🎧 Listening
Candidates should understand individual statements, statements within dialogues and polylogues, as well as longer monologues formulated in the standard variety of the language, within the scope defined by the functional, conceptual, and thematic inventory (see Examination Requirements Standards). They should understand the pragmatic intentions of statements, the main idea of the text (global understanding), and be able to find specific information contained in a statement with a clear structure (detailed understanding), spoken at a normal pace, under good (but not ideal) acoustic conditions, with standard pronunciation and intonation. Recordings may be prepared (studio) or authentic (excerpts from radio and television programs as well as film fragments).
This part of the certification exam consists of 4 – 5 test tasks to be completed within 30 minutes. At the B1 level, both prepared (studio) and authentic (from radio or television) recordings are used for listening. The candidate performs all tasks in the set order (according to the listened recording). The first task is always of the single-statement type, for which the recording is played only once. The remaining recordings are always repeated twice. Pauses between individual playbacks and at the end of the entire test are intended for reflection and correction of answers. It is necessary to listen carefully to the recordings and complete the tasks according to the given examples.
Some tasks require filling in missing words (gaps), while others involve selecting (choosing) the correct answer or matching the appropriate column containing text with another text, image, or photograph. Among the exam tasks, there may also be tasks requiring the creation of a simple sketch or drawing, such as marking a route on a map according to the listened text.
Some tasks require filling in missing words (gaps), while others involve selecting (choosing) the correct answer or matching the appropriate column containing text with another text, image, or photograph. Among the exam tasks, there may also be tasks requiring the creation of a simple sketch or drawing, such as marking a route on a map according to the listened text.
Individuals preparing for the listening comprehension exam at the B1 level should first familiarize themselves with the general description of skills and the list of text types required for understanding at this level (see Examination Requirements Standards).
During preparation, one should not limit themselves solely to working with listening materials (CDs) that accompany B1-level coursebooks.
It is recommended that candidates preparing for the exam also use authentic recordings, listening to as many radio and television broadcasts as possible.
At the initial stage of developing listening comprehension skills, it is advisable to watch television programs more frequently, as understanding is then supported by visuals. Subsequently, various media can be utilized, primarily radio (news, informational programs, weather forecasts, etc.).
Attention should also be paid to understanding texts that appear in various everyday life situations, such as recordings on answering machines, telephone conversations, or announcements over loudspeakers at train stations.
During preparation, one should not limit themselves solely to working with listening materials (CDs) that accompany B1-level coursebooks.
It is recommended that candidates preparing for the exam also use authentic recordings, listening to as many radio and television broadcasts as possible.
At the initial stage of developing listening comprehension skills, it is advisable to watch television programs more frequently, as understanding is then supported by visuals. Subsequently, various media can be utilized, primarily radio (news, informational programs, weather forecasts, etc.).
Attention should also be paid to understanding texts that appear in various everyday life situations, such as recordings on answering machines, telephone conversations, or announcements over loudspeakers at train stations.
Last updated 15.08.2025