The best way to prepare for any of the major language exams is to become familiar with the structure of the test and then do some practice tests until you are comfortable with them.
The structure of the FCE listening test
Getting to know the test structure means knowing what kind of dialogue/monologue you will hear. In the FCE listening exam, you will hear monologues (one person talking) such as answer phone messages, information lines, commentaries, radio documentaries and features, instructions, lectures, news, public announcements, publicity and advertisements, reports, speeches, stories and anecdotes, talks. You will also hear dialogues (two people talking) such as conversations, discussions, interviews, quizzes, radio plays, transactions.
PART 1
Question type: Multiple choice.
Listening for: General gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
Format: A series of short (about 30 seconds each), unrelated extracts from monologues or dialogues between speakers. There is one multiple choice question per text, each with three options.
Number of questions: 8
PART 2
Question type: Sentence completion.
Listening for: Detail, specific information, stated opinion.
Format: A monologue or dialogue lasting approximately 3 minutes. Candidates are required to complete the sentences with information heard on the recording.
Number of questions: 10
PART 3
Question type: Multiple matching.
Listening for: General gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
Format: Five short (about 30 seconds each), related monologues. Choose the correct answer from six options.
Number of questions: 5
PART 4
Question type: Multiple choice.
Listening for: Opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific information.
Format: A monologue or dialogue which lasts approximately 3 minutes. There are seven multiple-choice questions, each with three options.
Number of questions: 7
Now that you understand the structure of the FCE listening test, it is all about practice. So get to the bookstore or search online for FCE listening practice to achieve the score that you are after.
