Listening
Part 3
B2 First Exam
Introduction - Listening Part 3
During Part 3 of the B2 First Listening exam, you will hear 5 30-second dialogues from different people. They will all be talking about the same topic.
For each recording, you need to choose the right answer from a list of eight options. Three options will be left over at the end.
This section tests your ability to understand the people's opinions and attitudes, and understand the general meaning of what someone says.
What happens
For each question:
You will hear an introduction.
Then you will have 30 seconds to read the options.
The recording will start after that.
The recording will be repeated with little time between both recordings.
Before Listening
You will have 30 seconds to read the options before the audio begins
Use this time to underline keywords in the options
While Listening
When you begin to hear an answer, listen to the entire passage. Words like however or but can change the entire meaning of a phrase, so Cambridge likes to use these.
Remember to focus on the over-all message of the speaker. You may hear them mention bits and pieces of other answers, but don't let the distractors confuse you.
Tips
The answer will probably use different words than you hear. Cambridge loves paraphrasing and using synonyms. So, if you hear the the exact same words that you see in an option, that option probably is not the right answer.
Remember that you can make notes on your exam paper if you wish.
Take the 30 seconds to actually read the questions and underline key words.
Double-check your answers during the second playthrough of the recording.