Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints

One speaker argues a case. You follow the thesis, the evidence and the structure.

3 min · 6 questions · 4 min total

What this part tests

A monologue where a speaker presents a detailed argument or viewpoint. You must understand the thesis, supporting evidence, and overall argument structure.
A single audio followed by 6 dropdown-style questions displayed on screen.

Key strategies

Identify the thesis statement early

The speaker usually states their main position within the first 15-20 seconds. Everything else supports this thesis.

Map the argument structure

Listen for how the speaker builds their case. Each reason typically corresponds to a question.

Listen for“My first reason is…”“Furthermore…”“The most important factor is…”

Distinguish between the speaker's view and counterarguments

Speakers often acknowledge opposing views before dismissing them ("Some people say X, but I believe Y"). Questions may test whether you know which position the speaker actually holds.

Listen for the conclusion

The final 15-20 seconds usually contain a summary or call to action. This often answers the "main idea" question.

Pro tip. If a question asks for the "main purpose" or "main argument," it will be the broadest, most general answer, not a specific detail. Specific details are supporting evidence, not the thesis.

Common mistakes

Choosing a counterargument the speaker mentioned but disagreed with

Missing the distinction between examples (supporting detail) and the main point they illustrate

Confusing a minor supporting point with the speaker's primary argument

What it looks like

Note: In the real exam, the audio plays once with no replay and no pause. The questions are also audio-only and will not appear as text on screen.

Instructions:

You will hear a report. The report presents different viewpoints on facial recognition technology.

Listen to the conversation.

00:0002:59

Choose the best way to complete each statement from the drop-down menu.

1.The city council is evaluating a plan to install facial recognition technology in central locations to

How to apply the strategies

Strategy #1 (Identify the thesis early): The speaker states the thesis early, mentioning the city council's proposal for public safety.
The speaker connects the technology to "identifying suspects and deterring criminal activity," which maps to option C.
Strategy #3 (Speaker's view vs counterarguments): Options A and B sound like things facial recognition could do, but the speaker never claims these as the council's goal. Only choose what was actually stated.

Part 6 of 6