Listening
Paper 3 tests students’ ability to understand and interpret spoken texts. It is divided into two sections: Section A (Listening Tasks, 22 marks) and Section B (Note-taking Task, 8 marks). Students will encounter different question types such as multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, graphic organisers, and short responses. The paper requires careful listening for main ideas, details, implied meaning, and the ability to organise information clearly.
1. Section A: Listening Tasks
- 🔹 Identify main ideas and details.
- 🔹 Infer meaning (tone, attitude, implied points).
- 🔹 Follow the sequence of events or steps.
- 🔹 Interpret visuals such as charts and tables.
2. Section B: Note-taking Task
- 🔹 Extract key information (main points, supporting details).
- 🔹 Write in concise notes instead of full sentences.
- 🔹 Recognise common structures (cause-effect, problem-solution, advantages-disadvantages).
- 🔹 Filter out irrelevant details.
3. General Strategies
- 🔹 Preview all questions before the recording starts.
- 🔹 Focus on meaning rather than every word.
- 🔹 Recognise synonyms and paraphrasing in the audio.
- 🔹 Answers usually follow the sequence of the text.
4. Mnemonic (L.I.S.T.E.N.)
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🔹 L:
Look at questions first
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🔹 I:
Identify keywords
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🔹 S:
Scan visuals and blanks
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🔹 T:
Track signpost words while listening
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🔹 E:
Extract main ideas, not extra fluff
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🔹 N:
Note down short key words
- ⚠️ Thinking every word is important → missing the main point.
- ⚠️ Overwriting answers instead of keeping them simple.
- ⚠️ Not checking multiple-choice options carefully (similar distractors are common).
- ⚠️ Forgetting that questions follow the order of the text.
- ⚠️ Panicking when a detail is missed → losing focus for the rest of the recording.
- ⚠️ Writing full sentences in Section B instead of concise notes.
- ⚠️ Copying exact words without understanding meaning.
- ⚠️ Adding irrelevant details that do not fit the organiser.
- ⚠️ Spelling errors making answers unclear.
- 👉 Read and underline keywords in the questions before the audio starts.
- 👉 Listen for signpost words (firstly, next, however, in conclusion).
- 👉 Do not get stuck on one question → move on and return later if possible.
- 👉 For visuals/organisers, look for synonyms instead of exact wording.
- 👉 Trust your first instincts.
- 👉 Use abbreviations and symbols for faster note-taking in Section B.
- 👉 Keep answers short and in the correct grammar form required.
- 👉 Never leave blanks — make an educated guess if unsure.
- 👉 Practise with authentic spoken materials like podcasts and talks.