you see the answers, it is important to note how they are different from each other. Also think about any synonyms for the words in the answer that might be in the audio. It is also very important to remember that you do not need to rush your answers or any part of the test. You will have enough time to answer everything.
Teacher: Yes, you are quite right, but it is not just negative words but also antonyms that can change the meaning of a sentence. So when the answers are revealed try to think of other ways of saying the same thing. Also, read the instructions carefully and make sure that you don't select too many or too few answers. And finally, make sure that you pay attention the second time you listen, even if you are sure of the answer. If you don't check your answers you may make a silly mistake you could have avoided.
Which FOUR techniques does the student mention?
Which FOUR techniques does the teacher mention?
Password Listening: Test Section 5 - Topic selection
Here is a list of ways to get a good score on Topic selection.
Password Tips
You will hear one recording and have two questions
Each question will have 10 answers and you are required to select four.
Pay close attention, the answers will be similar for both questions but not exactly the same.
Answers could come in any order, so it is important to listen very carefully.
Pay attention to cohesive devices that show contrast (e.g. 'however' and 'although').
Make sure you have selected the correct number of answers for each question.
Password Listening: Test Section 5 - Topic selection
Public transport
You will hear two speakers with very different views on public transport. You will hear the recording twice. After the first time you hear the first speaker, some questions will appear. Click play when you are ready to start.
Questions for speaker 1
Here are TEN topics relating to public transport. Choose FOUR topics mentioned by the speaker. You have 25 seconds, then you will hear the recording again
Questions for speaker 2
Here are TEN topics relating to public transport. Choose FOUR topics that the second speaker mentioned. One or more may be the same as a topic mentioned by Speaker 1
Password Listening: Summary Sheet
Password Listening
Time: 60 minutes
Sections: 5
Section 1: Short recordings
You will listen to 10 short recordings of information with a single multiple choice question on each.
Tips
- There is one question for each of the 10 short recordings.
- The first time, listen and try to understand the main points.
- Look for the key words in the question and answers.
- Think of synonyms and antonyms for the words that are used.
- Decide if any answers are wrong.
- Decide which answer is most likely to be correct.
- Use the second listening to carefully check your answer.
Section 2: Correct / Not correct / Not mentioned
You listen to a longer recording of information such as a lecture, and choose correct, incorrect or not mentioned for 8 pieces of information.
Tips
- There is one recording with 8 statements.
- Sentences are NOT in the same order as the recording.
- Read the list of sentences and group the ones that you might hear close together.
- How can you decide if the information is Correct, Not correct or Not mentioned?
- Look for any key words that might help you as you listen.
- At the end, check the ones you have not answered, they were probably not mentioned.
Section 3: Multiple choice questions
You will listen to 6 short, more complex, recordings of information with a single multiple choice question on each.
Tips
- There are 6 recordings each with one question.
- It is important to listen to all of the recording to understand the answer.
- When you look at the question, think of synonyms for the key words.
- Also think about how to paraphrase the whole answers.
- Notice any words that show contrast such as 'however' or 'rather', these might be very important.
- Listen for negative words that can totally change the meaning of a sentence.
- Check your answers before you move on.
Section 4: Long multiple choice
You will listen to a longer recording of information such as a lecture and answer 5 multiple choice questions.
Tips
- In this section there is one recording and 5 questions.
- The questions are multiple choice (one answer) and multiple selection (more than one answer).
- The recording will stop more than once to allow you to answer questions.
- Read the question carefully and make the correct number of selections.
- Know when to move on to the next question.
- Listening for a change in topic or cohesive devices (e.g. 'In conclusion' or 'Finally').
- If you aren't sure, guess the answer and move on to the next.
Section 5: Topic selection
You will listen to a longer recording of two speakers with different views on a topic and choose four points which are mentioned by each.
Tips
- You will hear one recording and have two questions
- Each question will have 10 answers and you are required to select four.
- Pay close attention, the answers will be similar for both questions but not exactly the same.
- Answers could come in any order, so it is important to listen very carefully.
- Pay attention to cohesive devices that show contrast (e.g. 'however' and 'although').
- Make sure you have selected the correct number of answers for each question.
Listening suggestions
To improve your performance in Password Listening you should practise listening to English being spoken by native speakers. There are plenty of opportunities to do this on the Internet, so find a good site to practice your listening. Make sure you listen to voices with different accents and speaking at different speeds.
