Cambridge Primary Checkpoint 0837 · Topic 10 of 10

Listening strategies

How to prepare, listen for the main idea and details, and avoid the traps in a listening test.

📌 Key points

Before you listen, read the questions and underline the key words.
Predict what you might hear: if the question asks 'What time…?', listen for times.
Listen for the gist (main idea) first, then for details like names, prices and dates.
Speakers often change their mind: 'Let's meet at 3… no, make it 4.' The final answer is the right one.
You may hear all the options mentioned. Listen carefully for the one that answers the question.
Listen for signal words like but, actually and instead. They often show a change.
Names are often spelled letter by letter. Write each letter carefully.
You usually hear each recording twice. Use the second time to check your answers.
Listen to the speaker's tone of voice: it shows if they are happy, angry, surprised or bored.

Gist: The main idea of what you hear.
Detail: A small piece of information, such as a time or a price.
Predict: Guess what you will hear before you listen.
Key word: An important word in the question.
Signal word: A word like 'but' or 'actually' that shows a change.
Distractor: A wrong answer that you hear in the recording to try to trick you.

You hear: 'The party was going to be on Friday, but Mum is working, so we've moved it to Saturday.'
Question: When is the party?

💡 Test tip

Do not choose the first thing you hear. Wait until the speaker finishes the idea, because plans often change.

Test yourself8 questions from a bank of 21. A new mix every time.