🧠 1. What Part A Really Tests
You'll answer 8 short questions, one by one. Each requires a quick spoken response — usually just one or two words.
Part A measures:
- Listening comprehension – understanding short, everyday questions
- Vocabulary range – recalling common nouns, verbs, and adjectives
- Pronunciation clarity – saying short words clearly and naturally
Kōjō tip: Even if you're only saying one word — like "Library" — say it with purpose. Sound clear, confident, and natural. A short answer can still show strong communication if you deliver it like a native speaker would.
🎯 2. Three Question Types You'll Meet
Every Part A question falls into one of three types. Recognising the type quickly helps you respond faster and more accurately.
① Fixed Choice Questions
You'll hear two options and must choose the correct one.
Example:
"Is a grandmother or a baby more likely to be elderly?"
✅ A grandmother.
Strategy:
- Listen carefully for the word "or." It's the biggest clue that you're dealing with a choice question.
- Respond immediately after the question finishes — hesitation affects your rhythm and confidence.
② Vocabulary Knowledge Questions
You need to recall a simple, everyday word.
Example:
"What do you use to turn on a light?"
✅ A switch.
Strategy:
- Listen for cues like "What do we call…?" or "What do you use to…?"
- Strengthen your vocabulary in common categories: rooms, tools, food, family, weather, and animals — they appear often in this part.
③ Inference Questions
These require a quick bit of logical thinking.
Example:
"Sarah's class started at 9 a.m., but she arrived at 9:30. How late was she?"
✅ She was 30 minutes late.
Strategy:
- Focus on numbers, time, and cause-effect clues.
- If the question feels long, mentally break it into parts and find the logic. You don't need every word — just the key facts.
💬 3. How to Answer Effectively
Here's what separates high scorers from the rest:
- Answer quickly. You'll have just a few seconds after the question ends — respond naturally, without hesitation.
- Keep it short. 1–3 words is perfect.
- Speak clearly. Pronounce consonants and vowels crisply — avoid mumbling or trailing off.
- Stay confident. Even if unsure, take your best guess. Silence = 0 points.
Kōjō tip: Part A isn't about how much English you know — it's about how well you react to simple English. Think of it like a "listening reflex test" — the faster and clearer your reaction, the higher your score.
🗝️ 4. Common Grammar & Vocabulary Patterns
Most questions use A2–B1 English, such as:
- Simple present / past: "What do you call…?", "What did she buy?"
- Comparisons: "Which is faster, a rabbit or a snail?"
- Conditionals: "If a problem is serious, is it trivial or important?"
You don't need advanced grammar — just familiar everyday vocabulary and quick recall.
🔧 5. Top Tips for Success
- 🎧Listen for key words — especially nouns, adjectives, or "or" in comparison questions.
- 💬Avoid full sentences. Short and direct answers score best. Saying "A library" is better than "We call the place where you borrow books a library."
- 🔁Build reflexes. Practise quick Q&A aloud every day — it trains your ear and response speed.
- 📱Use Versant Pro Trainer daily. The Part A section includes multiple 8-question sets — ideal for short, focused practice sessions.
- 🕒Be consistent. Five minutes every day beats one hour once a week.
🧩 6. Self-Study Ideas
- Use flashcards (Anki, Quizlet) to strengthen quick recall of common nouns, adjectives, and verbs.
- Practise with the Versant Pro Trainer app — focus on completing one or two Part A sets daily.
- After finishing a set, review your answers on the Review Page — listen to your recordings and notice how natural and clear you sound.
🌟 7. Final Thoughts
Part A is a listening and response challenge — it measures how quickly you can understand simple spoken English and respond naturally.
It's less about grammar and more about real-world listening and reaction ability.
So:
- ✅ Listen carefully
- ✅ Identify the question type quickly
- ✅ Answer clearly and confidently
Do that regularly in Versant Pro Trainer, and Part A will soon feel second nature.
Keep practising — and let your quick thinking shine. 🌱
Ready to Start Practising?
Try Versant Pro Trainer and get AI-powered feedback on your speaking
Start Free TrialGrant Prentice
Founder, Kōjō Communication Academy
Grant is a native English speaker from the UK with over 20 years of experience in business English training and Versant test preparation. He's helped thousands of professionals improve their communication skills and achieve their career goals.
🌏 日本語でも読めます — This article is also available in Japanese
日本語版を読む →