Two-Week Holiday Course At The Tamerton Center - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Practice Test Plus 3 Academic Listening Test 2 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–15 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct answer, A, B or C.
Questions 16–20 Matching
What rules apply to taking different objects to the Centre?
Match each object with the correct rule, A-C.
Write the correct letter, A-C.
A. You MUST take this
B. You CAN take this, if you wish
C. You must NOT take this
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | A | The idea was simply to get people out of the cities and into the country and to find out that just being outdoors can be very rewarding | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that the main goal was to move people from cities to the countryside so they could learn that staying outside is a very good and satisfying experience. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the primary goal of creating the center was to help people have a positive and pleasant experience while spending time in the rural outdoors. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker describes the original purpose of the Tamerton Center when it was established in the 1960s. He notes that this was before the modern focus on "preserving" or protecting nature (which rules out choice B). He states the goal was to take people out of cities so they could see that being in the country and being "outdoors" is "rewarding," which is a synonym for a satisfying or enjoyable experience. |
| Q12 | A | The group I took last year, for example, said that although they actually felt pretty weak and exhausted all the time—it really made them learn a lot about themselves and increased their confidence | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the students from last year felt very tired and weak, but they also learned many things about who they are. Their belief in themselves, or their 'confidence,' became much stronger by the end of the trip. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the students from the previous year felt better about who they are and felt more sure of themselves after finishing the course. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Choice A because the club leader says that last year's group 'increased their confidence' and 'learned a lot about themselves.' These phrases mean the same thing as building 'self esteem.' The leader also mentions the students felt 'weak and exhausted,' which means they did not feel 'fitter and stronger' like Choice C says. Furthermore, the course is described as a 'taster' for different activities rather than a way to become an expert, so learning 'new skills' (Choice B) was not the main result the group reported. |
| Q13 | B | You don’t have a lot of choice in what you do, but something which I think makes the place so special is that you get to try so many different things every day | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that although students cannot pick what they do, the best part is that they can experience many different tasks and hobbies each day. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the thing that makes the course unique or different from others is the many different types of activities you can try there. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker identifies the "special" part of the course as the ability for students to try many "different things" every day. While option A and C are mentioned, the speaker notes that students do not have much choice in their activities and the goal is not to become an expert. The variety of different tasks is what the speaker highlights as the most special feature. |
| Q14 | A | There are table tennis tables with all the equipment and board games, though I have to say, the pieces often go missing, so it’s a good idea to take your own. There’s a DVD player with a good selection of films suitable for this age group, so don’t take your own | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that although there are board games at the center, the small parts needed to play them often disappear. Because of this, the leader advises people to bring their own games. He also mentions that since there are already many movies available, people should not bring their own DVDs. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the visitors are suggested to pack and carry their own board games to the center. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker mentions that while the center provides board games, parts of those games are often lost or "missing." Therefore, the leader suggests it is a "good idea" for the group to bring their own. In contrast, the leader notes that table tennis equipment is already there and explicitly tells the group "don't take your own" DVDs, because the center's selection is already good. |
| Q15 | C | Bedtime at 11:00 PM is strictly enforced, and there’s a good reason for this. You’re all under 18, and we organizers need to know that all group members are accounted for in the house as we close for the night | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that because the students are under 18, the leaders must check that everyone is inside the house before it is closed for the night at 11:00 PM. Answer Explanation: The answer means the strict bedtime is a way for the staff to make sure every student is safely inside the building at night. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is correct because the speaker says the staff needs to know that all members are 'accounted for' in the house when they close up for the night. 'Accounted for' means that you have checked to see that everyone who is supposed to be there is actually there. |
| Q16 | C | Several of you came up to me before this talk and asked whether you can take things like kettles or hair dryers. The answer is, there are plenty of these electrical appliances available in the center, and they are of the proper voltage and are checked regularly. Yours may not be, so the rules at Tamerton say you can’t bring them into the center because it’s considered a fire risk | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that since the center already provides tools like kettles and hair dryers that are safe to use, the rules forbid people from bringing their own personal electronics to avoid the danger of a fire. Answer Explanation: The answer 'C' means that bringing electrical items from home is not allowed at the center. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the club leader explains that items like kettles and hair dryers are provided by the center for safety reasons. He explicitly states that visitors 'can’t bring them' because they might cause a fire. Keywords like 'rules,' 'can’t bring,' and 'fire risk' indicate that these objects are forbidden for guests to carry with them. |
| Q17 | A | Now, another question was about cell phones. Although you definitely can’t have them on during inside talks, you equally definitely need them when you’re out on exercises. So, they’re a must, I’m afraid | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that while phones cannot be turned on during indoor meetings, they are needed for outdoor activities. The phrase 'they’re a must' tells the students that bringing a phone is a requirement. Answer Explanation: The answer means that you are required to bring a mobile phone with you. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the club leader describes cell phones (a synonym for mobile phones) as being necessary for activities outside the center. The leader uses the phrase 'they’re a must,' which is a common way to say something is mandatory or required for everyone to have. |
| Q18 | B | If you wear proper clothing, especially a hat, sunscreen is optional. Also, they sell high factor cream in the shop, so you don’t have to take any of your own unless there’s a special kind you use | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that sunscreen is "optional," meaning it is up to the individual. It also points out that while the shop sells it, you can bring your own if you have a specific type you like. Answer Explanation: The answer means that bringing sun cream (sunscreen) is a choice; you are allowed to bring it if you want, but you are not forced to. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the club leader describes sunscreen as "optional," which means it is a person's choice to bring it or not. He further explains that individuals "don't have to take any" because the local shop sells it, but acknowledges you might choose to bring some if you have a "special kind" you prefer. These various points indicate that bringing your own is allowed but not mandatory, matching the phrase "You CAN take this, if you wish." |
| Q19 | C | Now, there’s a special note about things like deodorants which come in aerosol cans. I need to tell you that these are banned in the center because, apparently, they have the habit of setting off the fire alarms | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that deodorants in aerosol cans are forbidden at the school because they can make the fire alarms go off by mistake. Answer Explanation: The answer C means you are not allowed to bring this item to the center. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the club leader explicitly states that deodorants in spray cans (aerosols) are banned. This is because they can trigger the fire alarms. Therefore, students must not take them. Keywords like "banned," "risk," and "not take" indicate that this is a forbidden item. |
| Q20 | B | And finally, people have been asking about whether they need to take towels. Well, the center does provide one towel per guest which you’re required to wash yourself. If you’re happy with that, then don’t bring another. If not, take one of your own | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the center gives each person a towel. If you are satisfied with that, you don't need to bring another one. If you want more, you are allowed to bring your own towel. Answer Explanation: The answer B means you can choose to bring a towel if you want, but you do not have to. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the club leader says the center provides one towel for every visitor. Since you are responsible for washing it yourself, you might want to bring an extra one. The speaker mentions that you can 'take one of your own' if you are not happy with just the one they provide, making it an optional item to pack. |
Transcript
Narrator: Test 2, section 2. You hear a club leader giving information to a group of young people who are planning to do a two-week holiday course at the Tamerton Center. First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 15. Now listen and answer questions 11 to 15.
Club Leader: Hello everyone. I’ve been asked to talk to you this afternoon about next month’s trip to Tamerton Study Center for the two-week course. Now, some of the things I’m going to say you may have already heard or read about, but I think it’s important to emphasize a few key points. First of all, it’s worth reminding you why Tamerton was set up in the first place, in the late 1960s. That was really before all the concern with preserving the environment which everyone talks about these days. The idea was simply to get people out of the cities and into the country and to find out that just being outdoors can be very rewarding.
This is not going to be a holiday in the usual sense. It’s called an adventure course because you’ll really be stretched to your limits, but that in itself can be a positive thing. The group I took last year, for example, said that although they actually felt pretty weak and exhausted all the time—it really made them learn a lot about themselves and increased their confidence. And in the end, that’s the most important thing.
Now, all of you knew about policies at Tamerton before you signed up for it, so you know that in many ways, it’s quite old-fashioned. You don’t have a lot of choice in what you do, but something which I think makes the place so special is that you get to try so many different things every day. For instance, one day you’ll do climbing and the next you’ll be surveying rock pools. It’s not intended that you become an expert in any of them; it’s more like a taster which you can follow up if you want.
And there isn’t a lot of free time. Organized activities and talks, etc., go on until 9:00 PM and lights go out at 11:00 PM. There are table tennis tables with all the equipment and board games, though I have to say, the pieces often go missing, so it’s a good idea to take your own. There’s a DVD player with a good selection of films suitable for this age group, so don’t take your own. Bedtime at 11:00 PM is strictly enforced, and there’s a good reason for this. You’re all under 18, and we organizers need to know that all group members are accounted for in the house as we close for the night. And of course, you’ll be so exhausted anyway that you’ll be too sleepy to want to cause any trouble.
Narrator: Now you have some time to look at questions 16 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 16 to 20.
Club Leader: Now, what should you pack? The information sheet tells you a lot about what clothing to bring, but what about other things? Well, Tamerton House has its own small shop, but anything larger is several miles away, so you won’t have many opportunities for buying supplies. So, in this last part of my talk, I’m going to explain what objects you should take with you to the center, what you can take if you want, and also very importantly, what you cannot take.
Several of you came up to me before this talk and asked whether you can take things like kettles or hair dryers. The answer is, there are plenty of these electrical appliances available in the center, and they are of the proper voltage and are checked regularly. Yours may not be, so the rules at Tamerton say you can’t bring them into the center because it’s considered a fire risk. Remember, it’s a very old house.
Now, another question was about cell phones. Although you definitely can’t have them on during inside talks, you equally definitely need them when you’re out on exercises. So, they’re a must, I’m afraid. Anybody who wishes to talk to me about borrowing a phone for the fortnight, please see me after this talk.
Now, the weather’s heating up at the moment and you’ll be outdoors a great deal. If you wear proper clothing, especially a hat, sunscreen is optional. Also, they sell high factor cream in the shop, so you don’t have to take any of your own unless there’s a special kind you use.
Now, there’s a special note about things like deodorants which come in aerosol cans. I need to tell you that these are banned in the center because, apparently, they have the habit of setting off the fire alarms. If you want to take an aerosol can, you’ll actually be at risk of being told to leave.
And finally, people have been asking about whether they need to take towels. Well, the center does provide one towel per guest which you’re required to wash yourself. If you’re happy with that, then don’t bring another. If not, take one of your own. Just remember how much outdoor exercise you’ll be doing and how dirty and wet you’ll be getting. You might...
Narrator: That is the end of section 2. You now have half a minute to check your answers.