CELPIP Listening Part 5: Discussion
In Listening Part 5 you watch a video of about 1.5 to 2 minutes in which three people discuss a situation, then answer about 8 questions in about 9 minutes.
Practice Discussion NowThe official format of Listening Part 5: Discussion
CELPIP's official strategies for Listening Part 5
From CELPIP's Listening Pro Study Pack (2026).
- Set up your notes for 3 speakers before the audio starts.
- Label them according to the speakers' positions on screen as they are introduced.
- Identify the topic of the conversation.
- Identify how each speaker feels about the situation and why.
- Note what the speakers agree and disagree about.
- Focus on what the speakers say. You will not be tested on visual details unrelated to the conversation.
- Use facial expressions and body language to help you identify feelings and attitudes.
- Give yourself roughly 30 seconds to answer each question, and answer the ones you feel confident about first.
A note template for Part 5
Set up three columns before the video starts, labeled by where each speaker sits on screen.
A worked CELPIP Listening Part 5 example
You will watch three neighbors discussing plans for a block party.
Read the conversation
Woman (left): So, are we still having the block party on the last Saturday of the month? I already told a few families.
Man (middle): I'd like to, but I checked the forecast, and it might rain that weekend. Maybe we should move it to the Sunday after.
Woman (right): Sunday is tricky. A lot of people work early on Monday, so they won't stay late. I'd rather keep Saturday and rent a tent, just in case.
Woman (left): A tent is a good idea, but who's paying for it? Last year we went over budget, and I ended up covering the difference myself.
Man (middle): Fair point. What if every family brings a dish to share, instead of us buying all the food? Then the money can go to the tent.
Woman (right): I love that. Honestly, a potluck feels friendlier anyway. People like sharing their own cooking.
Woman (left): Okay, I'm convinced. Saturday, a rented tent, and everyone brings a dish. I'll send the message to the street tonight.
Man (middle): Great. I'll call the rental place tomorrow morning and ask what they have.
- What are the neighbors mainly discussing?
- how to clean up after a party
- their plans for a block party
- a problem with a rental company
- which families to invite
- Why does the man suggest moving the party to Sunday?
- More families are free on Sunday.
- The tent is cheaper on Sunday.
- The woman on the left is busy that Saturday.
- It might rain on Saturday.
- How does the woman on the left feel about last year's party?
- unhappy that she paid extra
- proud that they saved money
- surprised that it cost so little
- unsure who organized it
- What do the neighbors decide?
- to move the party to Sunday
- to cancel the party this year
- to keep Saturday, rent a tent, and have everyone bring a dish
- to spend the whole budget on food
- Who will contact the rental place?
- the woman on the left
- the man in the middle
- the woman on the right
- all three neighbors together
Show the answers and why
- B. Every turn is about the party: the date, the weather, the tent and the food.
- D. He says, "I checked the forecast, and it might rain that weekend."
- A. She says she "ended up covering the difference" herself, which is why she asks who will pay for the tent.
- C. The woman on the left sums it up: "Saturday, a rented tent, and everyone brings a dish."
- B. The man says, "I'll call the rental place tomorrow morning."
In the real test this is a video of about 1.5 to 2 minutes with about 8 questions. This shorter example shows the shape: three speakers, a disagreement, and a decision.
A free CELPIP Listening Part 5: Discussion practice question
Neighbors Planning a Block Party
This free question has 8 questions. The audio plays once, as on the real test, so you need to listen to answer them. Here are the first 3:
- What is the discussion mainly about?
- deciding whether to hold a party
- starting a new street tradition
- a city rule about closing streets
- bringing back a street party
- What is Nasrin's attitude toward the city's rules?
- respect
- frustration
- gratitude
- worry
- What does Nasrin say about the signatures?
- Collecting them will be slow.
- The city needs a printed form.
- Some neighbors aren't in the group chat.
- Many houses would refuse to sign.
Common mistakes on Part 5: Discussion
- Not setting up notes for three speakers before the video starts.
- Watching for visual details. CELPIP says you will not be tested on things like clothes or objects on a table.
- Forgetting who agreed with whom. Note agreement and disagreement as you go.
- Spending too long on one question. Give yourself roughly 30 seconds for each.
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Start PracticingPart 5: Discussion FAQ
How many questions are in CELPIP Listening Part 5?+
About 8, in about 9 minutes.
How many speakers are in Listening Part 5?+
Three, in one video clip of about 1.5 to 2 minutes.
Do I need to remember what the speakers look like?+
No. CELPIP says you will not be tested on visual details such as clothes. Use facial expressions and body language only to understand feelings.
How should I take notes in Part 5?+
Set up notes for three speakers before the video starts, and label them by their positions on screen as they are introduced.