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For screen-reader or voice-recognition users, we recommend an accessible version of this activity.
Listening
You have a set of six choices to describe different aspects of your listening ability.
Choose the statement that you fully understand and that best sums up your level of English for this skill.
Listening 1 - Conversations and discussions
I can understand simple greetings such as 'hello' and 'good bye', and simple questions such as 'What's your name?', or 'Where do you live?'
I can understand most questions addressed to me in a simple conversation about a familiar topic, with the help of the other person.
I can follow everyday conversations if people speak slowly, clearly and are willing to repeat certain words and phrases.
As well as everyday conversations, I can follow a short talk on a familiar topic, if it is clearly presented.
I can understand the details of any conversation as well as talks on topics that interest me, even if the language is complex.
I can understand specialised debates, talks or presentations, even when they use specific and complex terms (for instance, a formal lecture at college or university).
Listening 2 – General information and recordings
I can understand basic information that includes numbers or times such as ‘It's fifteen euros’ or ‘The train leaves at half past three.’
I can understand the words and expressions used in shops, banks or restaurants as well as simple phone messages.
I can understand the main points of radio and TV programmes on familiar topics, when the delivery is slow and clear.
I can understand most TV and radio programmes as well as films if they are in a standard dialect.
I can understand TV and radio programmes as well as films on any topic, even when they use idioms or slang.
I can understand all types of recorded speech, identifying subtle meanings and emotions.
Listening 3 – Instructions and technical information
I can understand basic instructions such as ‘Press the yellow button to start,’ or ‘Take the second street on the left.’
I can catch the main point in short, simple messages and instructions such as which platform my train is leaving from.
I can also understand simple technical information such as how to use everyday equipment.
I can follow a technical discussion on a familiar topic and identify the main ideas.
I can understand complex technical information and instructions, even on the phone.
I have no difficulty in understanding complex and technical information even when it is delivered at a fast pace and the sound quality is poor.