A group discussion (typically 3 speakers) on a practical topic or shared problem.
You’ll see the speakers on screen (video component) while listening.
~1.5–2.5 minutes long.
Followed by ~8 questions.

Typical Scenario Examples:

Coworkers discussing a problem at work.
Friends planning an activity.
Neighbors addressing a local issue.

Purpose:

Tests your ability to:

Track multiple viewpoints.
Understand speaker-specific suggestions & attitudes.
Recognize agreements, disagreements, and solutions.
Analyze group dynamics & reactions.

Why is Part 5 Difficult?

Multiple speakers = attribution confusion (Who said what?).
Fast exchange of ideas with interruptions, overlaps.
CELPIP loves:
- Trap answers that mix up speakers.
- Testing your ability to compare conflicting views.
- Asking about subtle reactions (attitudes, tone shifts).
The video adds visual cues (body language, expressions).

The TEAM Framework (Part 5 Listening Blueprint)

TEAM Element	What You Focus On
T – Track Each Speaker	Identify speakers by name, role, appearance.
E – Extract Opinions/Suggestions	What solution, opinion, or idea does each person offer?
A – Analyze Reactions	Agreements, disagreements, tone, interruptions.
M – Monitor Group Dynamics	Final decision, compromises, emotional tone of the group.

CELPIP Sample Transcript: Discussion Example

Context: Three coworkers discuss a problem with tree sap damaging cars in their office parking lot.

Jeanette: “Has anyone else noticed the sticky mess on the cars in the east lot? My new car is covered in sap!”

Mark: “That’s because of the ash tree near the lot. It attracts aphids, which release sap. City maintenance usually sprays insecticide to control them.”

Simon: “But that insecticide can be harmful to the environment. Maybe we should consider a gentler method, like using water sprays to knock the aphids off.”

Jeanette: “Honestly, I’d prefer to just remove the tree. It’s becoming a constant hassle.”

Mark: “We’d need a permit for that, and unauthorized removal comes with hefty fines.”

Simon: “Is there a way we can redirect parking spots or limit exposure during the worst months?”

Jeanette: “That could help. I’ll email building maintenance and see what can be done.”

Applied Example: High-Scorer Note-Taking

For discussions, Speaker-Tag Note Columns are best.

Jeanette (Problem Owner)	Mark (Informed, Practical)	Simon (Eco-Conscious)
Car damaged by sap	Explains tree attracts aphids	Against insecticide (harmful)
Wants tree removed	Says need permit + fines for removal	Suggests water spray solution
Proposes contacting maintenance		Suggests alternative (redirect parking)

Symbols for Clarity:

✓ = agrees, adopts solution.
≠ = disagrees, opposes.
→ = result/suggestion.
tw = twist/new idea.

Key Listening Actions

Identify Speakers Clearly
- Listen for names, roles, and personality cues.
- Jeanette = Problem owner (car issue).
- Mark = Informative, city rules expert.
- Simon = Environmental advocate.
Track Viewpoints & Solutions
- Who proposes what solution?
- Who opposes which idea?
- Example: Simon ≠ insecticide → suggests water spray.
Observe Reactions & Group Dynamics
- Disagreements (e.g., Simon opposes Mark’s insecticide idea).
- Compromises (Jeanette open to Simon’s redirecting parking idea).
Final Decision or Action
- Jeanette concludes with emailing maintenance.

Common CELPIP Question Types (from this Sample)

1. Problem Identification
“What problem are the speakers discussing?”
✅ Sticky sap from a tree damaging cars in the parking lot.

2. Speaker-Specific Solutions
“What solution does Simon suggest?”
✅ Using water sprays to knock off aphids.

3. Disagreement Recognition
“Who is concerned about environmental impacts of insecticide?”
✅ Simon.

4. Rules/Restrictions Knowledge
“According to Mark, why can’t the tree be removed easily?”
✅ Because a permit is required, and unauthorized removal leads to fines.

5. Group Decision
“What does Jeanette decide to do at the end of the discussion?”
✅ Contact building maintenance for solutions.

6. Tone/Attitude Interpretation
“How does Jeanette feel about the tree issue?”
✅ Frustrated but open to practical solutions.

Common Traps in Part 5

Speaker Confusion: Attributing an idea to the wrong person.
Partial Truth Distractors: Options that reflect side-comments but not final decisions.
Tone Misinterpretation: Mistaking a calm tone for agreement.
Sequence Errors: Mixing up who said what when.
Visual Misdirection: Assuming agreement based on body language without listening fully.

Shorthand System for Part 5 Notes

Spkr Initials: J (Jeanette), M (Mark), S (Simon).
✓ = Agrees/supports.
≠ = Disagrees/opposes.
→ = Suggests/proposes.
Fines, permit, eco, sap = keywords for issues discussed.
E.g.,
- J: wlt damaged by sap → wants tree gone.
- M: aphids cause sap, permit req, fines if cut.
- S: ≠ insecticide → suggests spray/water → alt: redirect parking.
- J: ✓ contact maintenance.

Common CLB 10+ Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing up who proposed which solution.
Forgetting group’s final decision.
Missing subtle disagreements or shifts in opinion.
Being tricked by a “loud” speaker vs the key decision-maker.
Not linking questions to actual speaker comments.

Success Formula for Part 5 (CLB 10+)

Use 3-column Speaker-Tag Notes for clarity.
Track:
- Problem owner’s complaints.
- Each speaker’s solution & reasoning.
- Disagreements & compromises.
Stay alert to:
- Final decisions.
- Subtle tone shifts.
- Visual confirmation (but always validate with audio).
Expect:
- “Who suggested…?”
- “Why did X oppose Y’s idea?”
- “What was decided at the end?”

High-Scorer Mindset for Part 5

“I’ll control the chaos by organizing the speakers and their points. I won’t let CELPIP mix up who said what. My notes will give me command over every question.”

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

Listening Part 5 – Listening to a Discussion

What is CELPIP Listening Part 5: Listening to a Discussion?