Conversation in Student Services Office - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 04 Academic Listening Test 3 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–25 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 26–30 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | A | I've been out in the work-force for nearly twelve years now, so it really is a long time since I was last a student | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the man has been working for almost twelve years, which is why it has been a long time since he was last in school. Answer Explanation: The answer means the man is looking for classes specially designed for people who are starting to go to school again after being away for a long time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the man explains that he has been working for twelve years and it has been a long time since he was in school. The officer mentions that they offer classes for students who are "returning to study." Although he is in the "Business faculty," there is no information saying he is an "executive," and he clarifies that he is an "Undergraduate," so he is not a "postgraduate student." |
| Q22 | B | First of all, there's our intensive 'Study for Success' seminar on the first and second of February | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the specific class the student is interested in is held on February 1st and February 2nd, which totals two days. Answer Explanation: The answer B means the seminar goes on for two days. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the officer gives specific dates for the 'Study for Success' seminar. She says it happens on the first and the second of a month. If a course happens on two dates like this, it lasts for two days. |
| Q23 | C | Some of the strategies in writing, for example, would be improving your planning for writing, organising your thinking and building some techniques to help you write more clearly | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the lessons on writing focus on making a plan, organizing ideas, and using skills so that the writing is easy to read and understand. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the seminar helps students learn how to write in a way that is easy for other people to understand. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the officer says the writing part of the class will help students 'write more clearly'. Improving your clarity means making your work easier to follow and understand. While the officer mentions building confidence in other areas, like giving presentations, the specific goal for the writing strategies is to help the student produce clear work. |
| Q24 | A | With reading, there'll be sessions aimed at getting into the habit of analysing material as you read it, and tips to help you record and remember what you have read | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that during the reading classes, students will learn how to make it a habit to study and think about the information they are reading. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the lessons teach students to look at information carefully and think deeply about it while they read. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the officer explains that the reading sessions focus on teaching students to analyse information as they read. In the transcript, the word 'analysing' is used. 'Analysing' something is the same as looking at it 'analytically'. It means not just reading words, but trying to understand the deeper meaning or how the ideas connect. |
| Q25 | B | It's aimed at students like you who are uncertain about what to expect at college, and looks at a fairly wide range of approaches to university learning, to motivate you to begin your study and build on your own learning strategies Well, there's a range of motivational exercises that we do to help the students feel positive and enthusiastic about their study |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the class is meant to give students a reason to start studying (motivate) and uses special activities to make sure they feel happy (positive) and very interested (enthusiastic) about learning. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the goal of the seminar is to help students feel excited and very interested in their schoolwork. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the officer explains that the course is designed to help students feel 'positive' and 'enthusiastic' about their education. To be 'enthusiastic' means to be very interested in something. The officer also says the class aims to 'motivate' the students, which means to give them a reason or a push to want to do their work. |
| Q26 | A | Two of the key components of the course are time management and overcoming procrastination | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that two very important parts of the class are learning how to handle your time and how to stop waiting until the last minute to do things. Answer Explanation: The answer means the course helps students learn how to organize and use their time well so they can finish all their school work. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the student is worried about being able to finish everything on time. The officer says that 'time management' is one of the most important parts of the course. 'Time management' is another way to say using time effectively or planning your day. By learning this, students can complete all their work and still have free time. |
| Q27 | C | Now, I need to tell you that this is a very popular course and it's essential that you book well ahead of time. In fact, the Course Convenor tells me that there are only five places left | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the officer tells the student it is necessary to sign up early (book well ahead of time) because many people like the class and there are almost no spots left. Answer Explanation: The answer means that students need to save a spot for themselves before the class begins. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the officer uses the words book well ahead of time. In English, the word book is a synonym for reserve, and the phrase well ahead of time means the same as in advance. The officer explains that this is essential, or very important, because the course is popular and only five empty spots are left. |
| Q28 | B | It's simply called 'Learning Skills for University Study' and is on three consecutive mornings starting on a Monday, from nine to twelve, and costs twenty-five pounds | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the class is held on "three consecutive mornings starting on a Monday." This means there are three days of classes that happen one day after the other, beginning with Monday. This confirms it takes place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Answer Explanation: The answer is B, which means the course is held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the officer explains that the 'Learning Skills for University Study' course happens on three consecutive mornings beginning on a Monday. The word 'consecutive' means following one after another without a break. Therefore, if you start on Monday and have three mornings in a row, the days must be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. |
| Q29 | B | Well, basically it's more advanced thinking, note-taking, reading and writing strategies, but also some input about stress management | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the officer explaining what students will learn. She mentions study skills like writing and reading, and then she mentions 'stress management,' which provides advice on how to stay calm and organized. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the course teaches students how to handle feeling worried or nervous about their schoolwork. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because when the officer describes the second course, called 'Learning Skills for University Study', she lists 'stress management' as one of the topics. In English, managing stress is the same as coping with stress. The other options are incorrect because the officer does not mention exercise (physical training) or a specific weekly planner as parts of this course. |
| Q30 | B | I think I'd be better off starting from the basics and looking at all the strategies, don't you | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the student saying he wants to learn the 'basics,' which are the simplest and most necessary parts of a subject when you are starting something new. Answer Explanation: The answer means the man picks the 'Study for Success' seminar because he thinks it is better to learn the easiest and most important skills first. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the student believes he should begin with simple or 'basic' skills. He says he would be 'better off starting from the basics' because it has been twelve years since he last studied. This shows he wants to start at the very beginning of the learning process rather than taking a course with 'advanced' lessons. Synonyms like 'basics' help indicate he wants to start at the 'beginning'. |
Transcript
OFFICER: Hello. Er, I'm Dawn Matthews.
STUDENT: Yes, hello. I've been referred to you because I'm enquiring about the refresher courses that you run. I'd like to find out a bit more about them.
OFFICER: OK. Well, we run quite a few different short courses for students who are either returning to study or studying part-time. Um, tell me about your situation.
STUDENT: Well, I think that I really need some help in preparing for the coming semester, especially to build up my confidence a bit and help me study effectively because, you see, I've been out in the work-force for nearly twelve years now, so it really is a long time since I was last a student.
OFFICER: Yes, it can seem like a long time, can't it? Um, well, let me start by telling you what courses we have that might suit you. Are you an undergraduate or a postgraduate? Arts or Sciences?
STUDENT: Undergraduate, and I'm in the Business faculty.
OFFICER: Right then. First of all, there's our intensive 'Study for Success' seminar on the first and second of February. It's aimed at students like you who are uncertain about what to expect at college, and looks at a fairly wide range of approaches to university learning, to motivate you to begin your study and build on your own learning strategies.
STUDENT: Mm, that sounds good. What are some of the strategies that are presented?
OFFICER: Well, we try to cover all aspects of study. Some of the strategies in writing, for example, would be improving your planning for writing, organising your thinking and building some techniques to help you write more clearly. With reading, there'll be sessions aimed at getting into the habit of analysing material as you read it, and tips to help you record and remember what you have read. It really is very important to begin reading confidently right from the beginning.
STUDENT: Mm.
OFFICER: There's also advice on how to get the most from your lectures and practice in giving confident presentations, as well as how to prepare for exams.
STUDENT: What about the motivational side of things?
OFFICER: Ah. Well, there's a range of motivational exercises that we do to help the students feel positive and enthusiastic about their study. The process of learning and exploring a subject can lead to a whole new way of looking at the world, and the study skills and techniques that you build up can be applied in all sorts of different ways.
STUDENT: Actually, I ... I'm very excited about the whole thing of taking up studying again but, you know, I'm a little nervous about whether I'll manage to get everything done. I suppose it's the same for all mature students?
OFFICER: Of course it is. Two of the key components of the course are time management and overcoming procrastination. People discover that, once they learn to plan their days, all the work can be accomplished and there'll still be time for leisure.
STUDENT: Is there an enrolment fee?
OFFICER: Well, er, oh, just a minute, let's see ... Ah, the cost is thirty pounds, which includes all course materials and morning tea. You have to arrange your own lunch.
STUDENT: That wouldn't be a problem. I already make sandwiches for my three kids and my wife and myself every day. I won't have to change my routine.
OFFICER: No. Now, I need to tell you that this is a very popular course and it's essential that you book well ahead of time. In fact, the Course Convenor tells me that there are only five places left.
STUDENT: What other course might be good for me?
OFFICER: There is one other that you could benefit from. It's simply called 'Learning Skills for University Study' and is on three consecutive mornings starting on a Monday, from nine to twelve, and costs twenty-five pounds. This is aimed at upgrading the study skills most school-leavers have and help them cope with the increased demands of university study. It focuses mainly on making students more responsible for their own success.
STUDENT: What sort of things are covered in this course?
OFFICER: Well, basically it's more advanced thinking, note-taking, reading and writing strategies, but also some input about stress management.
STUDENT: I think I'd be better off starting from the basics and looking at all the strategies, don't you?
OFFICER: Yes, from what you've told me, I think that's more in line with your situation.
STUDENT: Alright then, um, can I book a place on the 'Study for Success' seminar course now?
OFFICER: Yes. Let me just get out a registration form and take down your details.
Really good website, Thanks for helping us to making materials clearly and easy to utilise.