Best Tips to Improve Your CELPIP Listening Score

The incredible immigration benefits make Canada a favourite immigration destination for aspirants. Taking a language proficiency test is one of several steps in the Canadian immigration process. Though there are other options (such as IELTS), the CELPIP Exam (Canada English Language Proficiency Index Program) is taken by a large number of aspirants. A significantly complicated, CELPIP test is difficult to pass without extensive preparation and can make or break your chances of immigrating to Canada.

The CELPIP General test has four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The CELPIP Listening Test, which is designed to assess a candidate’s memory and comprehension skills, is a concerning aspect. The 50-minute test is hard to ace unless you prepare meticulously and are aware of the best CELPIP listening tips. Though there is a lot to schedule for the CELPIP Test, the blog aims to provide CELPIP listening tips that are worth reading while aiming for a high CELPIP Listening Score.

8 Tips to Improve Your CELPIP Listening Score

1. Understand the Format

Knowing the CELPIP listening test format is the first and most important step toward obtaining a high CELPIP listening score. A synopsis of the same is provided below.

The CELPIP Listening Test Consists of 6 Parts in Total. 

1. Listening to problem-solving 
2. Listening to a conversation
3. Listening to a news item
4. Listening to a discussion
5. Listening for information
6. Listening to viewpoints

1. Listening to Problem-Solving 

This section includes three conversations between two people, each of which is preceded by two to three questions. Each discussion is typically 90 seconds long. The discussions center on issues that one or more of the participants are dealing with. Locations, places, and directions are frequently discussed. The test-takers are expected to listen carefully to the conversation and answer questions based on that. There are eight questions in this section. Each question must be answered in 30 seconds. 

2. Listening to a Conversation

Part 2 is typically an ordinary conversation between two people, such as family or friends. The interaction lasts about two minutes. The test-taker must answer back to five questions based on the conversation. Each question should be answered in 30 seconds.

3. Listening to a News Item

Test takers are given a recording that contains a news item. There is only one speaker in the recording. The recording lasts one minute and thirty seconds and is followed by five multiple-choice questions. Because the recording is likely to contain numerous examples, facts, and figures, it can easily perplex the test-taker if not listened carefully. The best way to handle the issue is to take notes on important details such as dates. The test taker has three minutes to answer the questions.

4. Listening to a Discussion

The test-taker is shown a video that is approximately two minutes long in this task. The video includes a conversation between three or more people. Following the video, there are eight questions that must be answered in four minutes. It goes without saying that accurate retrieval of ideas, context, and keywords is required to give the right answers.

5. Listening for Information

In this task, the test-taker is provided with a recording which is approximately 2.5 minutes long. A talk in the form of details about a particular subject is included in the audio. In response to the data provided, students are asked questions. Six questions will be asked in total.

6. Listening to Viewpoints

This section introduces the test-taker to a variety of speakers and their various points of view. The recording will last three minutes and will be accompanied by six questions. The task has a time limit of four minutes to complete. The task is the most challenging of the six because it requires a deep understanding of each speaker’s point of view as well as a detailed analysis of the entire conversion to identify the correct answers.

2. Be Attentive

The CELPIP Test allows you to listen to the audio clips only once. Being attentive while listening is critical because you cannot risk missing a single piece of information. Distractions while listening can deduct points from your CELPIP listening score, causing you to fall behind in the competition. Aside from words, the tone of voice is something that should be carefully observed because it can reveal sensitive details.

The presence of other candidates in the exam room may make the environment noisy, making it harder to focus. To overcome the situation, you should practise for the CELPIP listening exam in a similar setting. 

3. Learn to Manage Your Time

Proper time management, as with other aspects of the CELPIP test, is essential to getting ready for the improved CELPIP listening score. Because you will only have a very short amount of time (30 seconds in most cases) to answer each question, you cannot afford to get stuck on a single question if you are stumped. Learn to manage your time wisely so that you can complete all of the CELPIP listening exam questions in the allotted time. A timer is provided in the corner of the computer screen to assist you in managing your time effectively. It is advised to keep a close eye on the same in order to avoid running out of time.

4. Attempt All Questions

The CELPIP listening exam has no negative marking, so you can attempt all questions without fear. Even if you are unsure about the answer, don’t skip a question because a single correct guess can boost your CELPIP listening score.

5. Note Down the Important Points

Some information, such as the date, place, time, and location, is harder to recall after hearing it only once. Because you are permitted to take notes in the CELPIP listening exam, you should develop a habit to write down the important points while preparing for the CELPIP listening exam. Using abbreviations will allow you to take notes faster. The main thing to practice here is writing notes while remaining focused on the recording because you have to do both tasks at the same time.

6. Relax Yourself

To concentrate on something, you must have a calm mind. The same is true for the CELPIP listening test as well. Breathe in and out several times before beginning your CELPIP listening exam. It is normal to be nervous before an exam which will determine your future; however, being tense can cause you to lose focus and miss information; thus, you must learn to stay away from it.

7. Cross-Check Your Answers

Some CELPIP listening exam sections may not allow you to go back and correct your mistakes. Even if you have the opportunity to backtrack and make changes, it is almost impossible due to a lack of time and a great deal of pressure. So, double-checking your answers after attempting and before submitting is always a good idea.

8. Miscellaneous Tips

• Carefully read and comprehend all of the instructions before commencing the CELPIP listening test. 
• Inspect the provided equipment (such as headphones). If you find any flaws, have them changed.
• The CELPIP exam is computer-based. Hence,  you must be familiar with the device’s normal operation. If you aren’t, practice using a computer days before your CELPIP exam date.
• Take as many CELPIP listening sample tests as you can. Most of the material can be found on the internet if you search for it. Take full advantage of the facility.
• For the best CELPIP listening preparation guidance, contact a reputable CELPIP Coaching provider.

Endnote

The CELPIP exam is extremely hard for non-native English speakers, leaving candidates in a state of apprehension. Joining a reputable CELPIP coaching program is the best way to cope with this stress. CELPIP exams are divided into two types – CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS, with CELPIP listening being a component of both. Hence, if you have chosen to take the CELPIP test for Canadian immigration, you have no way to run away from the CELPIP listening exam.

 So, work hard and prepare well for your upcoming CELPIP Exam. For any sort of assistance, contact us at your convenience. Good luck.