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CELPIP Listening Part 1: Problem Solving

Follow the problem to the final decision

Learn to separate what someone suggests from what the speakers finally agree to do.

Guide 1 of 6 in the Listening path · Reviewed

Know the task

Part 1 has eight questions across three sections of one conversation. Questions are heard individually after each section; you read the answer choices.

See the official CELPIP test format

A useful approach

  1. 1

    Identify the problem and deadline

    Note what the customer needs and when they need it. Here, the trousers are too long and the event is on Friday.

  2. 2

    Check whether each suggestion works

    The speakers may discuss several ideas. Note each suggestion, then cross it out if someone says why it will not work.

  3. 3

    Note the final agreement

    Look for words such as “That works.” Write down what the customer will do next, who will help, and when it will happen.

  4. 4

    Answer the question being asked

    A question about the problem asks why the customer came in. A question about the next action asks what they decided to do. Use the part of the conversation that answers that question.

See it in an example

A customer needs their trousers shortened before an event on Friday. Read how they and the shop assistant find a solution.

Conversation transcript · Select a passage to see its explanation.

Need and deadline

The problem is length. Friday evening is the event, not the collection time.

Check your understanding

What does the customer decide to do?

A common mistake

Choosing a suggestion that the customer rejected.

Less useful: The customer will exchange the trousers for a shorter grey pair.

More specific: The customer needs navy trousers, so they will ask another tailor to shorten them and collect them on Thursday.

The assistant offered the grey pair, but the customer said no. Choose the plan the customer actually accepted.

Useful language in context

have something altered

Ask someone to change a piece of clothing so it fits.

I need to have this jacket altered before the ceremony.

that works

That plan is suitable.

Thursday at two? That works for me.

ready by

Finished at or before a particular time.

The order will be ready by Wednesday afternoon.

Try it yourself

  1. Read the conversation above again. On paper, write why the customer needs help.
  2. Write down the two options that do not work. Add a short reason for each.
  3. Write the final plan: which tailor will the customer visit, and when will they collect the trousers?
  4. Compare your notes with the conversation. Keep the event date and collection date separate.
Practise this part free