Section I, Part B--Listening Comprehension: Print and Audio Texts (Combined)

• The first section of the test includes both print and audio texts.

• You will be given the theme and a brief introduction to each source of the activity.

• The print source to study before listening to the audio can be an:

  • article

  • image

  • table

  • graph

About the audio source:

• It will be either a dialogue, a narrative, or any speech sample.

• One minute to look at graphs or tables before the audio starts.

• Four minutes to read the print text before the audio begins.

• Before listening you will have 1 minute to read and look over questions and the selection preview.

• After you hear the audio for the second time you now have 15 seconds per question to finish answering.

• You can take notes but they will not be scored

Strategies for Reading

1. Read the instructions and try to understand the format.

2. Try to get a general idea of the text and predict what the selection will be about.

3. Underline and re-read to find key vocabulary and identify characters.

4. Identify the setting and use your background knowledge.

5. Determine the tone and mood of the passage

6. Create your own conclusions

7. Read the chart from the left column and then across.

STRATEGIES FOR LISTENING

You will hear the audio twice, the first time look for the topic and general ideas, the second focus on specific details like unfamiliar words or words you consider key.

1. Read the introductions and questions

2. Follow the thread of the conversation

3. Write down words that lead you to ideas

4. Focus on what you can understand

5. Use the context to understand unfamiliar vocabulary