Notes On Island Hotel - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 3 Academic Listening Test 1 · Part 1 · Questions 1–10
Audio
Questions
Questions 1–4 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
NOTES ON ISLAND HOTEL
Example
Type of room required: double room
Time
- The length of stay: approx 2 weeks
- Starting date: 25th April
Temperature
- Daytime: up to 1 °C
- Erratic weather
Transport
- Pick-up service is provided.
- Normally transferring to the airport takes about 2.
Facilities
- en-suite facilities and a 3
- gym and spa facilities
- a large outdoor swimming pool
- three standard 4
Questions 5–10 Table Completion
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
| Day | Entertainment activities | Transportation |
| Tuesdays |
|
|
| Wednesdays |
|
|
| Thursdays |
|
|
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 19 | Yes, of course Sir, during late April and early May, the daytime temperature shouldn't exceed 19 degrees Celsius, but the weather has been rather erratic and difficult to predict in recent years, so I am unable to say for certain | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the receptionist telling the guest that the temperature during the day does not usually go higher than 19 degrees. Answer Explanation: The answer 19 refers to the maximum temperature in degrees Celsius expected during the day for the dates the guest is visiting. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found when the receptionist answers the guest's question about the heat. The receptionist explains that during the daytime, the temperature 'shouldn't exceed 19 degrees Celsius'. In this context, the word 'exceed' means to go over or be more than, which matches the phrase 'up to' used in the notes. |
| Q2 | 40 minutes / forty minutes | It takes about 40 minutes to get here from the airport, but it's at least 60 minutes at rush hours | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the guest is told the drive usually takes 40 minutes, but it can take 60 minutes when the roads are busy. Answer Explanation: The answer is the normal amount of time it takes to travel from the airport to the hotel. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the section where the receptionist explains the hotel's transport. The staff member says the trip takes 'about 40 minutes' normally. They also mention it takes '60 minutes' during 'rush hours' (times when there is heavy traffic), but since the notes ask for the standard or normal time, 40 minutes is the correct detail to include. |
| Q3 | balcony | Not to worry Sir, all of our standard double rooms have en-suite facilities and a balcony | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the hotel staff telling the guest that every one of their normal rooms for two people includes a private bathroom and an outside space called a balcony. Answer Explanation: The answer is an outdoor platform connected to a room where people can sit and look outside. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'balcony' because the hotel receptionist lists the features of a standard double room. He mentions that every room has two specific things: 'en-suite facilities' (a private bathroom) and a 'balcony'. Since the notes already mention 'en-suite facilities', 'balcony' is the required word to complete the list of room features. |
| Q4 | tennis courts | We also have 3 full-sized tennis courts, where we run a popular doubles tournament, with the winner receiving 2 all-inclusive spa day vouchers | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript mentions that the hotel has three large areas for tennis and that they even host games for guests there. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the special areas or floor markings prepared for playing the sport of tennis. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'tennis courts' because when the receptionist lists the hotel's features, they mention having exactly three 'full-sized' ones. In the notes, the word 'standard' is used to mean the same thing as 'full-sized'. |
| Q5 | fish dishes | On Tuesdays, guests will take a mini bus and partake in learning to cook succulent fish dishes with our Michelin starred chef, Enrique | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that every Tuesday, guests travel by a small bus to learn how to prepare fish meals from a famous professional chef named Enrique. Answer Explanation: The answer "fish dishes" refers to the specific type of food that guests learn how to prepare during the cooking activity on Tuesdays. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "fish dishes" because the receptionist says that on Tuesdays, guests learn to "cook succulent fish dishes." In the table, the word "make" is used instead of "cook," so adding "fish dishes" correctly describes the teaching activity mentioned in the conversation. |
| Q6 | piano | On Tuesdays, guests will take a mini bus and partake in learning to cook succulent fish dishes with our Michelin starred chef, Enrique. The class will take place in a beautiful valley deep in the Cretan hills, where guests will be treated to an intimate piano performance by our in-house concert pianist, Pedro | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that on Tuesdays, in addition to a cooking class, guests get to listen to a private music show played on the piano by a professional musician named Pedro. Answer Explanation: The answer 'piano' describes the type of musical instrument played during the hotel's entertainment show on Tuesday. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'piano' because the receptionist details the specific activities for Tuesday. After a cooking lesson, guests enjoy an 'intimate piano performance'. The hotel specifically mentions they have an in-house 'concert pianist', which matches the 'concert' category listed in the table. |
| Q7 | Cretan garden / garden | On Wednesdays, a select number of guests will be fortunate enough to explore the mountains by helicopter, before being transported to a tropical Cretan garden by shuttle bus | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that on Wednesday, guests explore the mountains and then go to a special garden by bus. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies the specific type of outdoor space that visitors see as part of their Wednesday program. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is determined by looking at the section of the transcript that describes the activities available on Wednesdays. The receptionist explicitly mentions that after guests see the mountains, they are taken to a 'tropical Cretan garden'. The word 'Cretan' is optional but helps describe the specific location of the garden in Crete. |
| Q8 | helicopter | On Wednesdays, a select number of guests will be fortunate enough to explore the mountains by helicopter, before being transported to a tropical Cretan garden by shuttle bus | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that on Wednesday, guests use two types of transportation: a helicopter to see the mountains and a shuttle bus to get to the garden. Answer Explanation: The answer is a helicopter, which is a type of aircraft with spinning blades on top that allow it to fly and stay in one place in the air. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is helicopter because the hotel worker explains that on Wednesdays, guests travel to the mountains using this vehicle. The table asks for the first type of transportation used on that specific day before taking the shuttle bus, and the transcript clearly states it is a helicopter. |
| Q9 | fireworks | Finally, on Thursdays after a fancy dinner, we provide a spectacular fireworks display, which guests can view from the comfort of a cable car | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that on Thursday nights, guests have a nice dinner and then watch a colorful show of fire in the sky (fireworks) from a cable car. Answer Explanation: The answer is fireworks. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'fireworks' because the transcript explains the planned activities for Thursdays. After a special dinner, the hotel organizes a 'spectacular fireworks display.' The word 'display' in the question matches the word in the transcript, making 'fireworks' the specific thing guests will watch. |
| Q10 | cable car | Finally, on Thursdays after a fancy dinner, we provide a spectacular fireworks display, which guests can view from the comfort of a cable car | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that on Thursdays, there is a nice dinner and then a firework show. It says that guests watch the fireworks while they are inside a cable car. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies the cable car as the mode of transport guests use to watch the entertainment on Thursday nights. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "cable car" because, in the transcript, the hotel receptionist describes what guests do on Thursdays. After a fancy dinner and during the fireworks show, guests are located in a cable car to enjoy the view. In this context, "comfort of a cable car" indicates the place or vehicle they are in during the activity. |
Transcript
Reception: Good afternoon, you're through to reception at The Island Hotel in Crete, how may I help you today?
Mr. Schiffer: Yes, hello there, I'm hoping to book a double room for my wife and myself for about two weeks from the 25th April of this year. Firstly, could you tell me whether it's particularly hot during this time?
Reception: Yes, of course Sir, during late April and early May, the daytime temperature shouldn't exceed 19 degrees Celsius, but the weather has been rather erratic and difficult to predict in recent years, so I am unable to say for certain.
Mr. Schiffer: Okay, that sounds good, my wife doesn't like going outside when it's very hot! I haven't booked flights yet, but I must say that I'm unfamiliar with Crete and its transport system. Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle service?
Reception: Yes Sir, we provide a complementary airport pick-up service for all our guests. It takes about 40 minutes to get here from the airport, but it's at least 60 minutes at rush hours and you will be provided with a fully air-conditioned shuttle bus.
Mr. Schiffer: Okay, excellent. In that case, do you have any rooms available for the dates I gave you?
Reception: I shall have a look on the system now for you Sir, bear with me just a moment. [brief pause] Yes Sir, I can see now that we have several rooms available. Would you prefer a garden view or a sea view?
Mr. Schiffer: Well, ideally I would like a sea-view room with a balcony, but of course that depends on the difference in price.
Reception: Not to worry Sir, all of our standard double rooms have en-suite facilities and a balcony. If you would like one of our sea-view rooms, there is a premium of €60 per night.
Mr. Schiffer: Okay, so could you tell me the total nightly rate for a standard double room with a sea view?
Reception: Yes, of course Sir, for the spring months, our rate is €216 per night. For 14 nights, altogether this will come to €3,024.
Mr. Schiffer: Perfect. I also read on your website that the hotel has gym and spa facilities. Are there any other facilities on offer?
Reception: Yes, we have a large outdoor infinity pool overlooking the ocean, with luxury sun beds and a poolside bar. We also have 3 full-sized tennis courts, where we run a popular doubles tournament, with the winner receiving 2 all-inclusive spa day vouchers.
Mr. Schiffer: Goodness, I shall have to brush up on my tennis skills!
Mr. Schiffer: Are there any other activities organised by the hotel that we can partake in? It's just that it's our wedding anniversary on the 30th of June, and I would like to provide my wife with the perfect romantic getaway.
Reception: I can assure you, Sir, that your wife won't be disappointed. Ours is a 5-star resort which is renowned for its luxury and beauty. In terms of activities, the hotel provides thrice weekly entertainment. On Tuesdays, guests will take a mini bus and partake in learning to cook succulent fish dishes with our Michelin starred chef, Enrique. The class will take place in a beautiful valley deep in the Cretan hills, where guests will be treated to an intimate piano performance by our in-house concert pianist, Pedro. On Wednesdays, a select number of guests will be fortunate enough to explore the mountains by helicopter, before being transported to a tropical Cretan garden by shuttle bus. Finally, on Thursdays after a fancy dinner, we provide a spectacular fireworks display, which guests can view from the comfort of a cable car.
Mr. Schiffer: Oh wow, that all sounds absolutely wonderful! I shall book the room now, and then I need to look at flights so as not to become extortionate. Would you like to take my details now or later? [fade out]