Before You Begin

Understanding the CPE Exam

Read this before Lesson 1. Get the shape of the exam — papers, timing, question types, marking and sample materials — so every lesson lands in context.

Listening

≈ 40 min · 4 parts · 30 items · 20% of the overall mark. Each recording is played twice.

PartNameFormatItems
1Multiple Choice (Short Extracts)3 short unrelated extracts · 2 MCQs each6
2Sentence CompletionMonologue (~3 min) · 8 gapped sentences8
3Multiple Choice (Long Interview)Interview or exchange (~4 min) · 6 four-option MCQs6
4Multiple Matching (×5 speakers)5 short related monologues · 2 tasks · 8 options each10

Part 1 · Multiple Choice (Short Extracts)

Choose the correct answer (A/B/C) for each question.

Tests: Gist, function, detail, attitude, purpose, opinion, agreement.

Part 2 · Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with a word or short phrase from the recording.

Tests: Detail, specific information, stated opinion.

Part 3 · Multiple Choice (Long Interview)

Choose the correct answer (A/B/C/D) for each question.

Tests: Attitude, opinion, gist, detail, inference, implication.

Part 4 · Multiple Matching (×5 speakers)

Match each speaker to one option on each of two tasks.

Tests: Gist, attitude, opinion, main point, feeling, function.