LISTEN OR HEAR? EXERCISE 1/EFL (B1/B2)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

Listen and hear are both related to sound, but they work differently. Hear is usually passive and involuntary, while listen implies active, deliberate attention.

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Complete each of the sentences below with the correct form of either listen or hear, as specified.
EXAMPLE: It was so loud in there that I couldn't hear (hear/listen) a thing.

1. They were (hearing/listening to) that singer's new album.✓

2. I don't (hear/listen to) jazz.✓

3. ! (Hear/Listen) I've already told you to stop bothering me!✓

4. Did you (hear/listen) what he said to me?✓

5. To be honest, I wasn't (hearing/listening).✓

6. You don't have to agree with her, but at least (hear/listen) her out.✓

7. I've told her to stop smoking, but she just doesn't (listen/hear).✓

8. Betty turned on the radio, and was (hearing/listening to) the news.✓

9. What did you say? I can't (hear/listen to) you.✓

10. After his accident, Robert is having a hard time (hearing/listening).✓

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MORE CONFUSABLE WORD EXERCISES:
Listen or hear? 1 (B1/B2)
Watch, look, or see? 1 (B1/B2)
Watch, look, or see? 2 (B1/B2)
Lend or borrow? 1 (A2/B1)
Say, tell, speak, or talk? 1 (B1/B2)

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