IB French ab initio SL Paper 2 - Listening Comprehension
Understanding the Exam Format
Core Structure
- Total duration: 45 minutes
- Three distinct audio passages
- Question types: Multiple choice, matching, true/false, short answer
- Listening phases: Each passage is played twice
- Reading time: 3 minutes per section
Use the three-minute reading time wisely—underline key words in questions and predict possible answers before listening.
Pre-Exam Preparation
Familiarizing Yourself with the Format
- Understand the types of questions that will appear
- Be aware that audio recordings do not use exact words from the questions
- Train for progressively longer listening tasks
Building Listening Skills
- Listen to authentic French media (TV5Monde, RFI, France Inter)
- Practice with different accents (Swiss, Québécois, African, Belgian)
- Focus on different speaking speeds and tones
- Relying only on one accent—IB exams may include Swiss, Québécois, African, or Belgian French.
- Train with varied sources!
Studying Question Patterns
- Review past papers to identify common question structures
- Learn to recognize distractors in multiple-choice questions
- Differentiate between implied and explicitly stated information
Recognizing Common Traps
- Synonyms: The recording rarely uses exact wording from the questions
- Self-corrections: Speakers may revise statements ("Ah non, je me suis trompé...")
- False friends: Words that sound like English but have different meanings
- Redundant information: Some details are not relevant to the questions
The recording will rarely use the exact same words as the question—expect synonyms or paraphrased information.
Strategies Before the Audio Starts
Maximizing Reading Time
- Read all questions carefully before the audio begins
- Underline key words and note any question triggers
- Predict potential vocabulary that may appear
If questions follow a chronological order, track where in the passage each answer is likely to appear.
Question Analysis
- Identify what form each answer should take
- Pay attention to question layout clues (blank spaces for names, numbers, etc.)
- Recognize synonyms or paraphrases of key words
Preparing for Note-Taking
- Organize your notes by question number
- Use an abbreviation system for faster writing
- Set up columns for different speakers if necessary
Strategies for the First Listening
Understanding Structure
- Identify the number of speakers and their roles
- Note topic transitions and conversation flow
- Focus on general meaning first
Capturing the Main Idea
- Identify the overall tone and purpose
- Don’t get stuck on unfamiliar words
- Listen for connectors ("mais," "cependant," "par contre")
- Distinguish between opinions and factual statements
Getting stuck on unfamiliar words—focus on the general message rather than individual terms.
Strategic Note-Taking
- Record key data: numbers, names, dates, places
- Identify contrasting opinions between speakers
- Mark tone changes and words spoken with emphasis
- Use arrows and symbols to connect related ideas
Question-Specific Listening
- Multiple choice: Note evidence for and against answer choices
- Matching exercises: Track who expresses which ideas
- True/false: Identify evidence confirming or contradicting statements
- Short answer: Focus on specific details requested
The Two-Minute Pause Strategy
Review and Organize Notes
- Evaluate completeness of notes
- Transfer confirmed information to the answer sheet
- Identify gaps or missing details
If an answer doesn’t logically fit, check if you misunderstood the meaning—cross-check with your notes before confirming.
