LISTENING: TEST STRATEGIES

Simulated Test Resources:

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Where to Purchase:
​Rules:
  • Try to complete one simulated test without outside help.
  • Check the answers by yourself.
  • Use the self-evaluation form to diagnose your weakness.

Self-Evaluation for Rejoinders

Self-Evaluation for Selection

Suggestions:

Suggestions:

Study Tips for Rejoinders:

Study Tips for Listening Selections:

​If you find the rejoinders difficult, follow these study tips to prepare for the exam.

Vocabulary Building:
  • Practice 20 new vocabulary/phrases daily in Stage 1.
  • Review vocabulary and phrases in Stage 1. 
  • Extensive Listening: Watch Chinese movies and TV programs without subtitles.
  • Listen to Chinese audio materials whenever you have time. (Recommend: ChinesePod).

​Intensive Listening:
  • Make good usage of scripts in AP prep books.
  • Listen to the track on the CD and answer the questions.
  • Read the scripts as loud as possible and as fast as possible.
  • Do not think about the meaning of each word when reading. In other words, do not make your listening comprehension practice into reading comprehension.
  • Listen again to the track on the CD and answer the questions again.
  • Add the important vocabulary words and phrases to your own vocabulary.

​For the listening selections, you need to have powerful note-taking skills, be able to skim the questions and answers quickly, and have some cultural knowledge corresponding to the questions to do well. Follow these study tips to prepare for the listening selections on the exam.

Vocabulary Building:
  • Build your own vocabulary list if you find some topics difficult.

Extensive Listening:
  • Watch Chinese movies and TV programs without subtitles.
  • Listen to Chinese audio materials whenever you have time.
  • Focus on practicing note-taking skills. Choose specific topics such as voice messages, radio reports, instructions, and public announcements when you do extensive listening practice.

​Intensive Listening:
  • Make good use of the audio tracks on the CD and the scripts printed in the AP prep book.
  • Listen to the audio tracks again and answer the questions. Practice taking notes to gradually develop your own system for note taking.
  • Listen another time and refine your notes. Listen to the questions again.
  • Rephrase the content in your own words. It benefits your speaking as well.
  • Build your vocabulary study list by adding the important words and phrases from the listening selections.

Strategies for a 5:

During the test:

  • Mark the answer at your first thought since you have only five seconds for a question. You may change it if needed in this five seconds.
  • Do not bother to think back on the previous question. Pay all attention to the current one.
  • The correct answer continues the dialogue instead of rephrasing it.
  • For the listening rejoinders, click the answer as quickly as possible. You cannot afford to spend a lot of time on these. Always keep in mind that you are looking for an answer continuing the dialogue logically instead of rephrasing the dialogue.
  • For the listening selections, listen to the instructions carefully, noting if the selection is played once or twice. Take notes for the key information. Skip anything you have trouble understanding.
  • Use set phrases and social formulae. Did you know that the rejoinders test your knowledge and skill of “using set phrases and social formulae, communicating opinion, attitude, intent”? You can always guess and predicate the speaker’s reaction. Those phrases and formulae should be one of your highest priorities in listening.