C1 Advanced (CAE) Listening Practice Tests

Listening Part 1 — Multiple choice

You will hear three short extracts. For each question choose the best answer (A, B or C). You hear each extract twice.

1. How did the man feel once the exhibition had opened? (A) unexpectedly at ease (B) offended by a visitor's remark (C) let down by the number of visitors
2. What does the man most want from his next exhibition? (A) to sell more of his work (B) to attract people who are new to art (C) to gain recognition from critics
3. What is the man's main criticism of the training scheme? (A) It went on for too long. (B) It covered material the staff already knew. (C) It was too demanding.
4. What do the two speakers agree about? (A) The scheme should be optional for experienced staff. (B) The case studies were the most useful part. (C) The assessment should be made more challenging.
5. What surprised the man about the festival's first year? (A) It attracted more people than predicted. (B) It did not lose money. (C) The weather stayed fine.
6. What does the man suggest was the main reason for the festival's success? (A) the advertising campaign (B) the support of local people (C) the reliable equipment

Listening Part 2 — Sentence completion

You will hear a marine biologist talking about her work. Complete the sentences with a word or short phrase. You hear the recording twice.

1. Listen and write: The speaker's interest in marine life was sparked by a ___ she saw at her grandmother's house.
2. Listen and write: She now spends most of her working time ___ .
3. Listen and write: The team's most important piece of equipment is the underwater ___ .
4. Listen and write: Her main concern for the reefs is the rise in water ___ .
5. Listen and write: To film at night, the team now uses ___ light.
6. Listen and write: The part of her job she values most is taking ___ out on the boat.
7. Listen and write: The advice she gives students is to remain ___ .
8. Listen and write: Next year she hopes to publish her first ___ , aimed at non-specialists.

Listening Part 3 — Multiple choice (conversation)

You will hear two friends, Mark and Sophie, discussing volunteering abroad. Choose the best answer (A, B, C or D). You hear the recording twice.

1. What had made Sophie hesitate about joining the project? (A) worries about the cost (B) doubts about how useful she would be (C) concern about her level of Spanish (D) her mother's objections
2. What finally persuaded Sophie to sign up? (A) her cousin's positive experience (B) the frankness of the project coordinator (C) a reduced price for a longer stay (D) the chance to work with turtles
3. What does Sophie expect to find most difficult? (A) the climate (B) the physical work (C) the lack of contact with home (D) the food
4. What does Sophie most hope to gain from the experience? (A) a qualification to improve her job prospects (B) greater ease with people she doesn't know (C) a better knowledge of wildlife (D) the ability to speak Spanish fluently
5. What is Mark's attitude to volunteering abroad? (A) He doubts how much it benefits local communities. (B) He regrets never having done it himself. (C) He thinks it is too expensive for most people. (D) He believes volunteers are poorly prepared.
6. How does Sophie feel about going now? (A) relieved that the decision has been made for her (B) anxious that she has chosen the wrong project (C) determined, although aware it will be hard (D) less enthusiastic than she was at first

Listening Part 4 — Multiple matching

You will hear five people talking about a job they once had. You hear the recording twice. While you listen, complete BOTH tasks.