Listening for detail · Grade 1

Listening for detail means catching particular facts in something you hear: a name, a time, a number or a place. You usually can't see the words, so you need to know what you are listening for before it starts.

Key facts

  • Before you listen, read the question and decide what kind of answer you need: a number, a time, a name, a place.
  • Listen for the key word of the question; the answer usually comes just before or after it.
  • Be careful with changes: at one o'clock, not twelve. Speakers often correct themselves or change a plan.
  • Words that signal a change or a reason are important: but, because, instead, not.
  • Listen a second time to check your answer. Here you can press Listen as often as you need.

Worked examples

Example 1

You hear: Lunch will be at one o'clock, not twelve, because the train arrives late. Question: What time is lunch?

Answer: at one o'clock

Example 2

You hear: Please be at the front gate by twenty past eight. Question: Where should pupils be?

Answer: at the front gate

Example 3

You hear: She wanted new shoes, but the shop was closed, so we bought fruit instead. Question: What did they buy?

Answer: fruit

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