What Is Part 3?
Part 3 features a longer informational conversation — usually someone seeking information from a professional (hotel clerk, event organizer, travel agent, etc.). You get 6 questions with 30 seconds each.
This conversation contains many details — names, numbers, dates, prices, instructions. You can't remember all of them. The strategy is knowing which ones matter BEFORE you hear them.
Preview Questions to Know What Matters
This is the most important step for Part 3:
1. Read as many questions as possible before audio plays 2. Underline/note keywords: "price," "location," "time," "requirement" 3. These are your listening targets
Example: If questions ask about "membership fees" and "operating hours," you know to listen for numbers and times — you can safely ignore descriptions of the facility's history.
Without previewing, you'll try to remember everything and end up overwhelmed by the detail density.
Note Numbers and Names
Part 3 is number-heavy. Write down:
- Prices: $25, $40 per month, 10% discount - Times: 9 AM – 5 PM, every Tuesday, June 15 - Quantities: 3 rooms, 50 seats, maximum 10 people - Names/locations: Central Library, Room 204, Johnson Building
Use a quick format: "$25/mo, 9-5, max 10"
At CLB 7, getting the numbers right gives you 3–4 of the 6 answers.
Listen for Corrections
A common Part 3 trap: the speaker corrects themselves or the other person corrects them:
- "It's $25... actually no, it went up to $30 last month" - "Did you say Tuesday?" — "No, Thursday"
If you wrote down the first number, you'll get the question wrong. Always listen for correction signals: "actually," "sorry, I meant," "no, it's," "wait, let me check."
Rule: The LAST number/detail stated is the correct one.
Time Management for Part 3
30 seconds per question:
- Questions involving numbers you wrote down → answer in 10 seconds - Questions involving reasoning or purpose → take the full 30 seconds - If stuck, eliminate options with numbers you DIDN'T hear, then guess
Part 3 rewards preparation (previewing questions) more than any other part. If you previewed well, it's straightforward. If you didn't, it's a scramble.