IT Project for Local Company Turners - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Practice Test Plus 3 Academic Listening Test 5 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–26 Matching
What is the tutor’s opinion of the following company projects?
Choose FIVE answers from the box, and write the correct letter, A–H.
A. It would be very rewarding for the student.
B. It is too ambitious.
C. It would be difficult to evaluate.
D. It wouldn't be sufficiently challenging.
E. It would involve extra costs.
F. It is beyond the student's current ability.
G. It is already being done by another student.
H. It would probably have the greatest impact on the company.
Questions 27–28 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Questions 29–30 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | D | That would be a very straightforward project and it'd be simple enough to evaluate, but I don't think you'd get enough out of a project like that. You wouldn't learn anything new | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the tutor's view that while the database project is easy to do and judge, it is too basic for Sam. She thinks he will not gain any new knowledge or skills from doing it. Answer Explanation: The answer is D because the tutor believes that improving the customer database is too simple and won't provide enough of a learning experience for the student. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the tutor uses words like 'straightforward' and 'simple' to describe the project. She specifically states that Sam 'wouldn't learn anything new,' which directly corresponds to the idea that the project would not be 'sufficiently challenging' (hard enough to push his skills). In educational terms, if a task is too easy and teaches nothing new, it lacks the necessary challenge for a student's development. |
| Q22 | B | Sam: Well, another project they suggested is to do with their online sales catalog. At the moment, customers can look at their products but they can't actually order them online, which must affect their competitiveness. But I said I thought it would take too long. It's quite a big task. Tutor: You're right, it's too much for the time you've got. It's a pity, though | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Sam explaining that building an online shopping system would be a 'big task' and take 'too long' to finish. The tutor agrees with him, saying that this project is 'too much' work for the time Sam has available to complete his lesson. Answer Explanation: The answer B means the project is too big or difficult for the student to finish in the amount of time they have. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer B is used because both Sam and the tutor agree that the project is too large. Sam mentions it is a 'big task' and would take 'too long,' while the tutor confirms it is 'too much' for the time available. When a project is bigger or harder than what can be done in the time given, we say it is 'too ambitious.' |
| Q23 | A | Hmm, I think you'd get a lot out of a project like that. It would extend your skills, but it wouldn't be too much to take on | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the tutor believes the project is a good choice because it helps the student learn new things without being too difficult to finish. Answer Explanation: The answer choice A means that working on the payroll project would be very helpful for the student's personal growth and learning. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the tutor says Sam would 'get a lot out of' the project. To 'get a lot out of' something means it is beneficial or rewarding. The tutor also says it will 'extend' his skills, meaning he will improve his current talents. Together, these points show that the project is very rewarding for the student's development. |
| Q24 | H | An electronic inventory would probably be the biggest single benefit for the company | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the tutor's opinion that a digital system for managing stock would be the most useful and helpful improvement for the business. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the tutor believes this specific project would help the company more than any of the other project ideas. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is H because the tutor describes an electronic stock tracking system as the 'biggest single benefit' the company could receive. In this context, 'biggest benefit' is a synonym for 'greatest impact,' suggesting that this project would make the most positive difference to how the company operates. |
| Q25 | F | Sam: I know. Then they wanted to improve their internal security. The manager had visited other companies where the staff use swipe cards to access various areas of the building. It sounded useful, but the trouble is I'm not really sure how to do it. Tutor: Well, I think you're right in that assessment. At the moment, it's probably a bit beyond your level of knowledge | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Sam explaining that he does not know how to set up the security system the company wants. The tutor agrees with Sam's feeling, stating that the project is too hard for him because he does not have enough information or skills yet. Answer Explanation: The answer is option F, which means the project is too difficult for the student's current skill level. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is F because Sam mentions that he is unsure how to handle a project involving electronic swipe cards for security. The tutor confirms this by saying the task is "beyond your level of knowledge," which is a synonym for the project being beyond the student's current ability. |
| Q26 | E | Would that involve you going to see customers at their own premises? Because in that case, you might have to do a fair amount of traveling, and that would incur expenses that haven't been agreed with these companies | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the tutor questioning if Sam will need to travel to visit customers, as this would lead to extra costs (expenses) that have not been discussed or approved. Answer Explanation: The answer E means that this project might require spending more money than originally planned. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the tutor mentions that the 'Customer service' project might require Sam to visit customers at their own offices. This would lead to a 'fair amount of traveling,' which creates 'expenses' (extra costs) that the companies have not agreed to pay for yet. |
| Q27 | — | — | |
| Q28 | B / E | You're studying in a group with people from all over the world, and you all have your own ways of participating. In some places, students are more used to listening than talking, and vice versa But personally, I feel that there are just too many of us in the group. Whenever we try to arrange a meeting, there's always at least one person who can't make it |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that since students are from various international backgrounds, they interact differently in discussions. It also mentions that having a high number of students in the group causes problems when they try to find a time to meet together. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies two specific issues with group work: B (Cultural differences) and E (Group size). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the tutor points out that students come from all over the world and have different ways of participating in a group (for example, some prefer to listen while others prefer to talk), which relates to cultural differences. The correct answer is also E because Sam explicitly states that there are 'too many' people in the group, which makes it difficult to coordinate meeting times because of their different schedules. |
| Q29 | — | — | |
| Q30 | A / C | But I don't know the reason, but some of the staff often turn up late, so we miss ten or fifteen minutes of our lecture time The other thing is that it can be very difficult to get to see a lecturer individually. They're all very supportive and friendly when you do manage to find them, but often they're not in their office, even at times when they're meant to be available for consultation |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Sam explaining that teachers arrive late (punctuality) and that it is hard to find them in their offices for private meetings (accessibility). Answer Explanation: The answer means Sam mentions two main issues: lecturers arrive late for their classes, and it is hard for students to meet with them in person for help. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A and C because Sam describes two specific issues. First, he notes that staff members arrive late to lectures, which relates to 'Punctuality' (A). Second, he mentions that it is hard to find lecturers in their offices even during their scheduled office hours, which relates to 'Accessibility' (C). He explicitly denies that there are 'Organisation' problems (B) and says the staff are 'supportive,' meaning 'Helpfulness' (D) is actually a positive point, not a problem. |
Transcript
Narrator: CD 3. Test 5, section 3. You will hear a business studies student called Sam talking to his tutor about an IT project he is going to do for a local company called Turners. First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 26. Now listen and answer questions 21 to 26.
Tutor: Hello Sam, come in and sit down.
Sam: Thanks.
Tutor: You are here to discuss your company-based IT project, aren't you?
Sam: Yes, I've been to see the manager and he's given me a lot of ideas about projects that the company would find useful, but I wanted to ask your opinion about them before I choose one.
Tutor: Yes, that's fine. Now, this company is called Turners, isn't it?
Sam: That's right. It's a small engineering company. They make machine components for trade use. They're well-established—they started in 1976—but they're a bit old-fashioned.
Tutor: Okay, and what kind of projects did Turners suggest you could do for the company?
Sam: Well, they want some improvements made to their customer database. The one that they've got at the moment isn't very useful in some ways. I had a quick look at it.
Tutor: That would be a very straightforward project and it'd be simple enough to evaluate, but I don't think you'd get enough out of a project like that. You wouldn't learn anything new.
Sam: Well, another project they suggested is to do with their online sales catalog. At the moment, customers can look at their products but they can't actually order them online, which must affect their competitiveness. But I said I thought it would take too long. It's quite a big task.
Tutor: You're right, it's too much for the time you've got. It's a pity, though.
Sam: Then they want some help with their payroll system. At the moment, the way they calculate pay involves a lot of manual accounting. I suggested they could have a system where employees register electronically when they arrive and leave work, so the hours they do could be transferred automatically.
Tutor: Hmm, I think you'd get a lot out of a project like that. It would extend your skills, but it wouldn't be too much to take on. A student did something similar a couple of years ago, but this is slightly different.
Sam: Well, then they need help with their stock inventory. They do everything manually.
Tutor: Really?
Sam: Yes, and it takes so much time.
Tutor: It's probably very inaccurate, too. An electronic inventory would probably be the biggest single benefit for the company. I'm surprised they haven't had it done before.
Sam: I know. Then they wanted to improve their internal security. The manager had visited other companies where the staff use swipe cards to access various areas of the building. It sounded useful, but the trouble is I'm not really sure how to do it.
Tutor: Well, I think you're right in that assessment. At the moment, it's probably a bit beyond your level of knowledge. Is that all?
Sam: Just one more. Customer service. They want to be able to collect feedback from their customers in a more systematic way. At the moment, it's a bit of a mess and they probably lose business as a result.
Tutor: Would that involve you going to see customers at their own premises? Because in that case, you might have to do a fair amount of traveling, and that would incur expenses that haven't been agreed with these companies.
Sam: I never thought of that.
Tutor: Well, it might not be a problem, but it's something that needs clarifying. Well, I hope that's been helpful in narrowing down the options.
Sam: Yes, it has, thanks. I'll be able to make a decision now. But while I'm here, can I talk to you about coursework?
Tutor: Sure.
Narrator: Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 27 to 30. Now listen and answer questions 27 to 30.
Sam: I'm not very happy about the way our group assignment is working. There are some problems.
Tutor: Oh dear. Are people just not getting on with each other? That's the worst thing.
Sam: Actually, we're all friends. It's not that, but when we're having a discussion about the assignment, one or two people end up doing all the talking and the rest don't say anything. It's a bit frustrating because we need plenty of debate.
Tutor: Well, that's a common observation. You're studying in a group with people from all over the world, and you all have your own ways of participating. In some places, students are more used to listening than talking, and vice versa.
Sam: I suppose you're right. I'll try to remember that.
Tutor: Does everyone pull their weight as far as sharing the workload is concerned?
Sam: I'd say they do, yes. And our group elected a leader. She's very good at making sure no one is overloaded. But personally, I feel that there are just too many of us in the group. Whenever we try to arrange a meeting, there's always at least one person who can't make it. It's not anyone's fault; it's just that we've all got slightly different timetables.
Tutor: Well, I'm glad you've talked to me about it. Feedback is always useful. Is there anything else you're concerned about?
Sam: There are a couple of problems with lecturers that all the students are talking about.
Tutor: Hmm. Last semester we had negative feedback about the way lectures were organized. There were several occasions when the wrong room had been booked or the same room had been booked twice—that sort of thing. Is that still a problem?
Sam: That hasn't happened at all as far as I know.
Tutor: Oh, good. It's sorted out then.
Sam: But I don't know the reason, but some of the staff often turn up late, so we miss ten or fifteen minutes of our lecture time. It might be because they've been copying handouts for students. I think there's a queue for the machine sometimes.
Tutor: Well, I'll look into that. Thank you for telling me. Anything else?
Sam: The other thing is that it can be very difficult to get to see a lecturer individually. They're all very supportive and friendly when you do manage to find them, but often they're not in their office, even at times when they're meant to be available for consultation.
Tutor: Okay, that's helpful.
Narrator: That is the end of section 3. You now have half a minute to check your answers.