Listening – Part 1: Problem Solving
What happens in Part 1?
- You will hear three short talks (about 1 minute each) between two people.
- One person has a problem, the other tries to help.
- After each talk, the test reads 2–3 questions out loud.
- You get 30 seconds to click your answer for each question.
- Total questions in Part 1 = 8.
The best note‑taking style: Speaker‑Tag Timeline
Draw a line to split your paper into 2 parts before the audio starts. C: (customer) & A: (agent)
What to write while you listen
- After each sentence, add a short keyword beside the correct speaker letter.
- Use symbols, not full words (see next box).
- Keep each point on a new line so the order is clear.
Quick symbol set
| Meaning | Symbol | Example in notes |
| Money / cost | $ | $15 |
| Time / date | @ | @7pm |
| Good / chosen | ✓ | ✓ landlord |
| Bad / rejected | ✗ | ✗ DIY |
| Cause → result | ⇒ | rain ⇒ delay |
| Change / fix | Δ | Δ route |
Never write a word longer than 3 letters (ex: “bps” = breaks, “rep” = repair).
Easy 4‑step plan for every talk
| Step | What you do | Why it helps |
| 1. Get Ready (3 s) | Draw the C/A letters and breathe. | Brain knows where to write. |
| 2. Listen (1 min) | Write 1–3 key words each time a speaker talks. Mark ✓ when they agree on an idea. | Keeps order clear; no full sentences. |
| 3. Answer (30 s each Q) | Look at your notes first, then read the answer choices. Cross out options you never heard. | Saves reading time; stops confusion. |
| 4. Reset (2 s) | Draw fresh C/A letters for the next talk. | Clears space; prevents mix‑ups. |
What to listen for (most questions use these)
- Problem line – usually in the first 7 seconds.
- Suggestion words – could, should, maybe, how about.
- Reason words – cheaper, faster, closer.
- Numbers – dates, times, prices.
- Contrast words – but, however (often kill wrong ideas).
Common question types & tip
| Question asks for… | Note tip |
| Main problem | Write the first issue under column C |
| Idea suggested / rejected | Put ✓ or ✗ after each idea |
| Reason for choice | Circle the reason word (cheap, quick) |
| Small details (price/time) | Circle all numbers |
| Feeling | Draw ↑ (happy) or ↓ (unhappy) beside speaker |
| Next action | Underline final agreed plan |
Fast fixes for common troubles
| Trouble | Quick fix |
| Options look new | Check notes before you read all choices. |
| Forget which idea was rejected | Mark ✗ the moment you hear “won’t work”. |
| Read too slowly | Practise with podcasts at 1.25× speed for one week. |
| Unsure between two answers | Pick the one that matches both speaker and the reason word you wrote. |
Test‑day mini‑checklist
- Before audio: write C/A on new sheet.
- During audio: short words only, one line per speaker turn, mark ✓ for the idea they like.
- After audio: use notes to answer fast; never leave a blank—guess if needed.
- Between talks: start a fresh C/A list.
Key takeaways
- Use only the Speaker‑Tag Timeline: two letters, quick keywords.
- Listen for problem, ideas, reason, numbers, agreement.
- Notes first, answers second—30 seconds is short.
- Practise 15 minutes daily with the plan above to lock the habit.