What does the Listening section test besides comprehension?

The Listening section evaluates not only how well speakers understand spoken content but also their ability to follow the conversational flow and context. This skill is essential because effective listening involves interpreting the nuances of conversation, recognizing interruptions, shifts in topics, and understanding the underlying meanings expressed by different speakers. Mastery of this ability allows listeners to engage more fully and respond appropriately in various communicative settings.

Conversational flow includes the ability to grasp the dynamics of dialogue, such as whether a comment is an agreement, disagreement, or a follow-up question. Understanding context is equally crucial, as the meaning of a statement can greatly depend on the situation in which it is said. This skill enables listeners to synthesize information and respond in a way that demonstrates their understanding of not just the words being said, but also the intent and emotion behind them.