Listening Part 4 C1 Advanced (CAE) Strategy - How to pass Multiple Matching Listening

Many students spend too much time reading the options and not enough time listening to what’s actually being said. The key is.

Hayley Morris

Found and Head Teacher

Cambridge C1

After teaching the Cambridge C1 exam for over 10 years, I can say without a doubt that the most hated part of the CAE exam for my students (apart from Key Word Transformation) is Listening Part 4 Multiple Matching. And I can understand why! It's really tricky, but don't worry! I'm here to walk you through a simple listening strategy that I've used with all my advanced students that boosted their confidence and their score!

What is C1 Listening Part 4?

This section is not just about understanding what is said, but also about matching what you hear to specific information provided in a series of options. Sounds challenging, right? Well, it is! Here’s what you need to know:

Listening Part 4 Multiple Matching Format:

Part 4 consists of a series of five short monologues on a theme. The text is 3–4 minutes in length with each monologue lasting approximately 30 seconds. The monologues represent spontaneous speech, delivered in an informal spoken style by speakers with a range of backgrounds and voices. There are two parallel multiple-matching tasks, each with a different focus. In each case, the correct option has to be chosen from a list of eight.

What it tests:

Understanding gist
Identifying main points
Attitudes & feelings
Speakers opinion
Speakers purpose

Why Is It So Difficult?

The main challenge with the Multiple Matching task in the C1 Advanced exam is the sheer volume of information. With 16 different options and multiple questions, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Many students spend too much time reading the options and not enough time listening to what’s actually being said. The key is to reverse that habit—focus more on listening attentively.

C1 Listening Part 4 Strategy

To pass this part 4 of the listening exam, you can follow this five-step strategy. Each step is designed to help focus on LISTENING, not reading.

1. Listen the First Time and Ignore the Options

For the first run-through, just listen. Ignore the options entirely and focus solely on the questions. This helps in understanding the context and main ideas without getting distracted by the details in the options.

Example Approach:

If the question is about a speaker’s opinion on technology, concentrate on understanding the overall sentiment expressed about technology, rather than looking for specific phrases.

2. Listen for the Answer to the Question, Not the Options

While you listen, focus on LISTENING for answers or information that directly respond to the QUESTIONS (not the options). This means honing in on specific details, opinions, or facts mentioned that relate directly to each question's focus.

Example Approach:

When the question asks about the disadvantages of modern technology, listen specifically for phrases or keywords that signify downsides or negative aspects.

3. Write Notes That Answer the Question

Jot down brief notes or keywords that encapsulate the answers you hear. This active form of listening keeps you engaged with the content and helps in better retention of information.

Example Approach:

Note down succinct phrases like "reduces face-to-face interaction" or "increases dependency" which might relate to the disadvantages of technology.

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Need more help with Listening? Check out my C1 Advanced Listening Course

4. Listen a Second Time, Look at the Options but Still Focus on the Questions and LISTEN

During the second listening, glance over the options but keep your focus on listening. With the context and main ideas already noted, you can now match these to the options more effectively.

Example Approach:

As you listen to details about "reduces face-to-face interaction," check which option best matches this idea.

5. Match Your Notes to the Options

Finally, use your notes to methodically go through each option. By now, you should be able to quickly identify which options match the notes you’ve taken. This step is crucial as it ties your active listening efforts to the task of answering questions accurately.

Example Approach:

Compare notes directly with each option, ruling out those that don’t match and confirming those that do.

Passing the Listening Part 4 Multiple Matching section of the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam requires practice, focus, and a strategic approach. By shifting your focus from reading to listening, taking concise notes, and matching intelligently, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, practice is key—so grab every opportunity to listen to English in various forms and keep honing your skills. You've got this! Now go out there, listen up, and ace that exam!

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Listening Part 4 C1 Advanced (CAE) Strategy - How to pass Multiple Matching Listening

Many students spend too much time reading the options and not enough time listening to what’s actually being said. The key is.

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