Cambridgereading

Listening Sentence Completion

Listen to a talk and complete sentences with the exact words you hear.

5-6 minutes
B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)

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What is this question type?

This task tests whether you can follow a longer talk and pick out specific information. You hear one speaker give a talk of about three minutes. You complete sentences with a word or short phrase from the recording. B2 First Part 2 has 10 sentences, C1 Advanced Part 2 has 8, and C2 Proficiency Part 2 has 9. You hear the recording twice.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Use the reading time to read every sentence and predict what kind of word fits each gap

  2. 2

    Look at the words before and after each gap. The answer must fit grammatically

  3. 3

    The sentences follow the order of the recording

  4. 4

    Write the words you hear. You do not need to paraphrase

  5. 5

    Expect distractors: the speaker may mention other things that could seem to fit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Writing an answer that repeats words already in the sentence

  • Choosing the first possible word without waiting for the full idea

  • Writing a word that does not fit the grammar of the sentence

  • Losing your place and missing several answers in a row

  • Spelling common words wrong

Tips for Success

  • Listen to talks, lectures and podcasts and note key facts as you go

  • Practice predicting answers: is it a noun, a number, a job or a place?

  • Keep your answers short. Most answers are one to three words

  • If you miss an answer, move on and use the second listening to fill it in

  • Check spelling and singular or plural forms at the end

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the exact words from the recording?
Yes. The answer is a word or short phrase that you hear. You do not need to change it.
Does spelling matter?
Yes. Answers must be spelled correctly. Both British and American spellings are accepted.
How many words should I write?
Usually one to three words. Write only what is needed to complete the sentence.

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Listening Sentence Completion - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

This task tests whether you can follow a longer talk and pick out specific information. You hear one speaker give a talk of about three minutes. You complete sentences with a word or short phrase from the recording. B2 First Part 2 has 10 sentences, C1 Advanced Part 2 has 8, and C2 Proficiency Part 2 has 9. You hear the recording twice.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Use the reading time to read every sentence and predict what kind of word fits each gap
  2. Look at the words before and after each gap. The answer must fit grammatically
  3. The sentences follow the order of the recording
  4. Write the words you hear. You do not need to paraphrase
  5. Expect distractors: the speaker may mention other things that could seem to fit

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Writing an answer that repeats words already in the sentence
  • Choosing the first possible word without waiting for the full idea
  • Writing a word that does not fit the grammar of the sentence
  • Losing your place and missing several answers in a row
  • Spelling common words wrong

Expert Tips

  • Listen to talks, lectures and podcasts and note key facts as you go
  • Practice predicting answers: is it a noun, a number, a job or a place?
  • Keep your answers short. Most answers are one to three words
  • If you miss an answer, move on and use the second listening to fill it in
  • Check spelling and singular or plural forms at the end

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the exact words from the recording?

Yes. The answer is a word or short phrase that you hear. You do not need to change it.

Does spelling matter?

Yes. Answers must be spelled correctly. Both British and American spellings are accepted.

How many words should I write?

Usually one to three words. Write only what is needed to complete the sentence.

Available in: B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Time allowed: 5-6 minutes