Task Types in Listening Comprehension

In the EPD exam, you receive two listening texts with different task formats. You hear each text twice. There are three possible task types in the listening comprehension section.

Overview

Task 1 -- Single Choice (7 Points)

You listen to a report and then answer 7 questions. Each question is an incomplete statement with three possible completions (a, b, c). Only one answer is correct.

Before the first listening, you have 90 seconds to read the questions. Use this time actively -- it is your most important advantage.

Strategy:

• Read all questions during the preparation time. Highlight key words in the questions and answer options. This way, you know exactly what to listen for.
• Mark your answers while listening. Do not wait until the end of the text -- mark your answer as soon as you hear the relevant passage.
• Use the second listening to verify. Check your answers and correct where needed. Focus especially on the questions you were unsure about.
• Use the process of elimination. If the correct answer is not immediately obvious, cross out the clearly wrong options. Often only two remain -- which significantly increases your chances.

Task 2 -- Short Answers (8 Points)

You listen to a report and answer 8 direct questions. Your answers must be no more than 5 words long.

The questions are direct: Who? What? Where? When? How many? The aim is to extract specific information from the listening text -- not to interpret or give opinions.

Strategy:

• Note key words during the first listening. Write down the most important information in brief notes -- names, numbers, places, times.
• Complete your answers during the second listening. Fill in what you missed the first time and check your notes.
• Keep answers short and precise. Write only what is necessary. Full sentences are not required and cost unnecessary time. Two to three words are often enough.
• Pay attention to the question words. The question word tells you exactly what type of information is needed: a person, a place, a number, a point in time.

Task 3 -- Complete Notes (8 Points)

You listen to a radio programme and fill in 8 gaps in structured notes (a Mitschrift). Each gap takes exactly one word.

The notes contain headings and bullet points that reflect the structure of the programme. This means you can see before listening which topics will be discussed and in what order the information appears.

Strategy:

• Read the notes carefully before listening. They show you the structure of the listening text -- which topics are covered and roughly what comes when. This is an enormous advantage.
• Fill in the obvious gaps during the first listening. Some words almost suggest themselves from context. Enter these immediately.
• Complete and check during the second listening. Fill in the remaining gaps and make sure your words fit grammatically and in terms of content.
• Pay attention to the words before and after the gap. They often reveal which part of speech is needed (noun, verb, adjective) and narrow down the possibilities.