CELPIP Listening Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
In Part 6, you hear two contrasting viewpoints on a single topic. Each speaker presents their position with supporting arguments. You need to identify each speaker's stance, understand their reasoning, and compare their perspectives.
Practice Listening to Viewpoints NowWhat Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints looks like on test day
You will hear two speakers give separate monologues on the same topic — one after the other. Each speaker takes a clear position and supports it with reasons and examples.
The combined audio runs about 2 to 3 minutes. The topic is always accessible: Should employees work from home? Are electric cars worth the cost? Is it better to live in a city or suburb?
Questions test your ability to identify each speaker's main position, understand their supporting arguments, compare and contrast the two viewpoints, and recognize which speaker made a specific claim.
How to score CLB 9+ on Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
- Note each speaker's main position immediately. Speaker 1 says X. Speaker 2 says Y. This is the foundation for all questions.
- Listen for the reasons behind each position. Questions frequently ask WHY a speaker holds their viewpoint, not just what it is.
- Pay attention to specific examples each speaker gives — these are often tested directly.
- Some questions ask what both speakers would agree on, even though they have opposing views. Look for common ground.
- The second speaker may directly reference or counter the first speaker's points. Listen for "Unlike the previous speaker..." or "While some argue..."
Common mistakes on Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
- Mishearing the speaker's overall stance because they present counterarguments before stating their own position.
- Confusing the speaker's tone (sarcastic vs sincere) which can flip the meaning of an answer 180 degrees.
- Choosing options that quote the speaker's words verbatim. These are usually distractors — correct answers paraphrase the meaning.
- Losing focus during the longest audio segment of the test (4–5 minutes). Pace your concentration: peak alertness at the start and end.
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Start PracticingPart 6: Listening to Viewpoints FAQ
How is Part 6 different from Part 5?+
Part 5 is a live discussion where speakers interact and respond to each other. Part 6 features two separate monologues — each speaker presents their view independently. This makes it easier to track who said what but harder to find overlaps.
Is Part 6 the hardest Listening part?+
Many test-takers find Part 6 challenging because you must remember Speaker 1's arguments while listening to Speaker 2. Taking brief notes during Speaker 1's section makes a big difference.
What if the speakers' views are similar?+
Even when speakers seem to agree broadly, they emphasize different aspects or propose different solutions. Questions will test these subtle differences.
How many questions are in Part 6?+
Part 6 has 5 to 8 multiple-choice questions with 4 answer choices each. Some questions apply to one speaker, others compare both.