All you need to know about Paper 4: Listening

• Listening
  Available as a paper-based test
  Available as a computer-based test
  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)
  

  What’s in the Listening paper?

  The Cambridge English: First Listening paper has four parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.  
  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	about 40 minutes
  Number of parts:	4
  Number of questions:	30
  Marks:	20% of total

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  Parts 1–4

  Part 1 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 1?	A series of short, unrelated recordings of approximately 30 seconds each. You have to listen to the recordings and answer one multiple-choice question for each. Each question has three options (A, B or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for general meaning (gist), detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.
  

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  Part 2 (Sentence completion)

  What's in Part 2?	A monologue (one person speaking), or a recording with two or more speakers lasting approximately 3 minutes. To answer the questions, you have to complete the sentences on the question paper with information you hear on the recording.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for detail, specific information, stated opinion.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.
  

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  Part 3 (Multiple matching)

  What's in Part 3?	A series of statements and short related monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. You listen to the recordings and choose which statement best matches what each speaker says.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for general gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.
  

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  Part 4 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 4?	A monologue or recording with two or more speakers which lasts approximately 3 minutes. You have to listen to the recording and answer seven multiple-choice questions. Each question has three options (A, B or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific information.
  How many questions are there?	7
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.
  

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure you understand what you are listening for and what you have to do.
  2. Use the preparation time before each recording is played to read through the question and think about the context.
  3. Use the information on the page to help you follow the text.
  4. Look carefully at what is printed before and after the gap in Part 2 and think about the kind of information that you are listening for.
  5. Write only the missing information on the answer sheet. (Part 2)
  6. Write your answers as clearly as possible.
  7. If you have an idea of the correct answer the first time you hear a recording, check that this is correct the second time.
  8. Answer all the questions – even if you're not sure.
  9. Make sure you have transferred your answers accurately to the answer sheet.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't rephrase what you hear in Part 2; write down the exact word(s) or figure(s) that you hear on the recording.
  2. Don't complicate your answer by writing extra, irrelevant information. (Part 2)
  3. Don't spend too much time on a question you are having difficulty with as you may miss the next question.
  4. Don't rush to choose an answer just because you hear one word or phrase – concentrate on the overall meaning. (Parts 1, 3 and 4)

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What aspects of listening are tested in the Cambridge English: First Listening test?

  You will be tested on your understanding of gist, main points, detail and specific information, and your ability to deduce meaning. You will listen to monologues and interacting speakers from a variety of sources.
  

  How many times will I hear each recording?

  You will hear each recording twice.
  

  How do I record my answers?

  You must write all your answers on a separate answer sheet. You may write on the question paper as you listen, but you must transfer your answers to the answer sheet. You will have 5 minutes at the end of the test to do this.
  

  How many marks is the Cambridge English: First Listening test worth?

  Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.
  

  Does it matter if I make spelling mistakes?

  At Cambridge English: First level, minor spelling mistakes are not penalised, but your intention must be clear. You will not be asked to spell words which are above Cambridge English: First level. However, where a word has been spelled out letter-by-letter, e.g. a proper name, and where this would actually be a test of your ability to follow the spelling, the spelling must be correct.
  

  Am I supposed to write the words I hear on the recording in answers to Part 2, or do I get more marks if I use my own words?

  You should try to use the actual words you hear on the CD. You do not get more marks for using your own words.
  

  Can I wear headphones in the Listening paper?

  Ask your centre whether you can use headphones or not – it depends how they choose to run the exam.