LanguageCert Academic Listening: how to use the second listening well

Hearing every recording twice sounds generous, and it is. But the second play only helps if you know what to do with it. Candidates who listen twice in the same way often make the same mistake twice.

A plan for every part: first play, second play

First play: understand the situation and choose a provisional answer. Mark anything you are unsure about.

Second play: listen specifically for the moments behind your doubtful answers. Speakers often mention one option and then reject it ("I was going to take the bus, but…"). The second play is where you catch that.

Do not leave answers blank after the first play. A provisional answer that you check is better than a blank you have to fill in a hurry.

Part 1: unfinished dialogues

You hear one line, and you choose the best reply. The trap is the option that repeats a word from the line but makes no sense as a reply.

"Have you finished marking the survey forms yet?" A. About half. I'll do the rest tonight. B. The forms are on the marking table. C. Yes, I surveyed the whole class.

B and C borrow "forms" and "survey". Only A answers the question. Ask yourself: is the speaker asking, complaining, offering or giving news? Then choose the reply that responds to that.

Part 2: short conversations

Each conversation has two questions, usually one about a reason or problem and one about what someone decides or will do next. Decisions often come at the end, after a change of mind. Read both questions before the recording starts so you know what you are listening for.

Part 3: lecture notes

You complete seven gaps with no more than three words. Three habits save marks:

• Use the speaker's words. If you hear "carbon capture", write that, not "storing CO2".
• Check grammar. The gap must fit the sentence. If the note says "Most energy now comes from wind, solar and ___", a noun is needed.
• Spell carefully. Spelling mistakes cost marks. Plurals matter too.

The notes follow the order of the lecture, so if you lose your place, jump to the next gap rather than waiting.

Part 4: the discussion

Three speakers, often a tutor and two students, discuss an academic issue. The questions test opinions: who agrees, who changes their mind, what they finally decide. Write a quick initial next to each idea as you hear it, for example "M: cost, J: safety first". On the second play, check the key phrases: "You've got a point there", "I'm not convinced", "I'd go along with that".

Practice routine that works

1. Take a short academic podcast or lecture and listen once for the main idea.
2. Listen again and write the five most important phrases word for word.
3. Check against a transcript and notice what you missed: numbers, linking words or names.
4. Once a week, do a full timed Listening test to build concentration over 30 questions.

Our free Listening practice has Part 1 and Part 4, each played twice, with an instant 0–100 estimate.