EOI B1&B2 Module 3. LISTENING. Tips & Practice

🎧 Part 1: Multiple Choice (The "Context" Clues)

Topic: Smartwatches, AI Art, Passwords

Tip: Listen for "Technical" vs. "Personal". In the smartwatch question (Q1), the man describes technical features (battery, tracking), but the question asks what he likes most.
- Student Strategy: They must listen for "emotive" language like "I'm a big fan of..." or "What really draws me to it is..." to find his personal preference.
Tip: The "Agreement" Signal. For the AI Art question (Q2), both friends will speak.
- Student Strategy: Students should ignore the points where they disagree. Look for phrases like "I couldn't agree more" or "That's a valid point." Whatever follows that phrase is the answer.

Topic: Prof. Julian Vance on AI Daily Habits

Tip: Singular vs. Plural. A very common mistake in B2 is hearing "algorithms" (plural) and writing "algorithm" (singular).
- Student Strategy: Tell them to look at the verb following the gap. If it says "algorithms are used," the "s" is mandatory. If the grammar is wrong, the point is lost.
Tip: The "Hyphenated" Word. In Q13, the answer is "hyper-personalization."
- Student Strategy: B2 level loves compound words. Warn them to listen for long, complex nouns. If they can't spell the whole word, tell them to write it phonetically first and correct it during the second listening.
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Topic: Why I bought this gadget

Tip: Functional Synonyms. The options use general categories (e.g., "Reduce chores"). The speakers will use specific examples (e.g., "I don't have to push a heavy vacuum around anymore").
- Student Strategy: They should create a "mental link" before listening.
  - "Creative hobby" = Drawing, music, editing.
  - "Stay connected" = Wi-Fi, battery, roaming.
Tip: The "Boredom" Trap. One speaker might mention they were "bored," but the reason they bought the gadget was actually a "YouTube recommendation."
- Student Strategy: Don't match the first word you hear. Match the purpose of the purchase.

Topic: Clara Simmons (Gadget Reviewer)

Tip: Follow the "Tech Trend" transitions. Clara will jump from phones to wearable tech to repair laws.
- Student Strategy: Use the Keywords in the questions to know when she has moved on. If she starts talking about "sustainability" (Q30), and they are still on "repair" (Q26), they must skip ahead immediately.
Tip: Distinguishing Opinion from Fact. Q24 asks what Clara thinks. She might mention a fact (foldable phones exist) but give an opinion (they are too expensive).
- Student Strategy: Focus on "Opinion Indicators" like "In my view," "To be honest," or "If you ask me."

Ensure your students know these words before they take the Google Form:

Algorithm: A set of rules for a computer (music/ad predictions).
Sleek: Smooth and elegant (describing gadget design).
Digital Detox: A period of time staying away from screens.
Hyper-personalization: When tech knows exactly what you specifically want.
Foldable: Screens that can bend or fold.
Sustainable: Tech that doesn't hurt the environment.