CELPIP Listening Part 1: Problem Solving
In Part 1, you hear two people discussing a problem and exploring solutions. You need to identify the main issue, understand the proposed solutions, and grasp the reasoning behind their choices. This is one of the most straightforward parts of the Listening test.
Practice Problem Solving NowWhat Part 1: Problem Solving looks like on test day
You will hear a conversation between two people — usually friends, coworkers, or family members — discussing an everyday problem. The conversation typically runs 1.5 to 2.5 minutes.
The problem might involve a scheduling conflict, a decision about a purchase, planning an event, dealing with a neighbor issue, or resolving a workplace situation. Both speakers share ideas and weigh options.
You will answer 5-8 multiple-choice questions about the conversation. Questions test your ability to identify the main problem, understand each speaker's perspective, recognize the solutions discussed, and determine the final decision.
How to score CLB 9+ on Part 1: Problem Solving
- Read all questions before the audio plays — this tells you exactly what to listen for.
- Pay attention to who says what. Questions often ask about a specific speaker's opinion or suggestion.
- Listen for signal words like "I think we should", "How about", "The problem is", and "Let's go with" — these mark key information.
- Note the final decision or preferred solution. Often the last exchange reveals what they decided.
- Don't overthink — the correct answer is always directly stated or clearly implied in the conversation.
Common mistakes on Part 1: Problem Solving
- Missing the original problem because it is stated in the first 10 seconds. Questions almost always come back to it.
- Choosing the first solution mentioned even when the speakers reject it later in the conversation. Wait for agreement before locking in.
- Confusing what one speaker says with what the other agrees to. Track who proposes vs who accepts — they are scored separately.
- Skipping the option to take notes during the prep time, then losing details mid-question. Always jot down names and numbers.
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Start PracticingPart 1: Problem Solving FAQ
What kind of problems appear in CELPIP Listening Part 1?+
Everyday Canadian situations: choosing a restaurant, planning a trip, resolving a work schedule conflict, deciding on a purchase, dealing with a housing issue. No specialized knowledge is required — all answers come from the conversation.
How many questions are in Part 1?+
You will answer 5 to 8 multiple-choice questions based on one conversation. Each question has 4 answer choices.
Can I listen to the audio more than once?+
On the real CELPIP test, the audio plays only once. On PrepCelpeep practice mode, you can replay to learn. Practice answering after one listen to build real test skills.
What CLB level is Part 1 scored at?+
Part 1 contributes to your overall Listening CLB score (1-12). Getting all Part 1 questions correct supports a CLB 9+ score. Express Entry requires minimum CLB 7.
Is Part 1 the easiest Listening part?+
Many test-takers find Part 1 the most accessible because the conversation is between only two speakers with a clear topic. Parts 5 and 6 (multiple speakers, opposing views) tend to be more challenging.