Listening skills · ⁨مهارات الاستماع⁩

In the listening exam you hear each recording 录音 twice. Use both chances well.

Predict before you listen

• Read the question before the recording starts.
• Predict 预测 what kind of answer you need: a place, a name, a number, a time?

Catch the detail

• Listen for specific 具体的 facts: places, names, dates, times and directions 方向.
• The answers usually come in the same order as the questions.

Use both playings

• On the first listening, choose your answer.
• On the second, check it. Do not change a right answer without a good reason.

Some questions ask how a speaker thinks or feels, not just what they say.

Opinions and feelings

• Listen for the speaker's opinion 观点 and feelings 感受.
• Notice the words they choose. Strong words show strong feelings.

Follow the connections

• In a longer talk, ideas connect 连接. Follow how one point leads to the next.
• Words like "but", "because" and "so" show how ideas link.

Not every answer is said directly.

Implied meaning

• Sometimes a speaker suggests 暗示 something without saying it openly.
• Think about what they really mean, not only the exact words.

Watch the distractors

• In multiple-choice 选择题 questions, the wrong options are called distractors 干扰项.
• A speaker may mention an option, then change their mind. Listen to the whole idea before you choose.

Words that signal the answer

Trained ears listen for small words that point to the answer.

• A correction is coming: actually… / sorry, I mean… / on second thought… — the words after these usually hold the real answer, not the ones before.
• The key point: the main thing is… / what matters is… / above all…
• A feeling or attitude 态度: to be honest… / the trouble is… / I'm delighted that…
• Order of steps: first… next… finally… — these help you follow a sequence.

Catching one signal word can win you a mark. Note them down as you hear them.

• Read the questions before the audio starts and underline the key words in each one.
• You hear everything twice: answer what you can in round one, check and fill gaps in round two.
• Speakers often correct themselves with numbers, days and spellings. The last version is the answer.
• Missed one? Let it go and follow the next question; return to the gap in the second play.
• Write something for every question. There is no penalty for a wrong guess.