Cambridgereading

Listening Multiple Choice with Pictures

Listen to short conversations and choose the picture that answers each question.

5-8 minutes
A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET)

Practice Now

Free practice tests for this task. Answers explained, no signup needed.

What is this question type?

This task tests whether you can understand key facts in short everyday recordings, such as times, prices, places and objects. Each question has a short recording and three pictures. In A2 Key Listening Part 1 there are 5 questions. In B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1 there are 7. You hear each recording twice.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Before the audio starts, read the question and look at the three pictures

  2. 2

    Think about how the pictures are different, for example a time, a number or an object

  3. 3

    Expect to hear all three options mentioned. Listen for the one that is the answer

  4. 4

    Listen for changes, such as "No, actually it's on Tuesday"

  5. 5

    Use the second listening to check your answer

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing the first picture you hear mentioned

  • Missing a correction or change of plan near the end

  • Not looking at the pictures before the recording starts

  • Mixing up similar numbers, such as 15 and 50

  • Worrying about one question and missing the next one

Tips for Success

  • Practice saying times, dates and prices out loud

  • Learn common words for food, clothes, transport, weather and places

  • Listen for words like "but", "actually" and "instead"

  • Name each picture in English in your head before you listen

  • Always choose an answer. There is no penalty for a wrong answer

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times will I hear each recording?
Twice.
How many questions are there?
5 in A2 Key Listening Part 1 and 7 in B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1.
Why do I hear all three options?
The speakers often mention all three options to test whether you really understand. Listen for the final answer, not the first word you recognise.

Ready to Practice Listening Multiple Choice with Pictures?

Put these strategies to the test with our free practice exams.

Practice Now

Related Guides

Cambridge

Reading Multiple Choice

Read a text and answer comprehension questions with multiple choice options. Tests detailed understanding.

Cambridge

Gapped Text

Put missing sentences or paragraphs back into a long text. Tests how well you understand the way a text is organised.

Cambridge

Multiple Matching

Match questions or statements to different sections of text. Tests scanning and detailed understanding.

Listening Multiple Choice with Pictures - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

This task tests whether you can understand key facts in short everyday recordings, such as times, prices, places and objects. Each question has a short recording and three pictures. In A2 Key Listening Part 1 there are 5 questions. In B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1 there are 7. You hear each recording twice.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Before the audio starts, read the question and look at the three pictures
  2. Think about how the pictures are different, for example a time, a number or an object
  3. Expect to hear all three options mentioned. Listen for the one that is the answer
  4. Listen for changes, such as "No, actually it's on Tuesday"
  5. Use the second listening to check your answer

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Choosing the first picture you hear mentioned
  • Missing a correction or change of plan near the end
  • Not looking at the pictures before the recording starts
  • Mixing up similar numbers, such as 15 and 50
  • Worrying about one question and missing the next one

Expert Tips

  • Practice saying times, dates and prices out loud
  • Learn common words for food, clothes, transport, weather and places
  • Listen for words like "but", "actually" and "instead"
  • Name each picture in English in your head before you listen
  • Always choose an answer. There is no penalty for a wrong answer

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times will I hear each recording?

Twice.

How many questions are there?

5 in A2 Key Listening Part 1 and 7 in B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1.

Why do I hear all three options?

The speakers often mention all three options to test whether you really understand. Listen for the final answer, not the first word you recognise.

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

Time allowed: 5-8 minutes