ELSA Listening Strategies & Note Taking 3

Question 1

Which graphic organizer is BEST suited for capturing a cause-and-effect relationship during a lecture?

Accepted Answer

Fishbone or arrow diagram

Answer

A fishbone or arrow diagram visually maps causes leading to an effect, matching the logical structure of the content.

Question 2

A student misses a word while listening to a recorded passage. What is the BEST immediate strategy?

Accepted Answer

Use context clues from surrounding sentences to infer meaning

Answer

Context clues allow listeners to reconstruct meaning without disrupting the flow of comprehension.

Question 3

Which feature of a speaker's voice BEST indicates that a new major topic is beginning?

Accepted Answer

A pause followed by a drop in pitch on a new phrase

Answer

A pause followed by a pitch reset signals a topic boundary, helping listeners organize notes into sections.

Question 4

What is the PRIMARY purpose of leaving wide margins when taking notes?

Accepted Answer

To add clarifications, questions, or missed details later

Answer

Wide margins provide space for post-lecture additions that enhance and complete the original notes.

Question 5

During an academic listening task, you hear: 'In contrast to the previous theory…' This phrase signals that the next information will be:

Accepted Answer

A contradicting or opposing idea

Answer

Contrast signal words indicate the speaker is presenting an idea that differs from or opposes the previous one.

(ELSA) English Language Skills Assessment Practice Test