Key Idea: Paper 2 listening uses four question types: multiple choice, choosing true statements, gap-fill and short answers. Each has its own routine, and each starts with reading the question first.
Multiple choice
- One correct option, no half marks.
- Read all the options, then cross out the wrong ones.
- Trap: a word you heard can sit in a wrong option.
- Don't change a right answer on the second listen.
True/False: choose the true statements
- Choose exactly the number of true statements asked.
- Pick only what the recording proves. You don't write a justification.
- Watch the time: {{antes|before}} vs {{ahora|now}}.
Gap-fill
- Write the word you hear. Small spelling slips are fine unless they change the meaning.
- Predict the word type first: a noun, a verb, an adjective?
- The word must fit the sentence. Write no more than it needs.
Short answer
- A few words, not a sentence.
- Answer exactly what is asked. Content counts, not style.
- Never leave a blank: you hear it twice.
Listening strategies
- Predict the vocabulary before you listen.
- First listen for the gist, second for details and checking.
- Guess unknown words from the words around them. Don't freeze on one.
- Listen to the tone too: many answers are inferred.
Listen for meaning, not for every word.
Gap-fill: you hear «tradición» and write «tradicion». Do you get the mark? Yes. A missing accent is accepted when the meaning stays clear.
The task says choose three true statements. You choose four. You lose marks. Choose exactly three.
The speaker says «antes jugaba al fútbol». Does she play now? No. «Antes» and the imperfect show she used to.
Do you write a full sentence for a short answer? No, just the right detail.
Which question type has no half marks? Multiple choice.