Annual Ski and Snowboard Exhibition - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 4 Academic Listening Test 2 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–15 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 16–20 Matching
What is the focus of each presentation?
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-F, next to Questions 16-20.
A. exploring new destinations
B. how to make the skiing boots comfortable
C. how to become a ski instructor
D. how to combine other activities with skiing
E. how to improve the skills of skiing
F. information about skiing safety
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | A | I recommend Sky Hotel. It has its own health and sports clubs just like most of the hotels here, but I love it because of its incredibly cozy beds which guarantees good rest after an exhausting day of exploration | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that while most hotels have sports clubs, the speaker specifically likes the Sky Hotel because the beds are very soft and comfortable, which helps people sleep well when they are tired. Answer Explanation: The answer means the speaker suggests staying at the Sky Hotel because it is a very relaxing and nice place to sleep. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker uses the word 'cozy' to describe the beds at the Sky Hotel. 'Cozy' means warm and comfortable. She explains that these beds help you get 'good rest' after a long day of skiing. While she mentions that the hotel has sports clubs, she notes that most other hotels have them too, making the comfort of the beds the specific reason for her recommendation. |
| Q12 | C | Apart from the fascinating photo exhibitions and the most up-to-date skiing gear like always, this year we have added four computers which can imitate the process of skiing, ensuring the same physical activity and sensations that appear during the skiing process on downhill slopes | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that while photos and new gear are common at the event, the newly added computers provide a way to experience the feeling of skiing on a slope. Answer Explanation: The answer is computer simulation. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the coordinator specifically mentions that computers have been added this year to imitate, or copy, the feeling and movement of skiing. While the exhibition usually has photos and equipment ('like always'), the computer simulation is a new addition specifically for this year. |
| Q13 | C | Many have posed the question as to how to enter the skiing and snowboarding competition. Well, rather than filling out the back of the entrance ticket or bombarding the committee with emails, the most effective method is by checking out the exhibition newsletter delivered every month for availability | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that many people want to know how to join the contest. The speaker says that instead of writing on tickets or sending lots of emails, the best way to find out if there is space to join is by reading the event newsletter every month. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the best way to join the contest is to read the official event magazine or report called a newsletter. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker compares three different ways people might try to sign up for the competition. She mentions that writing on the back of an entrance ticket or sending many emails to the committee are not the best choices. Instead, she explicitly states that the 'most effective method' (the best and most successful way) to see if you can enter is to look at the 'exhibition newsletter' that is sent out every month. |
| Q14 | B | With more participants this year, we have lowered the entrance fee which has been widely reported by local newspapers | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that because more people are joining this year, they made the entry price cheaper. It confirms that local newspapers wrote many stories about this price reduction. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the news reports this year talked about the cheaper price to enter the event. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is correct because the transcript compares what the media reported in the past versus what they are reporting now. Last year, the focus was on the lack of snow. However, for the current year, the speaker mentions that they have reduced the cost to enter (the 'entrance fee') and that this change has been 'widely reported' by local newspapers. In this context, 'widely reported' means it was the focus of the media. |
| Q15 | C | I strongly advise you to sign up for the program as it is offering an unprecedented 30% discount. That's mainly because we are cooperating with the program organiser who promises affordable prices only for the participants of the festival this year | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the speaker telling the audience to join the program because there is a special 30% price cut and cheap prices available only for the people attending the event. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the ski program has special lower prices or deals available right now. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker explicitly suggests joining the program because of its 'unprecedented 30% discount' and 'affordable prices.' While the program does have qualified instructors and is for all ability levels (not just beginners), the reason the speaker 'strongly advises' people to sign up is the temporary price reduction. Keywords to note are 'discount' and 'affordable,' which match the meaning of 'special offers.' |
| Q16 | F | The first presenter Simon is one of our best ski instructors. As an experienced instructor, he will inform you about the dangers that face skiers and snowboarders. Accidents happen mostly to those who are careless or ignorant. Good risk management involves considering both the probability and consequences of an accident | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that Simon will talk about the dangers of snow sports and how accidents happen. This shows his talk is about risk management, which is a key part of safety. Answer Explanation: The answer F means that Simon's presentation focuses on providing information about how to stay safe while skiing. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is F because Simon's presentation covers 'dangers,' 'accidents,' and 'risk management.' These terms are directly related to the concept of safety. He explains what might go wrong and how to think about the consequences to avoid being hurt. |
| Q17 | B | The next speech titled Solution is given by Jamie Kurt. A list of problems may occur to novice skiers and snowboarders, so he is going to offer useful information for first timers on choosing the appropriate gears, the right dress code and ways of protecting your skin. For instance, some of you may have rented the skiing equipment, but rental footwear is notoriously uncomfortable. Then Jamie will provide instructions to help make your footwear fit better | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that Jamie Kurt will help new skiers with their gear. He says that rental boots (footwear) are usually very uncomfortable and that he will teach people how to make them fit their feet better. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that the talk focuses on how to make skiing shoes (boots) feel better on your feet. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Jamie Kurt's talk, named 'Solution', is about fixing problems that new skiers face. A major point he mentions is that rental boots are often uncomfortable, so he will give tips on how to make them fit better. The words 'footwear' and 'fit better' match the idea of making boots more comfortable. |
| Q18 | A | The third speech is about a documentary introducing skiing and snowboarding and the difference between the two sports. It also depicts a group of snow lovers exploring new slopes with breath-taking views | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that there is a film (documentary) about skiers and snowboarders who go to new mountain areas to see beautiful views and try new paths. Answer Explanation: The answer 'A' means that the movie shown during the event is about finding and visiting new places to ski. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker describes the third speech as a documentary, which is a type of film. This film shows people 'exploring new slopes.' In the context of skiing, 'slopes' are the destinations where people go to ski. The film allows the audience to see these new areas and their beautiful views. |
| Q19 | E | The fourth talk is about the tricks of skiing, presented by Harry Tyson. It is most useful for those who have already tried skiing, yet still need more practice to master the sport. Harry will teach you how to turn more skillfully. A lot of people can keep their skis roughly parallel but there's no point if you make it hard to work with and slide around out of control. Useful exercises will also be suggested to improve your parallel skiing technique so that you can tackle steeper slopes and enjoy yourself more | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that Harry Tyson's talk is for skiers who want to practice more to be very good at the sport. He teaches how to turn better and gives exercises to improve the way people ski so they can have more fun on harder hills. Answer Explanation: The answer is E, which focuses on ways to make your skiing abilities better. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the "Tricks" presentation by Harry Tyson is described as help for people who want to "master the sport" and learn to "turn more skillfully." It provides methods to "improve" one's skiing technique so they can handle more difficult paths. These points all relate to improving skills. |
| Q20 | D | Johnson Smith will be the last presenter, mainly addressing towards advanced skiers. He manages to apply snow climbing into skiing | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that Johnson Smith, the final speaker, talks about how to use snow climbing together with skiing. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Johnson's talk explains how to do another activity, like climbing, while you are skiing. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because Johnson Smith talks about mixing two different sports. Specifically, he explains how to use snow climbing techniques while skiing. By talking about how he "manages to apply snow climbing into skiing," he is showing how to combine these two activities into one experience. |
Transcript
Good morning everyone and welcome to the Annual Ski and Snowboard Exhibition held from April 8th to 17th. I am Mary Granger, coordinator of the event this year. The 10-day event features many highlights. As a snow sports lover, I know you are looking forward to a great time here. Now I'd like to offer you some practical information about the whole event and what to expect from it.
This might be the first time coming here for some of you. So for those who are still wondering about the right accommodation, I recommend Sky Hotel. It has its own health and sports clubs just like most of the hotels here, but I love it because of its incredibly cozy beds which guarantees good rest after an exhausting day of exploration. If you haven't brought your own equipment, like poles, boots and skis, they are available for purchase or rent at Ski Set or Snow Rental.
The exhibition this year provides a colorful look into the history of skiing and an inspiring peek into the future prospects of the sport. Apart from the fascinating photo exhibitions and the most up-to-date skiing gear like always, this year we have added four computers which can imitate the process of skiing, ensuring the same physical activity and sensations that appear during the skiing process on downhill slopes. But I have to warn you that it might be quite time-consuming to line up for the free trial experience.
Many have posed the question as to how to enter the skiing and snowboarding competition. Well, rather than filling out the back of the entrance ticket or bombarding the committee with emails, the most effective method is by checking out the exhibition newsletter delivered every month for availability.
As the most beloved local event, the exhibition has also drawn attention from the press. Last year, massive media coverage was on the worrisome amount of snowfall. In order to avoid the same predicament, several artificial skiing slopes have been built. With more participants this year, we have lowered the entrance fee which has been widely reported by local newspapers.
A bonus for our participants is the ski program. It offers a wide variety of lessons and sessions with qualified instructors ensuring that all ages and abilities are catered to from the first timers to seasoned amateurs. I strongly advise you to sign up for the program as it is offering an unprecedented 30% discount. That's mainly because we are cooperating with the program organiser who promises affordable prices only for the participants of the festival this year.
Now I would like to introduce to you the list of presentations during the following week so that you can better plan your schedule.
The first presenter Simon is one of our best ski instructors. As an experienced instructor, he will inform you about the dangers that face skiers and snowboarders. Accidents happen mostly to those who are careless or ignorant. Good risk management involves considering both the probability and consequences of an accident.
The next speech titled Solution is given by Jamie Kurt. A list of problems may occur to novice skiers and snowboarders, so he is going to offer useful information for first timers on choosing the appropriate gears, the right dress code and ways of protecting your skin. For instance, some of you may have rented the skiing equipment, but rental footwear is notoriously uncomfortable. Then Jamie will provide instructions to help make your footwear fit better.
The third speech is about a documentary introducing skiing and snowboarding and the difference between the two sports. It also depicts a group of snow lovers exploring new slopes with breath-taking views. The director Andy Fisher will be there, addressing the whole shooting experience.
The fourth talk is about the tricks of skiing, presented by Harry Tyson. It is most useful for those who have already tried skiing, yet still need more practice to master the sport. Harry will teach you how to turn more skillfully. A lot of people can keep their skis roughly parallel but there's no point if you make it hard to work with and slide around out of control. Useful exercises will also be suggested to improve your parallel skiing technique so that you can tackle steeper slopes and enjoy yourself more.
Johnson Smith will be the last presenter, mainly addressing towards advanced skiers. He manages to apply snow climbing into skiing. Climbing in soft snow, you are floundering around. Walking becomes harder, so a good trick during climbing is to maintain a wider gait, approximately shoulder width, so that you are more stable while walking. This works for skiing as well.