3 - The FIDE Test: The Listening Part - Comprendre

After successfully passing the oral part of the exam, it's now time for the "Understanding" section: the listening test. This article will introduce you to the structure of each level of the listening section (A1, A2, and B1), along with tips and examples to help you prepare effectively.

1. The "Understanding" Section at A1 Level

The "Understanding" part of the FIDE test is designed to assess comprehension of simple everyday situations. At this level, you will have illustrations in front of you. The examiner will explain the situation and then play an audio recording.

Structure

Two situations will be presented to you, and for each situation, you will need to answer three questions. For each question, you must choose the correct illustration that corresponds to the answer. The recordings are short, between 25 to 35 words. You can listen to them twice if necessary.

Examples

Listen, then answer the question.

You hear an audio that explains the scene, and you must choose the correct illustration. Remember, you do not need to respond orally; just identify the correct image.

Listen, then answer this second question

Listen

2. The "Understanding" Section at A2 Level

The "Understanding" section at A2 level is quite similar to that of A1, but with some differences. Here again, the examiner presents the situation and asks a question, then plays an audio recording.

Structure

The situations are slightly more complex, and the recordings contain between 30 and 45 words. You must choose the illustration that corresponds to the correct answer, but be careful, some recordings may include distractors. These distractors are information that may seem correct but are actually meant to mislead you.

Examples

Listen

Listen

Listen

3. The "Understanding" Section at B1 Level

The B1 level is more challenging, with longer recordings and a more natural speech pace. Here, the main difficulty is that you need to answer the question orally, by forming a complete sentence.

Structure

The examiner explains the situation, then plays the recording. You will then need to answer the question orally, using the information you heard. The recordings contain between 35 and 55 words and often include distractors, making comprehension more complex.

Examples

Listen

Listen

Listen

4. Strategies to Succeed in the "Understanding" Section

• Ask to listen again: If you don't have the answer after the first listen, don't hesitate to ask the examiner to play the recording again.
• Pay close attention to the illustrations: Images are often the key to choosing the correct answer, especially at the A1 level.
• Trust your first impression.
• Review your numbers: Many answers include numbers, times, or dates.

5. Scoring and Points Distribution

Score Distribution Table:

Feedback from Students:

Many students find the B1 section more challenging due to the varied topics and the faster pace. However, it is common for students, even if they are not sure of all their answers and haven’t understood everything, to rely on their intuition, which often guides them correctly. Don't get discouraged, trust your instincts!

6. Resources for Practice

To prepare, feel free to consult the practice exams available online on the official website. These resources will help you get familiar with the test format and build your confidence.

To sum up

- The difficulty level of the listening comprehension exercises depends on the performance in the speaking test (A2-A1 or A2-B1).
- Two situations are presented for each level, with 3 audio recordings per situation.
- For A1 and A2 levels, the participant is provided with sheets containing illustrations. They must respond by selecting the correct image.
- Responses for the B1 level must be given orally.
- The listening comprehension part accounts for one-third of the score, while the speaking part makes up the remaining two-thirds.

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For more information on the "lire et écrire" part of the exam, we invite you to consult the following article