CELPIP Listening practice test in the official six-part order, 38 questions. In the real test each recording plays once only; our interactive version lets you replay while you learn.
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Part 1 — Listening to Problem Solving
Transcript
Questions
1. What is the main problem the speakers are discussing?
- The tour company is unwilling to reschedule.
- The speakers have a disagreement about the tour.
- The whale-watching tour is too expensive.
- The weather might force the tour to be cancelled.
Why: The man mentions a storm approaching and that the tour might be cancelled.
2. By what time must the speakers decide about the tour?
- By 9 AM tomorrow morning.
- By the end of the week.
- By 8 PM tonight.
- By noon tomorrow.
Why: The man says they have to let the company know their decision by 8 PM tonight.
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the options offered by the tour company?
- Get a 50% partial refund.
- Reschedule for another day.
- Get a full refund without conditions.
- Still go with a signed waiver.
Why: The man lists three options: reschedule, partial refund, or sign a waiver. A full refund is not mentioned.
4. Why does the woman prefer to reschedule rather than go on the tour?
- She has work next week.
- She is afraid of storms.
- She wants a weekend tour.
- She thinks safety is most important.
Why: She says 'I think safety is most important. I'd rather reschedule.'
5. What day do they plan to reschedule the tour for?
- Next Saturday.
- Next Sunday.
- A weekday next week.
- This weekend.
Why: The man says they have a tour available next Saturday morning.
6. What does the man suggest doing as a backup plan?
- Checking online for other tour companies.
- Going on the tour despite the weather.
- Asking for a full refund.
- Calling the company again.
Why: He suggests checking if any other tour companies might be operating tomorrow.
7. What is the woman going to do immediately after the conversation?
- Pack for the tour.
- Look for other tour companies.
- Call the tour company to confirm the reschedule.
- Check the weather forecast.
Why: She says 'I'll call them now to confirm the reschedule.'
8. What is the overall tone of the conversation?
- Angry and frustrated.
- Neutral and informative.
- Cooperative and solution-oriented.
- Excited and hopeful.
Why: The speakers work together to find a solution, showing cooperation.
Part 2 — Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
Transcript
Questions
1. What is the source of the noise the man heard last night?
- Ambulance sirens.
- A party at a nearby house.
- A music festival in the park.
- Construction for a new bike lane.
Why: The woman says the city is working on the new bike lane on Cook Street.
2. When is the construction expected to be finished?
- By next week.
- By the end of the month.
- By the end of the year.
- By the end of this week.
Why: She says 'They should be finished by the end of this week.'
3. According to the woman, why is the bike lane being built?
- To compete with other cities.
- To use up surplus funds.
- To increase property values.
- To reduce traffic congestion and promote biking.
Why: She says it's part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion and promote eco-friendly transportation.
4. How does the man initially feel about the bike lane?
- He strongly supports it.
- He questions its necessity.
- He is indifferent.
- He is angry about the noise.
Why: He asks 'Is it really necessary?'
5. What does the man plan to do at the end of the conversation?
- Rent a bike and explore the city.
- Complain to the city council.
- Take a nap to recover from the noise.
- Check out of the B&B.
Why: He says 'Maybe I'll rent a bike today and see the new lanes for myself.'
Part 3 — Listening for Information
Transcript
Questions
1. Who is the speaker addressing the audience?
- A tour guide.
- A government official.
- A marine biologist.
- A whale-watching captain.
Why: She introduces herself as Dr. Sarah Chen, a marine biologist with the University of Victoria.
2. What is the primary food source for southern resident killer whales?
- Seals.
- Chinook salmon.
- Krill.
- Herring.
Why: She says it's crucial to protect their primary food source, Chinook salmon.
3. According to the talk, which of the following is a threat to the whales?
- Competition from other species.
- Lack of research funding.
- Pollution from ships.
- Increased tourism.
Why: She mentions noise pollution from ships and chemical contaminants as threats.
4. What has the research team observed about the whales' foraging success?
- It has dropped significantly.
- It varies by season.
- It has improved over time.
- It has remained the same.
Why: She says 'their success rate has dropped significantly.'
5. What conservation effort is mentioned?
- Captive breeding programs.
- Building artificial reefs.
- Banning all fishing in the Salish Sea.
- Stricter regulations on boat traffic.
Why: She includes stricter regulations on boat traffic as part of conservation efforts.
6. What can individuals do to help, according to the speaker?
- Support eco-friendly tourism.
- Write to their MP.
- Volunteer at the aquarium.
- Donate to the university.
Why: She says we can make a difference by supporting eco-friendly tourism and reducing our carbon footprint.
Part 4 — Listening to a News Item
Transcript
Questions
1. What is the main subject of this news report?
- A new shuttle service.
- The Butchart Gardens concert series.
- A fireworks display on Canada Day.
- The opening of a new museum.
Why: The report starts by announcing the annual Butchart Gardens Summer Concert Series.
2. How many performances are included in the series?
- More than 200.
- About 100.
- Exactly 50.
- Over 50.
Why: The reporter says 'over 50 performances.'
3. What is new this year that might attract more visitors?
- Lower ticket prices.
- Free admission for children.
- Extended hours until 10 PM.
- More parking spaces.
Why: He mentions 'the new extended hours until 10 PM' as part of record expectations.
4. What transportation option is available for visitors?
- A free shuttle from downtown.
- A new ferry service.
- Additional bicycle parking.
- A discounted taxi service.
Why: The report says 'the gardens are offering a free shuttle from downtown Victoria.'
5. What does the reporter advise listeners to do?
- Arrive by 5 PM.
- Avoid parking in the lot.
- Bring warm clothing.
- Book tickets early.
Why: He says 'Tickets are selling fast, so early booking is recommended.'
Part 5 — Listening to a Discussion
Transcript
Questions
1. What city infrastructure issue is being debated?
- The cost of road maintenance.
- The benefits of public transit.
- The expansion of bike lanes.
- The needs of elderly drivers.
Why: The discussion begins with Speaker 1 criticizing the city's plan to expand bike lanes.
2. What argument does Speaker 2 make in favour of bike lanes?
- They encourage cycling and reduce emissions.
- They are cheaper than road maintenance.
- They are supported by the majority.
- They reduce traffic congestion.
Why: She says bike lanes encourage cycling, reduce emissions, and promote healthy living.
3. What does Speaker 3 claim about bike lanes and local businesses?
- They only benefit businesses on main streets.
- They may cause some businesses to lose customers.
- They have no effect on business revenue.
- They boost local businesses as cyclists stop more often.
Why: He says 'they boost local businesses as cyclists are more likely to stop and shop.'
4. What negative effect does Speaker 1 believe cycle lanes have on drivers?
- They are too expensive to install.
- They increase traffic congestion.
- They are not safe for children.
- They are not used by residents.
Why: He claims bike lanes cause traffic jams because they take away lanes from cars.
5. What does Speaker 3 say about the city budget?
- It is insufficient for new projects.
- It has been cut significantly.
- It mostly goes to bike lanes.
- It can fund both bike lanes and road maintenance.
Why: He says 'The city budget has allocations for both.'
6. What is Speaker 1’s position on recreational cycling?
- He does not cycle at all.
- He only cycles for commuting.
- He cycles for recreation.
- He dislikes cycling.
Why: He says 'I cycle for recreation, but for commuting, I prefer my car.'
7. What suggestion does Speaker 2 make besides bike lanes?
- Improving public transit.
- Reducing speed limits.
- Adding more car lanes.
- Building more parking lots.
Why: She says 'We should provide better public transit as well.'
8. How does the discussion end?
- Speaker 1 changes his mind.
- The discussion is interrupted.
- The speakers agree to disagree.
- The speakers reach a consensus.
Why: Speaker 2 says 'Let's agree to disagree.' and Speaker 1 says 'I hope so too.'
Part 6 — Listening to Viewpoints
Transcript
Questions
1. What type of business does the speaker operate?
- A B&B owner.
- A marine biologist.
- A city councillor.
- A tour operator.
Why: She says 'I've been running a bed and breakfast in Victoria for fifteen years.'
2. What challenge does the speaker mention about peak season?
- Poor weather conditions.
- Crowded neighbourhood and parking issues.
- Decreased tourism demand.
- Lack of tourist attractions.
Why: She mentions 'our neighbourhood gets crowded, parking is impossible, and noise levels rise.'
3. What does the speaker say about the economic impact of tourism?
- It only benefits large businesses.
- It has decreased recently.
- It is undeniable.
- It is overrated.
Why: She states 'the economic benefits are undeniable.'
4. How does the speaker practice sustainable tourism?
- By offering only organic breakfast.
- By limiting the number of guests.
- By partnering with local tour operators.
- By raising prices during peak season.
Why: She says 'I partner with local tour operators to offer eco-friendly packages.'
5. What does the speaker think is the key to a good tourism model?
- Collaboration between various groups.
- Attracting more international tourists.
- Reducing tourism altogether.
- Building more hotels.
Why: She says 'The key is collaboration between business owners, the city, and community members.'
6. What is the speaker's overall viewpoint about tourism?
- It should be discouraged.
- It is harmful to the environment.
- It is out of control.
- It can be done sustainably.
Why: She believes that with collaboration, tourism can thrive while respecting the environment.