The CLB 8 Challenge
At CLB 8, Part 5 questions get more specific:
- "What evidence does Speaker A use to support her point?" - "What would Speaker B likely say about Speaker A's suggestion?" - "On what point do the speakers agree?"
You need 6–7 out of 8. The challenge isn't understanding the discussion — it's keeping track of WHO said WHAT and WHY.
The Two-Column System
Use scratch paper with two columns (or three if 3 speakers):
Speaker A | Speaker B pro tech | worried about $ example: saves time | example: training costs "innovation key" | "budget first"
As you listen, jot 2–3-word notes in the correct column. After the audio, this map directly answers most questions.
Critical rule: If you're not sure who said something, DON'T note it. An incorrect attribution is worse than a gap — better to leave a blank in your notes than write it in the wrong column.
Evidence and Example Tracking
CLB 8 questions often ask about the evidence speakers use:
- Statistics: "According to a study..." → note the finding - Examples: "For instance, in our department..." → note the example - Analogies: "It's like when..." → note what it's compared to
Shorthand: Write "A:study→30% better" or "B:eg-marketing dept"
These evidence details become the answers to the hardest Part 5 questions. If you can attribute evidence to the correct speaker, you unlock CLB 8.
The 'Both Agree' Question
Nearly every Part 5 includes a question about what speakers agree on. The trick:
- Speakers who disagree on solutions often agree on the problem - Listen for: "We both know that...", "I agree with you that...", "No question that..." - The common ground is usually stated early in the discussion (before the debate heats up) OR at the very end (as a concluding concession)
Note it specifically: When you hear agreement, write "BOTH: ___" in the center of your notes. This is almost always tested.