Homestay Language Learning - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Oxford IELTS Practice Tests Academic Listening Test 3 · Part 1 · Questions 1–10
Audio
Questions
Questions 1–6 Matching
What does Lisa say about each object?
Complete the table as follows.
A. ESSENTIAL
B. RECOMMENDED
C. NOT RECOMMENDED
Questions 7–10 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
- The labels on Dan's luggage must state 'Mr & Mrs 7' and their address.
- Lisa says he should carry some spare clothes in 8.
- For health reasons, Dan intends to wear 9 during the flight.
- Dan should practise carrying his luggage for a minimum distance of 10.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | A | DAN: How much do you suggest? LISA: I'd say fifty, as an absolute minimum | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dan asking how much money he should bring, and Lisa replying that 50 pounds is the absolute lowest amount required. Answer Explanation: The answer A means that having at least £50 in cash is essential (must be brought). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because when Dan asks how much cash he should carry, Lisa tells him to bring "fifty, as an absolute minimum". The phrase "absolute minimum" indicates that 50 pounds is the lowest necessary amount he must have with him, which means it is essential. |
| Q2 | A | Well, as I'm sure you know it can get pretty cold here, so you will need some warm clothing. There are shops near here that sell winter clothes quite cheaply, so you really don't need to bring much. Do make sure, though, that you have at least one thick sweater and a jacket with you when you arrive here: the temperature's likely to be a lot lower than in Singapore | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that it is very cold in Edinburgh, so Dan must have warm clothes. Lisa emphasizes that he definitely needs to arrive with at least a warm sweater and a jacket. Answer Explanation: The answer "A" means that bringing warm clothing is essential, which means it is necessary and must be brought. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Lisa tells Dan that it gets very cold in Edinburgh, so he "will need some warm clothing". She also tells him to "make sure" he has a thick sweater and a jacket when he arrives. The word "need" and the phrase "make sure" show that having warm clothing is essential (necessary). |
| Q3 | C | So my advice is to leave yours at home | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that Lisa advises Dan not to bring his laptop and to keep it at home instead. Answer Explanation: The answer C means that bringing a personal computer is not recommended. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Lisa explains two problems with bringing a computer and tells Dan that due to airport security and the risk of damage, her advice is to leave his computer at home. In this context, "advice is to leave yours at home" means it is not recommended to bring it. |
| Q4 | C | And importing food, of course, isn't allowed by Customs | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that bringing food into the country is against border rules (Customs rules), meaning Dan must not bring it. Answer Explanation: The answer "C" means that bringing food from home is not recommended (Dan should not bring it). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Dan asks what else Lisa would "advise against bringing". Lisa specifically points out that "importing food" is not permitted by Customs. Therefore, bringing food from home is not recommended. |
| Q5 | B | LISA: But there are one or two things I'd suggest you find room for in your suitcase DAN: Yes? LISA: Perhaps a few of your favourite cassettes or compact disks? Of course, you might be able to find them in the shops here, but then again you might not |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Lisa suggesting that Dan find space in his suitcase for some of his favourite music tapes or CDs because he might not find them in local shops. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that bringing favourite cassettes or CDs is recommended by Lisa. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Lisa suggests packing these music items into the suitcase. She uses the words "I'd suggest" and "Perhaps a few of your favourite cassettes or compact disks", which means she is recommending them to Dan rather than saying they are strictly necessary (essential) or telling him not to bring them. |
| Q6 | B | LISA: Yes – some photographs of people and places that are special to you could be nice. They can really make your room feel like home. It's just a thought | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Lisa telling Dan that bringing special pictures would be a nice idea because they will make his new room feel familiar and comfortable. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that bringing photos from home is recommended, meaning it is a good idea and advised, but not strictly required. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Lisa suggests packing pictures of special people and places to make the room feel comfortable like home. She mentions that bringing them "could be nice," which means she recommends bringing photos rather than requiring them as essential. |
| Q7 | Wark | DAN: What name do I write, by the way? LISA: It's 'Wark', Lewis and Amy Wark. DAN: So that's W-A-L-K? LISA: It's actually W-A-R-K, but we'll be posting full details to you later this week | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dan asking what name he should put on his bags, and Lisa telling him the host family's name is "Wark", spelt W-A-R-K. Answer Explanation: The answer means the family name "Wark". Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "Wark" because Lisa explains to Dan that the luggage labels should have the host family's name, which is Lewis and Amy Wark. When Dan asks how to spell it, Lisa clarifies that it is spelt "W-A-R-K". Therefore, the label needs to say 'Mr & Mrs Wark'. |
| Q8 | his hand luggage / the hand luggage / hand luggage | DAN: Right, fine. And I'd better put some essentials in my hand luggage. Enough for a night or two in case, as you say, anything happens to my main, er, cases. LISA: Yes – I'd recommend a change of T-shirt and socks and so on, plus any medication you may need. And a toothbrush, of course | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dan saying he should pack necessary items in his small carry-on bag ("hand luggage"), and Lisa agrees by suggesting he pack extra clothes like a clean T-shirt and socks. Answer Explanation: The answer "his hand luggage" refers to the small bag that Dan can take with him onto the airplane. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "hand luggage" because Dan suggests putting essential items in his hand luggage in case his main suitcases are lost. Lisa agrees with this idea and recommends packing spare clothing, specifically "a change of T-shirt and socks", along with medication and a toothbrush. |
| Q9 | tights | DAN: And my tights. LISA: Your tights? DAN: Yes, for the flight. Wearing them helps prevent deep-vein thrombosis when you're flying long distances, not getting any exercise | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dan stating he will bring his tights for the flight because wearing them helps stop a medical issue called deep-vein thrombosis during long flights. Answer Explanation: The answer means putting on tight clothing covering the legs (tights) while traveling on the airplane. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by Dan's statement that he plans to pack his tights in his hand luggage to wear during the flight. He explains that wearing them prevents deep-vein thrombosis (a health problem/condition) during long-distance flights without exercise. |
| Q10 | 500 metres / 500 meters | When you've packed your baggage, check you can carry it – all of it – at least 500 metres, without any help | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Lisa telling Dan to test whether he is able to hold and transport all his luggage by himself for a distance of at least 500 metres. Answer Explanation: The answer "500 metres" is a distance measurement indicating half a kilometre. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "500 metres" because Lisa advises Dan that after packing his baggage, he should make sure he can carry all of it on his own for "at least 500 metres". In the question, the phrase "a minimum distance of" means the same thing as "at least". |
Transcript
LISA: Homestay Language Learning; Lisa McDowell here. How can I help you?
DAN: Hello. My name's Dan...
LISA: Hello Dan.
DAN: and I'm going to be living with a family in Edinburgh for three months, so I'd like some advice on what to bring with me. I'm flying in via Singapore on the fifteenth.
LISA: Right. Well perhaps most important of all are your documents: vaccination certificate, sponsor's letter and the certifying letter from us for Immigration.
DAN: Yes, I've got all those in order, I think. What I'm really wondering about are money and clothes, and things for my room. Personal effects, in other words.
LISA: OK, let's start with cash. You'll already have money in your bank account here, of course, but make sure when you get here you have some cash on you. Pounds that is, not euros or dollars.
DAN: How much do you suggest?
LISA: I'd say fifty, as an absolute minimum.
DAN: OK. Now the next thing is which clothes to bring. What do think?
LISA: Well, as I'm sure you know it can get pretty cold here, so you will need some warm clothing. There are shops near here that sell winter clothes quite cheaply, so you really don't need to bring much. Do make sure, though, that you have at least one thick sweater and a jacket with you when you arrive here: the temperature's likely to be a lot lower than in Singapore!
DAN: Thanks for the warning! Now something else I'm not sure about is whether to bring my computer. It's a laptop, so it won't take up much room.
LISA: Two problems: firstly, it might not be compatible with the electricity supply in this country, and, secondly, there's a risk of it getting broken in transit. Someone travelling here had hers smashed only last month.
DAN: But surely I can carry it as hand luggage?
LISA: Usually, yes. But because of all the tight security right now you may have to check it in. So my advice is to leave yours at home.
DAN: OK, I think I will. Is there anything else you'd advise against bringing?
LISA: Well you won't need household or cooking things: they'll all be provided. And importing food, of course, isn't allowed by Customs. Though I imagine you already knew that.
DAN: Well, er, yes.
LISA: But there are one or two things I'd suggest you find room for in your suitcase...
DAN: Yes?
LISA: Perhaps a few of your favourite cassettes or compact disks? Of course, you might be able to find them in the shops here, but then again you might not.
DAN: That's a good idea. Anything else?
LISA: Yes – some photographs of people and places that are special to you could be nice. They can really make your room feel like home. It's just a thought.
DAN: Hmm. I'll see if I've got a few good ones.
LISA: Just a few points about packing: make sure all your cases are clearly labelled, in English, with your host family's name and address. Just in case they go missing on the way. It has been known to happen.
DAN: What name do I write, by the way?
LISA: It's 'Wark', Lewis and Amy Wark.
DAN: So that's W-A-L-K?
LISA: It's actually W-A-R-K, but we'll be posting full details to you later this week.
DAN: Right, fine. And I'd better put some essentials in my hand luggage. Enough for a night or two in case, as you say, anything happens to my main, er, cases.
LISA: Yes – I'd recommend a change of T-shirt and socks and so on, plus any medication you may need. And a toothbrush, of course.
DAN: And my tights.
LISA: Your tights?
DAN: Yes, for the flight. Wearing them helps prevent deep-vein thrombosis when you're flying long distances, not getting any exercise.
LISA: Oh yes ... I've heard about that. Now talking about exercise, there's one last thing. When you've packed your baggage, check you can carry it – all of it – at least 500 metres, without any help. You may have to do that!
DAN: OK. Well, thanks for all your help. You've cleared up a lot of points.
LISA: You're welcome. Have a safe journey, and we'll look forward to seeing you next month. Bye.
DAN: Bye.