Listening and Writing is a combined part of the telc C2 exam: you listen to a text and summarize the key information in writing. Here are the structure, strategy and exercises.
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Key takeaways
The Listening-and-Writing part is a special feature of the telc C2 exam: instead of separate listening and writing parts, both are combined. You listen to a longer, demanding text – such as a lecture or feature – and then summarize the key information in writing or transfer it into a given frame. You have 60 minutes for it in total.
It is assessed in two areas: content (have you grasped and reproduced the central information fully and correctly?) with 25 points, and linguistic realization (clear structure, own wording, correct and stylistically assured language) with 15 points – 40 points in total.
The difficulty lies in the combination: you have to take notes on what’s important while listening and then put it into writing clearly and correctly in your own words. Whoever only writes down single words or copies the listening text word for word loses points. What’s required is an independent, structured summary.
The combination of close listening and independent writing is demanding. You have to grasp what’s important, summarize it in your own words and formulate it with stylistic assurance.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listen & summarize | Listening & summary | Combining listening and writing | 1 | 40 |
While listening, write keywords for the central information – not full sentences. Focus on core statements, numbers and structure.
Write the summary in your own words. Copying word for word from the listening text scores no points and looks dependent.
A good summary contains the main information, not every detail. Select what is central to understanding.
Structure your summary logically – like the listening text or by topic. Use connectors so the text hangs together.
Both areas count: grasp the content fully (25 points) and write correctly and with stylistic assurance (15 points).
Plan the 60 minutes: listening and note-taking, then writing, then checking. Leave time at the end to check your text.
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A good summary in the C2 format is characterized by:
These phrases help when putting it into writing:
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what does the task look like and what is assessed?
Practice targeted note-taking while listening: listen to a lecture and write only the core statements in keywords.
Practice writing a coherent summary in your own words from keywords.
Learn phrases for introducing, reproducing and summarizing and practice a clear structure.
Practice separating the important from the marginal – a summary doesn’t contain every detail.
Listen to a text and write a complete summary in 60 minutes; check it at the end.
Have your summary assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores content and language.
A combined part: you listen to a longer text and then summarize the key information in writing or transfer it. Listening and writing are tested together.
In two areas: content (have you reproduced the central information fully and correctly?) with 25 points and linguistic realization (structure, own wording, correct language) with 15 points – 40 points in total.
60 minutes in total – including listening, note-taking and writing. Budget your time well and leave time to check.
No, that scores no points. What’s required is an independent summary in your own words.
Listen to demanding lectures, note the core statements and write a summary from them. At Prepliq you practice this with realistic mock exams; a mock scores your text automatically for content and language.
The audio files belong to the official practice test; telc offers them as MP3. We don’t host any audio – use the official practice test or practice with a Prepliq mock.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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