Birmingham Exhibition - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 3 Academic Listening Test 2 · Part 1 · Questions 1–10
Audio
Questions
Questions 1–10 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Birmingham Exhibition
Example
Purpose of calling: purchasing tickets
- Open in: 1
- Length of exhibition: 2
- A wide range of manufacturers will be showcased.
- Some cars are available to observe and the others are for 3.
- The 4 is prohibited to take into the museum.
- Every ticket includes one free photo.
- Price of ticket: £ 5 (in advance)
- Transfer to Mark 6 (Box Office Manager)
- Held in the 7 Palace this year
- Not far from 8
- Website: www. 9 .com
- Best way to contact: 10
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | July | The exhibition will take place during July, and will showcase the history of automobiles from the very first commercial car in the late 1800s all the way through to the present day | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that the event will happen in the month of July. Answer Explanation: The answer is the month when the car show will happen. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is July because when Julie asks if the show starts in June, the coordinator corrects her. He says the event will take place during July. To 'take place' means to happen or to be held. |
| Q2 | 3 days / three days | No, Madam, the exhibition will last 3 days, from the 1st of July to the 3rd of July, and then the cars will be taken to another exhibition | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the event starts on the first day of July and ends on the third day, which makes the total length three days. Answer Explanation: The answer "3/three days" means that the car show is open for a total time of three days. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "3/three days" because the coordinator explains that the event is not open for the whole month of July. He says it will "last" for a specific time, from the 1st to the 3rd. Beginners should focus on the word "last," which is used here to talk about the duration or length of an event. |
| Q3 | test driving | There will be many opportunities for you to sit in the cars; however, some of the cars will only be available to observe. We are yet to be told whether any of the antique cars will be available to drive, however there will certainly be an opportunity to test driving some of the more modern cars on a purpose-built track | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that although some cars are just for looking at, people have the chance to drive the modern cars on a track built for that purpose. Answer Explanation: The answer means trying out the cars by driving them on a special track to see how they perform. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'test driving' because the coordinator mentions that while some cars can only be looked at (to observe), there is a chance for visitors to actually drive the newer models. The phrase 'test driving' is used specifically to describe the activity available for those cars. |
| Q4 | camera | I'm afraid to say that cameras are actually strictly not allowed to bring into the exhibition | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the worker warning the caller that taking a camera into the exhibition is against the rules. Answer Explanation: The answer 'camera' refers to the device used to take pictures that visitors are forbidden from carrying into the car show. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is camera because the coordinator explicitly states that cameras are 'strictly not allowed' inside the event. In the notes, the word 'prohibited' is used, which is a synonym for 'not allowed,' meaning visitors must not bring this item with them. |
| Q5 | 110 | If you buy the ticket in advance the price is £110, but it's £165 on the door | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows two different prices for tickets: a lower price of £110 for buying them early and a higher price for buying them when you arrive. Answer Explanation: The answer is 110, which means the ticket costs 110 pounds (£) if you purchase it before the exhibition starts. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the conversation about ticket prices. When Julie asks if the price is 100 pounds, the coordinator corrects her by stating that buying a ticket early (in advance) costs £110, whereas buying it on the day of the event (on the door) is more expensive at £165. Learners should look for the phrase 'in advance' to find the price for tickets bought before arrival. |
| Q6 | Edgeworth | I'll transfer you to the Box Office Manager, Mark Edgeworth, that's E-D-G-E-W-O-R-T-H, and he will probably need to take your credit card details and some personal details | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the worker telling Julie the name of the person she needs to talk to next to finish buying her tickets. Answer Explanation: The answer Edgeworth is the last name (the family name) of a man named Mark who works at the office. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Edgeworth because when Julie says she wants to buy tickets, the staff member tells her she will be moved to talk to the Box Office Manager. The staff member gives his full name as Mark Edgeworth and even spells it out letter by letter (E-D-G-E-W-O-R-T-H) to make sure she has it right. |
| Q7 | Summer | No, Madam, the Birmingham Exhibition Centre is currently undergoing some renovations, so this year all exhibitions will be held in the Summer Palace | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the worker explaining that the location has changed to the Summer Palace because the Birmingham Exhibition Centre is being repaired. Answer Explanation: The answer is the specific name of the building where the exhibition is being held this year. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Summer' because the speaker mentions that because the normal building (the Exhibition Centre) is being fixed, all shows this year will happen at a place called the Summer Palace. |
| Q8 | city centre / centre / center / city center | Well, it's not too far from city centre | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that the place where the event is held is located a short distance from the middle part of the city. Answer Explanation: The answer is the main central area of the city, which is close to the exhibition location. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'city centre' because the Events Coordinator directly mentions its proximity to the Summer Palace. The phrase 'not too far from' used in the conversation means the same as 'Not far from' in the notes. |
| Q9 | directions | Perhaps you could visit http://www.directions.com for more detailed information | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the worker from the city council giving Julie a website name (directions) where she can find clear help on how to travel to the event. Answer Explanation: The answer is the specific name used in the web address that Julie can visit to get more information about how to get to the location. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'directions' because the Events Coordinator suggests that Julie visit a specific website to find step-by-step instructions on how to reach the Summer Palace. In the talk, the coordinator specifically says the URL as 'www.directions.com' when Julie mentions that she and her husband are not good at finding their way around. |
| Q10 | enquiring online / online | I think the most convenient way to contact us is enquiring online, which is much simpler than having to dial various different numbers to reach the right person | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that using the internet to ask questions is much easier for people than trying to call different phone numbers to find the right person. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the easiest way to get help or ask questions is by using the internet. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found at the end of the conversation when Julie asks if calling by phone is the best way to reach them. The coordinator explains that the 'most convenient way' (which is a synonym for 'best way') is 'enquiring online'. This suggests that using a website is easier than calling many different phone numbers. |
Transcript
Events Coordinator: Good morning, you're through to the events coordinator at the Birmingham City Council, how may I help you?
Julie: Hello there, my husband and I are interested in purchasing tickets to the automobile exhibition, but I couldn't find many details about it on your website, and I was wondering whether you could provide me with some more information. Does it open in June?
Events Coordinator: Yes, of course, Madam. The exhibition will take place during July, and will showcase the history of automobiles from the very first commercial car in the late 1800s all the way through to the present day.
Julie: Is the exhibition open for the duration of July?
Events Coordinator: No, Madam, the exhibition will last 3 days, from the 1st of July to the 3rd of July, and then the cars will be taken to another exhibition.
Julie: Okay. Does the exhibition focus on a certain manufacturer?
Events Coordinator: No, it will showcase a wide range of manufacturers.
Julie: Wonderful! I'm ever so fed up of going to these shows and only seeing one manufacturer. Are there any opportunities to sit in or even drive the cars?
Events Coordinator: There will be many opportunities for you to sit in the cars; however, some of the cars will only be available to observe. We are yet to be told whether any of the antique cars will be available to drive, however there will certainly be an opportunity to test driving some of the more modern cars on a purpose-built track.
Julie: That sounds like great fun! I mustn't forget to bring my camera, or my husband will never forgive me!
Events Coordinator: I'm afraid to say that cameras are actually strictly not allowed to bring into the exhibition. There will however be a section where a professional photographer will be available to take photos of you sitting in a car in period clothing.
Julie: Well, that sounds like it could be fun, but I assume the photos won't be free.
Events Coordinator: On the contrary, one free photograph is included within every ticket, but each photo after this will cost £5.
Julie: That's a nice surprise, not many things are free anymore. I've been asking around about the ticket prices, but I haven't yet had a definite answer. Is it correct that the tickets are £100 whether you buy them now or on arrival?
Events Coordinator: I'm afraid not. If you buy the ticket in advance the price is £110, but it's £165 on the door.
Julie: Oh goodness! I suppose I'd best pay for them now then. Is it possible to buy tickets from you now over the phone?
Events Coordinator: Yes, of course, Madam. I'll transfer you to the Box Office Manager, Mark Edgeworth, that's E-D-G-E-W-O-R-T-H, and he will probably need to take your credit card details and some personal details.
Julie: Yes, that's fine. Before you transfer me, I just need to ask a few more questions. Will the exhibition be held in the Birmingham Exhibition Centre? I think that's where I went last time.
Events Coordinator: No, Madam, the Birmingham Exhibition Centre is currently undergoing some renovations, so this year all exhibitions will be held in the Summer Palace.
Julie: Summer Palace? I'm not entirely sure where that is.
Events Coordinator: Well, it's not too far from city centre. Once you're in the centre, you should be able to find signs for the palace. If not, most people in Birmingham will be able to direct you.
Julie: Hmm...neither my husband nor I am particularly good with directions. Is there anywhere I can find this information on the Internet?
Events Coordinator: Our website will give you an address. Perhaps you could visit www.directions.com for more detailed information, and they should be able to provide you with step-by-step instructions.
Julie: Okay and is this the best way to contact you, by phone?
Events Coordinator: I think the most convenient way to contact us is enquiring online, which is much simpler than having to dial various different numbers to reach the right person! Unless you have any more questions, I'll transfer you now.
Julie: No, that's great! Thank you for your help.