Dan and Jeannie’s Academic Review - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 08 Academic Listening Test 4 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–22 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Questions 23–24 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Questions 25–26 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 27–30 Flow Chart Completion
Complete the flow-chart below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Advice on exam preparation
Make sure you know the exam requirements
↓
Find some past papers
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Work out your 27 for revision and write them on a card
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Make a 28 and keep it in view
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Divide revision into 29 for each day
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Write one 30 about each topic
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Practise writing some exam answers
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | — | — | |
| Q22 | B / E | So then I asked the boss of the company I used to work for if they would sponsor me, and much to my surprise, he said they'd make a contribution My parents had been saying that as I already had a job, I ought to support myself through college. But in the end they took pity on me, so now I've just about got enough |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Dan's old boss agreed to help pay for his course (sponsorship) and that his parents eventually decided to give him the money he needed, even though they previously wanted him to pay for it himself. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Dan is getting money for his studies from two places: his parents (family) and the owner of the business where he used to work (former employer). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B and E because Dan explains where he finally got the money after being rejected by the council and the government. First, he mentions that his old boss agreed to "make a contribution," which means giving some money to help. Second, he says his parents "took pity" on him and gave him enough money to reach his goal. |
| Q23 | — | — | |
| Q24 | A / C | I don't think the conductor stretches us enough, though so I'll give up after the next concert It's fun, but with all the rehearsing I'm doing, something has to go, and I'm afraid that's the one |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Jeannie saying that her singing group is too easy because the conductor doesn't 'stretch' (challenge) them. She also says she must quit the debating club because she is too busy practicing for a play and doesn't have enough time for everything. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Jeannie wants to quit some clubs because the work is too easy and she is too busy with other things. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A and C because Jeannie mentions leaving two specific clubs for these reasons. For the singing group, she feels the leader does not push the members to work hard or improve, which matches the idea of not being challenged (Choice A). For the debating society, she explains that she is too busy practicing for her play and cannot fit everything into her schedule, which means she does not have enough time (Choice C). |
| Q25 | B | All those people saying clever things that I could never think of – it's quite interesting, but I wonder if I'm clever enough to be doing this course | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dan saying that he hears other students share smart ideas during class. Because of this, he asks himself if he is smart enough to belong in that class. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that when Dan is in the seminars, he feels like he is not as smart as the other students. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Dan explains that the other students in the seminars say very smart things that he cannot think of himself. This causes him to doubt himself and worry that he might not be smart enough for the course. Feeling less smart or capable than others is the same as feeling 'inferior.' In this context, 'clever' is a synonym for 'smart.' |
| Q26 | C | Oh, mine's very demanding. She gives me lots of feedback and advice, so I've got much better at writing essays. And she's helping me plan my revision for the end-of-year exams | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Jeannie describing her tutor as someone who expects a lot of work (demanding) but provides useful information that has helped her improve her writing and organize her study schedule for future tests. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the small group classes with her teacher are helping Jeannie improve practical abilities she needs for her schoolwork. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Jeannie mentions that her tutor gives her feedback and advice that has led to a direct improvement in her ability to write essays. Additionally, the tutor is assisting her with planning her revision (studying for exams). In an academic context, essay writing and exam preparation are considered essential 'study skills.' While Dan feels the tutorials are not useful, Jeannie explains how they are helping her progress. |
| Q27 | priorities | Then you can sort out your revision priorities, based on what's most likely to come up. I put these on a card, and read them through regularly | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Jeannie advising Dan to organize his study focus by choosing the most important topics and writing those main points on a small card. Answer Explanation: The answer 'priorities' refers to the things that are most important or need to be done before other things. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'priorities' because, in the transcript, Jeannie explains that after looking at past exams, the next step is to decide which topics are most important to study (the priorities). She specifically mentions writing these 'priorities' on a card to review them often, which matches the flow-chart's instructions to 'write them on a card'. |
| Q28 | timetable | But that isn't enough in itself. You also need a timetable, to see how you can fit everything in, in the time available. Then keep it in front of you while you're studying | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Jeannie telling Dan that he needs a study schedule (timetable) to make sure he has time for all his work. She also tells him to keep this schedule where he can see it while he is studying. Answer Explanation: The answer "timetable" refers to a schedule or a plan that shows the times you will study different subjects. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "timetable" because Jeannie explains that just having priorities is not enough. She suggests making a schedule to manage time well. She specifically mentions that this plan should be kept "in front of you," which matches the requirement in the flow-chart to keep it "in view." |
| Q29 | small tasks / tasks | Maybe you need to do something different every day, so if you break down your revision into small tasks, and allocate them to specific days, there's more incentive to tackle them | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Jeannie suggesting that Dan change his daily routine. She tells him to split his study work into "small tasks" and give each job a certain day so that he will feel more motivated to do the work. Answer Explanation: The answer "small tasks" refers to splitting big study topics into little pieces of work to do every day. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "small tasks" because Jeannie advises Dan to "break down" (which means to divide) his study materials. She explains that by turning his revision into small, manageable pieces of work and deciding which jobs to do on certain days, it becomes much easier to start working. |
| Q30 | single paragraph / paragraph | And as I revise each topic I write a single paragraph about it – then later I can read it through quickly, and it helps fix things in my mind | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript describes Jeannie's study habit: she writes a short piece of text for every subject she reviews to help the information stay in her memory. Answer Explanation: The answer means writing a short block of text, usually about one main idea, for every subject you are studying. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found when Jeannie explains her method for remembering what she has studied. She says that for every subject she reviews, she writes one short piece of text. This helps her look over the information quickly later on. The words 'revise each topic' and 'write' in the conversation correspond to the flow-chart's instructions. |
Transcript
DAN: Hi Jeannie. How's it going?
JEANNIE: Oh, hello Dan. Pretty well, thanks. Have you managed to get the money for the course yet?
DAN: Yes, that's all sorted out now, thanks. It took long enough, though. It was practically a year ago that I applied to my local council for a grant, and it took them six months to turn me down.
JEANNIE: That's really slow.
DAN: And I thought I was eligible for government funding, but it seems I was mistaken. So then I asked the boss of the company I used to work for if they would sponsor me, and much to my surprise, he said they'd make a contribution.
JEANNIE: But what about college grants and scholarships? There must be some you could apply for.
DAN: Yes, there are, but they're all so small that I decided to leave them until I was desperate.
JEANNIE: Uhuh.
DAN: And in fact I didn't need to apply. My parents had been saying that as I already had a job, I ought to support myself through college. But in the end they took pity on me, so now I've just about got enough.
JEANNIE: That's good.
DAN: So now I can put a bit of effort into meeting people – I haven't had time so far. Any suggestions?
JEANNIE: What about joining some college clubs?
DAN: Oh right. You joined several didn't you?
JEANNIE: Yes, I'm in the drama club. It's our first performance next week, so we're rehearsing frantically, and I've got behind with my work, but it's worth it. I'm hoping to be in the spring production, too.
DAN: I've never liked acting. Are you doing anything else?
JEANNIE: I enjoyed singing when I was at school, so I joined a group when I came to college. I don't think the conductor stretches us enough, though so I'll give up after the next concert. And I also joined the debating society. It's fun, but with all the rehearsing I'm doing, something has to go, and I'm afraid that's the one.
DAN: Do you do any sports?
JEANNIE: Yes, I'm in one of the hockey teams. I'm not very good, but I'd really miss it if I stopped. I decided to try tennis when I came to college, and I'm finding it pretty tough going. I'm simply not fit enough.
DAN: Nor me. I think I'll give that a miss!
JEANNIE: I'm hoping it'll help me to build up my stamina, but it'll probably be a long haul.
DAN: Good luck.
JEANNIE: Thanks.
DAN: How are you finding the course?
JEANNIE: I wish we had more seminars.
DAN: What? I'd have thought we had more than enough already. All those people saying clever things that I could never think of – it's quite interesting, but I wonder if I'm clever enough to be doing this course.
JEANNIE: I find it helpful to listen to the other people. I like the way we're exploring the subject, and working towards getting insight into it.
DAN: How do you get on with your tutor? I don't think I'm on the same wavelength as mine, so I feel I'm not getting anything out of the tutorials. It would be more productive to read a book instead.
JEANNIE: Oh, mine's very demanding. She gives me lots of feedback and advice, so I've got much better at writing essays. And she's helping me plan my revision for the end-of-year exams.
DAN: Do tell me, I always struggle with revision.
JEANNIE: Well, the first thing is to find out exactly what's required in the exams.
DAN: Mm. Would it help to get hold of some past papers?
JEANNIE: Yes. They'll help to make it clear.
DAN: Right, I'll do that. Then what?
JEANNIE: Then you can sort out your revision priorities, based on what's most likely to come up. I put these on a card, and read them through regularly.
DAN: Uhuh.
JEANNIE: But that isn't enough in itself. You also need a timetable, to see how you can fit everything in, in the time available. Then keep it in front of you while you're studying.
DAN: I've done that before, but it hasn't helped me!
JEANNIE: Maybe you need to do something different every day, so if you break down your revision into small tasks, and allocate them to specific days, there's more incentive to tackle them. With big topics you're more likely to put off starting.
DAN: Good idea.
JEANNIE: And as I revise each topic I write a single paragraph about it – then later I can read it through quickly, and it helps fix things in my mind.
DAN: That's brilliant.
JEANNIE: I also write answers to questions for the exam practice. It's hard to make myself do it, though!
DAN: Well, I'll try. Thanks a lot, Jeannie. That's a great help.
JEANNIE: No problem.
DAN: See you around.
JEANNIE: Bye.