Overview
Part 1 consists of three short dialogues. Their conversations are unrelated. There is a description of each situation to give you context. There are two questions with 3 multiple choice options for each text.
C1 Advanced Listening
How to Prepare
Read and listen to the context for extract one.
You have 15 seconds to read the extract one questions. You will not have time to read all the options.
In these 15 seconds underline the key words in the questions (but not the options).
Listen and focus on the questions and answer them in your own words. Then check the options to see which fits best.
Repeat for extracts 2 and then 3.
Extra Tips
The audio for each conversation is played twice before moving on to the next conversation.
The options are full of distractors. Some candidates like to cover the options when listening to avoid them.
Overview
Part 2 is a monologue where a specialist is delivering information in a semi-formal way. You have a long text with eight gaps. You must fill the gaps with a single word or short phrase that you hear.
How to Prepare
Read and listen to the context in the question instructions.
Quickly read through the text. You have 45 seconds to do this.
Look at the gaps and think of what type of word you need (noun, verb, prepositions, etc..)
Write the exact word or words you hear. It may be a short phrase.
Extra Tips
The format is similar to FCE listening part 2.
Pay attention to spelling. At this level if you make a mistake you will not receive the point.
The sentences and gaps follow the order of the audio.
Pay attention to conjugation. Does what you have written make sense? Do you need to add, for example, the 3rd person singular s?
If you have time you can start predicting the missing words based on the context and any collocations that you know.
Overview
Part 3 is a longer dialogue, usually an interview or discussion with two or more speakers. There are six questions with 4 multiple choice options. These focus on statements and implications made about the speakers' attitude and feelings.
How to Prepare
Read and listen to get the context in the question instructions.
Read the questions quickly and underline the key words. You have 70 seconds.
If there is enough time focus on the differences between the options for each question.
Listen the first time and choose the answer.
Listen the second time to confirm your answer.
Extra Tips
The format is similar to FCE listening part 4.
Remember that the sentences follow the order of the listening. Focus on answering any that you have missed when the audio repeats.
Concentrate on attitudes and opinions of the speakers. The key words in the answers are important.
Overview
In part 4 you will listen to 5 short monologues about the same topic. There are two tasks to complete:
Task one usually focuses on the speaker's reason for doing something, their favourite thing about it or a benefit they've noticed.
Task two usually focuses on the speaker's feelings about the experience.
There are eight choices for each task. You must choose one for each speaker.
How to Prepare
Read to understand the context in the question instructions.
You have 45 seconds to read the answers. Underline the key words.
If you have time write synonyms next to the key words.
There are two main methods for this part of the exam. both and decide which is for you:
Method one: answering simultaneously
On the first listening complete as many questions from each task as you can.
Confirm your choices and answer any remaining questions during the second listening.
Method two: answering separately
Decide which task is easier for you. Do the most difficult one on the first listening.
On the second listening complete the easier task. You can also use this listening to review the first task.
Extra Tips
The format is similar to FCE listening part 3. However, in the advanced exam there are 2 tasks to complete at the same time rather than one.
The best way to prepare for this section is to learn emotion words.
Use the second listening to confirm your choices.