Hey everyone, Grant here from Kōjō Communication Academy 👋
If you've taken the Versant Speaking & Listening Test, you'll know that Part B: Sentence Repetition sounds simple — just repeat what you hear, right?
But once you're in the test, it quickly becomes a real challenge of focus, listening, memory, and rhythm.
This section tests how clearly and naturally you can repeat sentences in real time — almost like echoing a native speaker.
It's not about perfection; it's about staying calm, focused, and consistent.
Let's go through how to train for Part B effectively so you can repeat confidently, even when the sentences get long or complex.
🧠 1. What Part B Really Tests
You'll hear 16 sentences, one at a time. After each one, you repeat it exactly as you heard it.
Part B measures:
- 🎧 Listening comprehension — catching every word and sound
- 🗣️ Pronunciation & rhythm — speaking smoothly and naturally
- 🧩 Memory & recall — holding longer phrases in your short-term memory
- ⚡ Fluency under pressure — responding without hesitation
Kōjō tip: Most sentences are between 5–14 words. Practise repeating 10–15-word sentences daily so the real test feels natural and familiar.
🗣️ 2. Example
You hear:
"The blue car is parked in front of the house."
You say:
"The blue car is parked in front of the house."
Part B starts with shorter, easier sentences and gradually increases in length and complexity — from "Can you help me?" to longer sentences with multiple clauses.
🔍 3. Common Sentence Patterns
You'll encounter a variety of sentence types in this part. Here are six of the most common — and how to handle them confidently:
✅ Simple Sentences
"She left her keys on the table."
🎯 Focus on word-for-word accuracy and natural rhythm.
⚙️ Commands
"Please follow the instructions carefully."
🎯 Keep your tone firm and polite — clear and steady.
❓ Questions
"Can you imagine what life will be like in the next century?"
🎯 Match the rising intonation at the end — rhythm matters as much as accuracy.
🚫 Negatives
"She didn't have time to finish the report."
🎯 Watch out for contractions (didn't, wasn't, don't). They're easy to miss.
🔗 Compound / Complex Sentences
"Before locking up, turn the heat down and set the alarm."
🎯 Break it into small chunks in your mind — then repeat smoothly as one line.
🧩 Passive Voice or Clauses
"The documents were sent to the manager yesterday."
🎯 Listen carefully for was / were + past participle — keep your pace natural.
Kōjō tip: Think of each sentence as one smooth idea, not separate words. The AI values natural flow and rhythm, not robotic repetition.
🗝️ 4. Grammar & Vocabulary Focus
Part B uses English around CEFR A2–B2 level, including:
- Simple past & present: "He forgot his keys."
- Connectors: "Before you go," "After dinner," "Because it's late."
- Compound sentences: "He finished his work and went home."
- Passive voice: "The documents were sent yesterday."
- Clauses: "The man who called earlier is waiting outside."
Important:
Repeat exactly what you hear — including small words like a, the, to, from.
If you hear I'm, don't say I am. Matching contractions and rhythm makes your speech sound more natural.
💪 5. Tips for Excelling
Here's what separates high scorers from the rest:
- 👂Listen carefully to the whole sentence before you start.
- 💬Repeat confidently, even if unsure — don't restart mid-way.
- 🧠Chunk long sentences to aid memory.
- 🎵Copy rhythm & intonation — match the speaker's melody.
- ⚙️If you miss a word, keep going — never freeze or stay silent.
- 🚫Don't overthink grammar — just echo what you heard.
Kōjō tip: Part B rewards flow, not perfection. Even if you drop a small word, keep the rhythm going. Smooth, confident delivery matters most.
🧩 6. Self-Study Ideas
Practical ways to strengthen listening, memory, and pronunciation:
- Practise with Versant Pro Trainer — complete one or two Part B sets daily (16 sentences per set).
- Use shadowing — listen and repeat instantly to match tone and rhythm.
- On the Review Page, listen back to your recordings to check clarity and flow.
- Do short daily drills — even 5 focused minutes builds strong reflexes.
🌟 7. Final Thoughts
Part B might look easy, but it's one of the best sections for improving real-world fluency.
It sharpens your ear, rhythm, and short-term memory — essential skills for confident English communication.
Remember:
- ✅ Listen carefully
- ✅ Repeat confidently
- ✅ Keep your rhythm natural
Practise steadily with Versant Pro Trainer, and soon you'll find yourself repeating longer, faster sentences effortlessly.
Keep training, stay calm, and let your English flow. 🌊
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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.
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