Cambridgereading

Listening Gap Fill

Listen to one speaker and write the missing words or numbers in the notes.

5 minutes
A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET)

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What is this question type?

This task tests whether you can pick out key facts, such as names, numbers, dates, times and places, and write them down correctly. In A2 Key Listening Part 2 you complete 5 gaps. In B1 Preliminary Listening Part 3 you complete 6 gaps. You hear one speaker, and you hear the recording twice.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the notes before the recording starts and guess what kind of answer each gap needs

  2. 2

    Decide if each gap needs a number, a date, a time, a name or a word

  3. 3

    Write exactly what you hear. Do not change the word

  4. 4

    Listen for corrections, such as "It was going to be Monday, but now it's Wednesday"

  5. 5

    Use the second listening to check spelling and numbers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Writing an answer that does not fit the notes grammatically

  • Spelling a name wrong when the speaker spells it out

  • Writing the first number you hear instead of the correct one

  • Writing too many words

  • Leaving a gap empty

Tips for Success

  • Practice the alphabet in English, especially letters like A, E, I, G, J, Y and W

  • Practice numbers and dates: 13 and 30, 15 and 50, "the 3rd of May"

  • Learn to write times and prices quickly: 7.30, £12.50

  • Remember: words that are spelled out on the recording must be spelled correctly

  • Always write something. A good guess may get the mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words can I write?
Usually one word, a number, a date or a time. Follow the instructions for each task.
Does spelling matter?
Yes. If a word is spelled out on the recording, it must be correct. Other common words should also be spelled correctly.
How many times will I hear the recording?
Twice.

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Listening Gap Fill - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

This task tests whether you can pick out key facts, such as names, numbers, dates, times and places, and write them down correctly. In A2 Key Listening Part 2 you complete 5 gaps. In B1 Preliminary Listening Part 3 you complete 6 gaps. You hear one speaker, and you hear the recording twice.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the notes before the recording starts and guess what kind of answer each gap needs
  2. Decide if each gap needs a number, a date, a time, a name or a word
  3. Write exactly what you hear. Do not change the word
  4. Listen for corrections, such as "It was going to be Monday, but now it's Wednesday"
  5. Use the second listening to check spelling and numbers

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Writing an answer that does not fit the notes grammatically
  • Spelling a name wrong when the speaker spells it out
  • Writing the first number you hear instead of the correct one
  • Writing too many words
  • Leaving a gap empty

Expert Tips

  • Practice the alphabet in English, especially letters like A, E, I, G, J, Y and W
  • Practice numbers and dates: 13 and 30, 15 and 50, "the 3rd of May"
  • Learn to write times and prices quickly: 7.30, £12.50
  • Remember: words that are spelled out on the recording must be spelled correctly
  • Always write something. A good guess may get the mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words can I write?

Usually one word, a number, a date or a time. Follow the instructions for each task.

Does spelling matter?

Yes. If a word is spelled out on the recording, it must be correct. Other common words should also be spelled correctly.

How many times will I hear the recording?

Twice.

Available in: A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET)

Time allowed: 5 minutes