CELPIP Listening Paraphrases

Summary

This video script explains the concept of paraphrasing, particularly in the context of a listening test. It emphasizes that exact word matches between audio and questions are unlikely, and instead, candidates should focus on recognizing paraphrased meanings. Through various examples, it demonstrates how paraphrases can replace words and phrases in the questions, testing comprehension rather than rote memorization. The script also highlights how paraphrasing may become more complex as the test progresses, urging viewers to focus on understanding the core meaning behind the words in the listening sections.

Takeaways

• 😀 Paraphrasing involves expressing the same idea with different words.
• 😀 In listening tests, exact word matches between the audio and the questions are rare.
• 😀 It's important to identify paraphrases rather than looking for exact word matches in the questions.
• 😀 Paraphrases are used in listening tests to test comprehension rather than simple recognition.
• 😀 Example: 'I missed the bus' and 'I didn’t catch the bus in time' have the same meaning, but use different words.
• 😀 Listening test questions will sometimes rephrase terms like 'rate has gone up' as 'fee has increased'.
• 😀 Paraphrasing also applies to phrases like 'to get some exercise' being used instead of 'to the gym'.
• 😀 The complexity of paraphrasing may increase in later parts of the listening test.
• 😀 The key to success in listening tests is to focus on the meaning of sentences rather than the specific wording.
• 😀 In the example of a conversation about internet service, the paraphrase of 'rate has gone up' as 'fee has increased' is used to test understanding.

Q & A

What is the concept of paraphrasing in the context of the listening test?

Paraphrasing in the listening test means expressing the same idea using different words. For example, 'I missed the bus' can be paraphrased as 'I didn't catch the bus in time.'

Why should you not look for exact word matches between the audio and the questions on the listening test?

The listening test does not expect exact word matches. Instead, you should focus on identifying paraphrases, where the meaning remains the same but the words are different.

How does paraphrasing apply to questions in the listening test?

In the listening test, the wording in the questions will often be a paraphrase of what is said in the audio. You will need to recognize these paraphrases, as they may express the same idea in different ways.

Can you provide an example of paraphrasing in a conversation?

In a conversation where one person says 'I'm heading over to the gym for my weekly workout,' a possible paraphrase in a question might be 'To get some exercise.' The meaning is the same, but different words are used.

What is the importance of identifying paraphrases in the listening test?

Identifying paraphrases is crucial because the questions will rarely repeat the exact words from the audio. Understanding paraphrasing helps you recognize the correct answers even when the wording differs.

How does the paraphrasing in the example about the internet service illustrate the concept?

In the conversation about the internet service, the man says 'my rate has gone up too much,' which is paraphrased in the question as 'fee has increased.' Both phrases communicate the same idea, though different words are used.

What does the listening example about the mayor and the hockey team illustrate regarding paraphrasing?

The mayor's explanation about the city losing money is paraphrased in the question as 'failing to break even.' Both phrases mean that the city was not making enough money to cover costs, though the wording differs.

What should test-takers keep in mind about the complexity of paraphrases in later parts of the listening test?

In the later sections of the listening test, the complexity of the paraphrases increases. Test-takers should be prepared for more challenging phrases that express the same idea using more sophisticated vocabulary or structures.

How is the example of the mayor's statement about the hockey team a more advanced example of paraphrasing?

The phrase 'losing money' is paraphrased as 'failing to break even.' 'Break even' is a more complex term, which makes it a more advanced form of paraphrasing compared to simpler expressions.

Why is it important to focus on meaning rather than exact wording in the listening test?

Focusing on meaning rather than exact wording is essential because the listening test will not use the same words from the audio in the questions. Recognizing paraphrased ideas will help you find the correct answers.