Parts 3 and 4: discussions and lectures
Following several speakers, and taking notes on a lecture.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Listening
Part 3 is a discussion between students, often with a tutor. The questions test whether you can follow opinions — who suggests something, who agrees, who changes their mind. Listen for how people react: "I'm not sure I agree with that" means the speaker is rejecting an idea.
Part 4 is one speaker, usually a short lecture, and often a set of notes to complete. It is the hardest part, but it is also the most organised: lecturers signpost their structure.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: In Part 3 a student says “I'm not sure I agree with that.” What is the student doing?
- Agreeing politely
- Asking for help
- Rejecting an idea
Show the answer
C: Rejecting an idea — Part 3 tests whether you can follow opinions: who suggests, who agrees, who changes their mind.
Quick check: How can you keep your place in a Part 4 lecture?
- Follow the signposts: “The first…”, “Finally…”
- Write down every word
- Listen only for numbers
Show the answer
A: Follow the signposts: “The first…”, “Finally…” — Lecturers signpost their structure, and the signposts match the headings in your notes.
Quick check: The notes say “Store energy from ___”. What will the lecturer probably say?
- Exactly the words in the notes
- The same idea in different words
- Nothing near the answer
Show the answer
B: The same idea in different words — The answer word comes from the recording, but the words around the gap usually do not. The skill is recognising meaning.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now