2.2. The Four Parts
Know what to expect from each part before the recording starts.
The short version
The four parts always come in the same order.
They get harder as you go.
Part 1 has two speakers. Part 3 has up to four.
Parts 2 and 4 have one speaker.
A fixed order, getting harder
The first two recordings come from everyday life. The last two come from the world of study. Knowing which part you are in tells you what kind of answer to expect.
The parts, in order
Two people arranging something: a booking, travel, or a class. Expect names, numbers, times and prices.
One speaker giving practical information about a place or event. Maps and matching are common here.
Up to four people in a study setting, such as a tutorial. Who thinks what, and what they decide to do.
A short lecture. Signposts, figures, and usually a limitation at the end. General Training sits this too.
Why the part matters
In Part 1 you are listening for a phone number and a price. In Part 3 you are listening for a tutor changing somebody's plan. Same skill, very different targets.
Quiz time2 questions
Two questions on telling the parts apart.
Which part is this?
Each line is a short extract from one of the recordings. Match it to the part it comes from.
What to expect
Choose the part where this is most likely.
In which part are you most likely to write a phone number?
Recap
The four parts always run in the same order and get harder.
Parts 1 and 3 are conversations. Parts 2 and 4 have one speaker.
Knowing the part tells you what kind of answer to expect.
Next: how your correct answers turn into a Listening band.