CELPIP Listening Task 2: Dialogue

The best way to prepare for the CELPIP is to engage in real life English that is happening all around you.

To prepare for the Listening section of the CELPIP, practice listening to a variety of sources. This can include TV, Radio, Movies, Podcasts, and of course the everyday conversations that happen around you at work, school, while riding the bus etc.

Remember: you are in control of your English development! Don’t wait for a teacher or an English class so you can be practicing. You should set aside some time each day for you to practice and be purposefully connected to English each day!

CELPIP Listening Task 2: Listening to a dialogue.

Listening task 2 is all about you listening to a dialogue and answering questions. Here are some tips to help you as you listen:

1. Take notes! When you are taking notes, try your best to write neatly. Keep your ideas in order as you hear them. Only write one or two key words – not whole sentences.
2. Try and answer the 5W’s – can you answer who, what, when, where, and why about the conversation? (This is helpful practice to listen for specific information!)
3. What’s the overall gist/main idea of the audio?

Let’s get started!

1. Listen to the first 3:46 seconds of this podcast. (Masters of Reinvention by CBC.)
2. Try and answer the following questions:
   • What was going to be special about 2020 for the speaker?
   • What three things happen to him at the start of 2020?
   • Why did he lose his job?
   • Why was his grandfather important to him?
   • What does he turn to in his dark time?
   • Why does he turn to the kitchen? (Can you hear 3 things?)
     1. Bringing ____________
     2. Move away from _____________
     3. The lockdown was really the cake ontop of everything else. (What does this mean?)
   • Why did food help him?  

Respond: Use this interview to inspire you. What would you say impacted you the most during the first few weeks/months of the COVID19 pandemic? (Try and speak non-stop about this for a minute?)

Remember: a little work each day will help you make big improvements in your English skills. What will you be working on today?