Buying Baby Cots - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 05 Academic Listening Test 1 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–19 Table Completion
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
| Brand of Cot | Good Points | Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Safe | Easy to
11 |
• Did not have any
12 • Babies could trap their 13 in the side bar |
14 |
| Choice Cots | Easy to
15 |
• Side did not drop down
• Spaces between the bars were 16 |
17 |
| Mother's Choice | Base of cot could be moved | • Did not have any
18 • Pictures could be removed easily |
19 |
Questions 20–20 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer.
- Metal should not be rusted or bent
- Edges of cot should not be 20
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | move around / move about | Our testers liked the fact that it had four wheels, so it was easy to move around | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the people testing the cot liked the wheels because they allowed the cot to be pushed to different spots very easily. Answer Explanation: The answer means changing the location of the cot or pushing it from one place to another without difficulty. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer describes a positive feature of the Baby Safe cot. In the transcript, the speaker mentions that this specific bed has four wheels. Because it has wheels, the people who tried the bed found that it was simple to change its position. The phrase 'easy to move around' is used to show that the cot is not heavy or stuck in one place. |
| Q12 | brakes | The only slight problems with this cot were that it had no brakes, but they didn't think that mattered too much | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript identifies that one of the negative points or issues with the Baby Safe baby bed is that it lacked wheels-locks or stop-mechanisms. Answer Explanation: The answer "brakes" refers to the parts of a machine or vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop moving. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "brakes" because the transcript mentions that although the Baby Safe cot was easy to move because of its wheels, it did not have a way to stop or lock those wheels. When looking for the problems with this specific brand, the speaker explicitly points out this missing feature. |
| Q13 | fingers | At first they were a bit concerned about the side bar, because they felt babies could trap their fingers in it, but our testers felt that this was unlikely to happen so they have given this one a verdict of 'satisfactory' | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the people testing the cot were worried that a baby's fingers could get stuck in the side bar. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the small parts of a baby's hand that could get stuck in the cot's side bar. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "fingers" because the text specifically mentions that the testers were worried babies might "trap" or get this part of their body stuck in the gaps of the side bar of the Baby Safe cot. |
| Q14 | satisfactory | At first they were a bit concerned about the side bar, because they felt babies could trap their fingers in it, but our testers felt that this was unlikely to happen so they have given this one a verdict of 'satisfactory' | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that after checking the cot for any problems, the people testing it (the testers) decided to give it a final rating (verdict) of "satisfactory." Answer Explanation: The answer "satisfactory" means that the cot is good enough and meets the basic needs, even if it is not perfect. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is located in the part of the talk where the speaker reviews the "Baby Safe" cot. In a table, a "verdict" is a final decision or opinion. The speaker lists the good and bad things about this cot and then says the final result or "verdict" is "satisfactory." |
| Q15 | put it together / put together | The next cot was by Choice Cots and this time our testers were pleased to find a cot which is simple to put together – unlike others we looked at | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that for the Choice Cots brand, the people who tested it were happy because this bed was not difficult to build, especially compared to other beds they had seen. Answer Explanation: The answer "put (it) together" means to build or assemble the parts of the bed so that it is ready to be used. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the section about 'Choice Cots.' The speaker mentions that the people testing the product liked it because it was 'simple' to assemble. In this context, 'simple to put together' is used as a good point, which matches the column in the table. The word 'simple' is a synonym for 'easy,' which is the word used in the table description. |
| Q16 | too wide | However, the real problem with this cot was the space between the bars; our testers found they were too wide and a baby could easily trap his head | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the main issue with this specific bed was that the gaps between the bars were so large that they were unsafe for a baby. Answer Explanation: The answer "too wide" means that the distance or opening between the bars on the cot was much larger than it should be. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the report for the 'Choice Cots' brand. The speaker mentions that while the cot was easy to build, it had serious safety issues. One major concern was that the distance between the bars was too large, which could lead to a baby's head getting stuck. In the table, the phrase 'Spaces between the bars were' acts as a prompt for the specific description 'too wide' used in the text. |
| Q17 | dangerous | We felt this was a real safety hazard and so we have labelled this one dangerous, I'm afraid | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that because the bed had a big safety problem, the reviewers officially called it dangerous. Answer Explanation: The answer 'dangerous' means that the experts decided this cot is very unsafe for babies to use. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the findings from the testers about the 'Choice Cots' brand. They discovered a serious safety problem: the bars were too far apart, which could cause a baby to get their head stuck. Because of this 'safety hazard', they officially gave it a verdict of 'dangerous'. |
| Q18 | wheels | The negatives for this one were quite minor; the only niggle everyone had was the fact that it has no wheels and the only other problem anyone could find, was that there were pictures which were simply stuck on and so could easily become detached | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the Mother's Choice cot has only a few small problems (or 'niggles'). The first problem mentioned is that the cot does not have wheels, while the second problem is that the pictures on it come off too easily. Answer Explanation: The answer 'wheels' refers to the small round parts under the legs of a piece of furniture that allow it to be rolled or moved around easily. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is determined by looking at the section of the transcript where the 'Mother's Choice' cot is discussed. The speaker lists 'negatives' or problems for this specific brand. One specific problem mentioned is that it lacks wheels, which directly fits the sentence 'Did not have any wheels'. |
| Q19 | the best / best / the best buy / best buy / safe | As this cot will then be safe in every way, we have made the Mother's Choice cot our best buy | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that because the bed is safe for babies, the show chooses it as the best item to purchase from the group they tested. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies the final rating or decision made for the Mother's Choice cot, which was selected as the top option. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'best buy' or 'safe' because the transcript explicitly states that after the small issue with the stickers is fixed, the cot will be safe in every way. Consequently, the program gives it the highest recommendation by calling it their 'best buy.' This implies it is the best product among those tested. |
| Q20 | sharp | You should ensure your cot has only rounded or smooth edging without any sharp edges, this is especially important for wooden cots | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that a good cot should have edges that are safe and smooth, not edges that are pointy or can cut skin. This is a key safety rule for wooden beds. Answer Explanation: The answer 'sharp' means having an edge or point that can easily cut or hurt someone. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'sharp' because the transcript gives advice on how to choose a safe bed for a baby. It mentions that parents should look for edges that are rounded or smooth. It specifically says that the cot must not have any edges that are 'sharp' because they could be dangerous for the child. The notes ask what the edges should not be, and the text says they should be 'without' sharp edges. |
Transcript
Hello and welcome to today's 'Buyer Beware' programme, where we give you some tips on how to spend your money wisely. Now, in today's show we're looking at beds for children and babies. Let's start by looking at baby cots, that's for children of up to three years old. We tested three different cots all in the budget price range and, as usual, we will feature the good points, the problems and our verdict.
The first cot we looked at was by Baby Safe and it had several good points to recommend it. Our testers liked the fact that it had four wheels, so it was easy to move around. The only slight problems with this cot were that it had no brakes, but they didn't think that mattered too much. At first they were a bit concerned about the side bar, because they felt babies could trap their fingers in it, but our testers felt that this was unlikely to happen so they have given this one a verdict of 'satisfactory'.
The next cot was by Choice Cots and this time our testers were pleased to find a cot which is simple to put together – unlike others we looked at. On the minus side, our testers did not like the fact that the side of the cot did not drop down, making it difficult to pick up newborn babies. However, the real problem with this cot was the space between the bars; our testers found they were too wide and a baby could easily trap his head. We felt this was a real safety hazard and so we have labelled this one dangerous, I'm afraid.
And finally better news for the Mother's Choice cot. This cot was slightly different in that, although the side bar did not drop down, the base could be raised or lowered into two different positions making it safe as well as convenient. The negatives for this one were quite minor; the only niggle everyone had was the fact that it has no wheels and the only other problem anyone could find, was that there were pictures which were simply stuck on and so could easily become detached. The makers have now promised to discontinue this practice. As this cot will then be safe in every way, we have made the Mother's Choice cot our best buy. Congratulations Mother's Choice!
So, what features should you look for in a baby's cot? Well obviously safety is a very important factor as well as comfort and convenience. We recommend that, if you are buying a cot, do make sure that any metal present is not rusted or bent in any way. You should ensure your cot has only rounded or smooth edging without any sharp edges, this is especially important for wooden cots.
And now on to beds for toddlers...