Before the audio begins, read each question and ask what kind of answer it needs. A number, a place, a reason and a time are all different targets, and knowing the target helps you catch it.
This lesson is part of listening skills. It comes first because the other three lessons need you to know what you are listening for.
What is the three-step routine?
Step 1: underline the key words in the question. Step 2: name the answer type, such as time or place. Step 3: think of other words the speaker might use for the same idea.
Write a short note beside the question, like “time” or “reason”. It reminds you what to listen for.
Worked example: a notice about a club
Question: “What must members bring to the first meeting?” You underline bring and first meeting and note the type: an object. Other words the speaker might use: take, carry, remember to have.
Script (have someone read it aloud at normal speed): “Welcome to the photography club. At our first session on Friday, please remember to have a charged phone or a camera with you. There is no need to buy anything special.”
Because you predicted an object and a phrase like remember to have, you catch “a charged phone or a camera” as the answer. The phrase “no need to buy anything special” is a distractor, so ignore it.
| Question key words | Predicted type | Audio wording |
|---|---|---|
| bring, first meeting | an object | “remember to have”, “a charged phone or a camera” |
The mistake that costs marks
The common slip is to wait for the same word as the question. The speaker never says “bring”, so the answer goes past unnoticed.
| Step | Wrong | Right |
|---|---|---|
| Listening target | The exact word “bring” | The idea of an object to carry |
| Note | None | “object” |
| Result | Misses the answer | Catches “a charged phone or a camera” |
The fix is to prepare two or three alternative words before the audio starts.
What if the answer type is unclear?
Some questions are open, such as “Why did the speaker change plans?” Predict a reason and listen for words like “because” and “so”.
If you still cannot predict, at least decide whether the answer is a fact, a number or a reason.
Check yourself
Read the script aloud, or ask someone to, with the page covered. Question: “How will the speaker travel to the camp?” Script: “I thought about the bus, but the tickets were sold out. So my uncle will drive me there on Saturday.” Predict the type, then answer.
Answer
Predicted type: a means of transport, with alternative words such as go by, take, drive.
Answer: by car, driven by the speaker’s uncle. The bus is a distractor because the speaker rejects it.
What to study next
Go on to recognising numbers, dates and similar sounds. You can also practise with the original listening practice player. If you would like a teacher to play clips with you, see online one-to-one English tuition.