DISSERTATION INFORMATION - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 02 Academic Listening Test 3 · Part 3 · Questions 24–33
Audio
Questions
Questions 24–26 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS or A NUMBER for each answer.
DISSERTATION INFORMATION
Hand-in date: 24
Length: 18,000 to 25 words
Extra programme offered on: 26
Questions 27–29 Table Completion
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
DISSERTATION TIMETABLE
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 31 January | Basic bibliography |
| 7 February | 27 |
| February-March | 28 |
| 29 | Write up work |
| 21 May | Hand in work |
Questions 30–33 Matching
What is Dr Simon's opinion on the following points?
Tick column A if he is in favour
Tick column B if he has no strong opinion either way
Tick column C if he is against
A. he is in favour
B. he has no strong opinion either way
C. he is against
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q24 | 21st May / May 21st / 21st of May / 21 May / May 21 | I can confirm that that's 21 May, not 20 as we first stated. OK | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the teacher telling the students that the final day to hand in their assignment is officially May 21. Answer Explanation: The answer is the calendar date when the students must turn in their final project. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found when Andy asks about the deadline for submitting the paper. Dr Simon specifically states that the date is May 21. Important keywords to look for are 'hand-in date' and 'confirm'. |
| Q25 | 20 000 / 20,000 / 20000 | DR SIMON: Well we try to be pretty flexible on this, but in broad terms it's 18 - 20,000 | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon explaining the expected length of the assignment. He gives a range of two numbers to show how many words are needed. Answer Explanation: The answer is the requirement for the number of words in the dissertation, which should be between 18,000 and 20,000. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found when Jane asks about the 'word limit.' Dr. Simon answers that while they are flexible, or not extremely strict, the typical length is 18,000 to 20,000 words. The expression 'broad terms' is used here to give a general rule or estimate. |
| Q26 | research methods | Well, you should see your course tutor to agree on your final title and you should also be aware that there's a special programme running on research methods for anyone who wants some extra help on that | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon telling a student that there is a special class available about how to do research (the research methods) if they need more support. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'research methods'. This is the name of a special class for students. You must write both words because 'research' alone is not specific enough. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'research methods' because Dr. Simon mentions a special program for students who need extra help. He specifically identifies the subject of this program as 'research methods'. In academic writing, 'methods' refers to the specific ways or systems used to gather information, making it the key part of the program's title. |
| Q27 | draft plan / plan / draught plan | No, your draft plan is due on 7 February, which is a week later, so that should give you plenty of time | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon telling the students that the date to finish their first plan is the 7th of February. Answer Explanation: The answer means a rough or first version of the plan for the project that you show to the teacher. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the schedule Dr. Simon provides for the dissertation. When a student asks about when to finish the draft plan, Dr. Simon says it must be done by 7 February. This date comes exactly one week after the first deadline for the list of books (bibliography). |
| Q28 | do research / research / doing the research | JANE: And when do we have to be doing the research?DR SIMON: That's over a one-month period essentially February to March |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Jane asking about the dates for doing research, and Dr. Simon clarifies that it takes place from February to March. Answer Explanation: The answer says that the students should do their study or search for information (research) during the months of February and March. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found when Jane asks about the time for the research phase. Dr. Simon replies that this part of the dissertation work happens over one month, specifically from February to March. In academic writing, "doing research" involves gathering the facts and information needed for a project. |
| Q29 | March-May / March to May | Well, you can't really get going on your writing until you've got quite a bit of the research done, so that's really March to May, with the hand in date on 21st | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon explaining that students cannot start writing their dissertation until most of their research is finished. Because of this, he says the writing phase happens from March to May. Answer Explanation: The answer says the time to write the final long essay (the dissertation) is from March to May. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer comes from the part of the conversation where Dr. Simon talks about the plan for the months ahead. He says that once students have done enough research (which happens until March), they should spend the months of March until May writing their work before the final due date on May 21st. |
| Q30 | A | DR SIMON: What can I say, Andy? I know it's a massive expense, but I really feel that it will be of great benefit you can always look in the Student Union adverts for second hand ones |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon telling Andy that although computers cost a lot of money, they are very useful for the students. He suggests looking for used ones, which shows he really wants them to have one. Answer Explanation: The answer A means that Dr. Simon thinks it is a good idea for students to buy a computer for their work. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Dr. Simon tells the student that while computers are expensive, having one is very helpful. He uses the phrase 'great benefit' to show he supports the idea, and he even gives advice on where to find cheaper used ones so the students can afford them. |
| Q31 | A | Well, I don't think you should read them in detail too early or you might end up taking more of their ideas than you realise. But yes it really is the best guide you can have to the expectations of the of what's expected when you write a dissertation |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Dr. Simon believes these old papers are the best examples to help students understand what they need to do for their own project. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Dr. Simon supports or likes the idea of students looking at dissertations written by students in previous years. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Dr. Simon describes reading previous dissertations as the 'best guide' for understanding what is required. While he mentions a small warning about reading them too early to avoid copying ideas, his overall message is that they are very helpful for showing students what is 'expected' in their own work. |
| Q32 | C | I think questionnaires are very good at telling you how people fill in questionnaires, but to be frank they tell you very little else. Avoid them | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon being very honest about his opinion. He explains that questionnaires do not help much and gives a clear instruction to the students to not use them by saying 'Avoid them!' Answer Explanation: The answer means Dr. Simon does not like or support the idea of using questionnaires for the research project. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Dr. Simon tells the students to avoid using questionnaires. To 'avoid' something means you should stay away from it or not do it. He thinks they are not useful for getting real information. Therefore, he is against using them. |
| Q33 | B | The tutors? I don't see why not; they don't have any special contribution to make, but you can if you want | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dr. Simon saying it is fine to talk to tutors, but he also mentions that they do not have anything special to tell the students. Answer Explanation: The answer means Dr. Simon does not have a strong feeling about whether students should interview tutors or not. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Dr. Simon tells the students they can interview the tutors if they want to, but he also says that tutors do not have any special information to share. Because he says it is okay but not necessary, he has no strong opinion either way. |
Transcript
DR SIMON: OK, welcome back to the new term. Hope you've had a good break and that you're looking forward to writing your dissertation...What I'd like to do in this session is give you the opportunity to ask questions on writing the dissertation...requirements, milestones...who to see when you need help. It's very informal...it may all be written on paper, but it's nice to get it confirmed. So anything you'd like to ask?
ANDY: Dr Simon, is there a fixed hand-in date yet?
DR SIMON: Right. I can confirm that that's 21 May, not 20 as we first stated. OK? ...Jane?
JANE: What about the word limit?
DR SIMON: Well we try to be pretty flexible on this, but in broad terms it's 18 - 20,000.
JANE: Ah...
DR SIMON: And you can choose your topics... anything from Years 2 and 3... Yes?
JANE: I still haven't got any idea what I want to do it on. Who...?
DR SIMON: Well, you should see your course tutor to agree on your final title and you should also be aware that there's a special programme running on research methods for anyone who wants some extra help on that.
JANE: Can I just check on the deadlines for everything?
DR SIMON: Yes, sure. Look, let me write it on the board...when the different stages have to be completed. First of all you've got to work on your basic bibliography, and that's due in to your course tutor by 31 January...which is just two weeks away, so you'd better get a move on on that.
ANDY: Do we have to have our own draft plan by then?
DR SIMON: No, your draft plan is due on 7 February, which is a week later, so that should give you plenty of time.
JANE: And when do we have to be doing the research?
DR SIMON: That's over a one-month period...essentially February to March.
ANDY: And the write up?
DR SIMON: Well, you can't really get going on your writing until you've got quite a bit of the research done, so that's really March to May, with the hand in date on 21st. Any more questions?
ANDY: Well, sir, just some advice really. It's about computers...would you advise us to buy one?
DR SIMON: What can I say, Andy? I know it's a massive expense, but I really feel that it will be of great benefit...you can always look in the Student Union adverts for second hand ones. Yes?
JANE: I've been looking at some of last year's dissertations.
ANDY: Is that a good idea, sir? I heard...
DR SIMON: Well, I don't think you should read them in detail too early or you might end up taking more of their ideas than you realise. But yes...it really is the best guide you can have to the expectations of the...of what's expected when you write a dissertation.
ANDY: Sorry, Jane, I interrupted you.
JANE: That's OK. It's just that they did a lot of research using questionnaires...is that a good idea?
DR SIMON: I think questionnaires are very good at telling you how people fill in questionnaires, but to be frank they tell you very little else. Avoid them!
ANDY: About interviews...is it OK if we interview you?
DR SIMON: The tutors? I don't see why not; they don't have any special contribution to make, but you can if you want. There's a whole section on this issue in the Research Guide. I'm afraid it's slightly out of date, and you're probably better talking to the tutor on the Research Methods course, but you might find it useful to start there.
ANDY/JANE: OK, thanks.
DR SIMON: OK...well, great, I hope that sorted a few things out. You can always come and see me or drop me a note if you've got any more queries.
ANDY/JANE: Fine.
DR SIMON: OK, Thanks...