CELPIP LISTENING 2026 – TIP #1 MASTERCLASS

 CELPIP LISTENING 2026 – TIP #1 MASTERCLASS

PART 1: PROBLEM SOLVING

What is Part 1?

In Part 1, two people discuss a problem and possible solutions.

Your job is NOT to understand every word.

Your job is to identify:

✅ The problem

✅ The options discussed

✅ The final solution

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The Biggest Secret

Many students choose the first solution they hear.

CELPIP usually places the correct answer near the end of the conversation.

Formula

Problem → Discussion → Options → Final Solution

Always focus on the LAST solution.

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The 5 Solution Words

These words frequently signal the correct answer.

1. Replace

Example:

Customer: My modem stopped working yesterday.

Agent: We can replace the modem free of charge.

✅ Correct Answer: Replace the modem

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2. Refund

Example:

Customer: The shoes arrived damaged.

Agent: We can issue a full refund within 5 business days.

✅ Correct Answer: Provide a refund

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3. Reschedule

Example:

Customer: I cannot attend the appointment tomorrow.

Agent: No problem. We can reschedule it for Friday.

✅ Correct Answer: Move the appointment to Friday

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4. Alternative

Example:

Customer: The hotel room I booked is unavailable.

Agent: We can offer an alternative room with a sea view.

✅ Correct Answer: Offer another room

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5. Arrange

Example:

Customer: The package never arrived.

Agent: I will arrange a new delivery immediately.

✅ Correct Answer: Arrange another delivery

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Example 1

Transcript

Man: My internet has not worked for three days.

Agent: I apologize for the inconvenience. We can replace your modem and send a technician tomorrow.

Question

What solution does the agent suggest?

A. Cancel service

B. Replace the modem and send a technician

C. Upgrade the plan

D. Wait one week

Answer

✅ B

Why?

The keyword replace signals the solution.

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Example 2

Transcript

Woman: I missed my dentist appointment.

Receptionist: The doctor is unavailable tomorrow. However, we can reschedule your appointment for Monday.

Question

What does the receptionist offer?

A. A refund

B. Another dentist

C. A new appointment date

D. A discount

Answer

✅ C

Why?

The keyword reschedule means change the appointment date.

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Example 3

Transcript

Customer: I ordered a blue jacket but received a black one.

Agent: I understand. We can either provide a refund or replace the item.

Customer: I would prefer a replacement.

Question

What solution will be provided?

A. Refund

B. Discount

C. Replacement

D. Store credit

Answer

✅ C

Why?

The final agreed solution is replacement

Example 4 (Trap Question)

Transcript

Customer: I want a refund.

Agent: Unfortunately, refunds are not available. However, I can arrange a replacement.

Question

What solution does the agent offer?

A. Refund

B. Replacement

C. Cancellation

D. Store credit

Answer

✅ B

Why?

Many students choose A because they hear "refund."

But the agent rejected that option.

The final solution is replacement.

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Common Traps

Trap 1

Listening to the problem instead of the solution.

❌ Wrong

"My internet isn't working."

✅ Correct

"We can replace your modem."

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Trap 2

Choosing the first option mentioned.

Agent: We can refund you.

Actually, we can replace it faster.

✅ Correct Answer: Replace it

Trap 3

Missing contrast words

Watch for:

⚠️ However

⚠️ But

⚠️ Instead

⚠️ Unfortunately

⚠️ Actually

⚠️ Rather than

These words often change the answer.

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CLB 12 Shortcut

When listening:

1. Identify the problem.

2. Ignore unnecessary details.

3. Listen for:

Replace

Refund

Reschedule

Alternative

Arrange

4. Focus on the final 20 seconds.

5. Choose the final agreed solution.

Practice Question

Transcript

Customer: My order still hasn't arrived.

Agent: The original shipment was lost. I can arrange a new delivery tomorrow.

Question

What will happen next?

A. The order will be cancelled.

B. The customer will receive a refund.

C. A new delivery will be organized.

D. The customer will wait another week.

Answer

✅ C

Why?

The keyword arrange signals the final solution.

Golden Rule

In CELPIP Part 1, the correct answer is usually the FINAL SOLUTION, not the original problem.