Joanne’s Dissertation - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 5 Academic Listening Test 5 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–24 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 25–26 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
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 | C | I found it really improved my understanding of the whole degree program, you know, from the first year on | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Howard saying that writing the dissertation made him understand all parts of his university studies much better, starting from his very first year. Answer Explanation: The answer means that writing the dissertation (a long research paper) helped Howard understand the subjects he had studied since he started university. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Howard explains that writing his dissertation was a beneficial experience for his learning. He says that it helped him understand his entire degree better, starting from the first year. In university, the 'degree program' or 'course work' includes all the classes a student takes from the beginning of their studies. Keywords like 'improved my understanding' and 'from the first year on' show that he gained a better grasp of what he had learned previously. |
| Q22 | C | My concern is that I've got tons of material on the topic, and I won't be able to stick to the word limit, you know | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Joanne saying she has a huge amount of information and is worried about writing too many words. Answer Explanation: The answer means Joanne is afraid she will write more words than the rules allow for her project. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is ‘writing too much’ because Joanne mentions that she has a lot of information ('tons of material') about her topic. Her main worry ('concern') is that because she has so much information, she will not be able to follow the rules about the maximum number of words allowed ('stick to the word limit'). |
| Q23 | A | I had gotten through a lot of material, but I was frightened I wouldn't remember it all, so I got into the habit of making very detailed notes | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Howard finished reading many things, but he was afraid of forgetting the information. Because of this fear, he began writing everything down in detail. Answer Explanation: The answer means Howard was worried he would not remember the information he read. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Howard describes his personal feelings while working on his dissertation a year ago. He mentions that although he read many books and articles, he was 'frightened' (very worried) that he would not 'remember' the information later. This fear was his 'concern,' which led him to start taking 'detailed notes' so he wouldn't forget what he had read. |
| Q24 | B | But it's funny I saw a brilliant program about climate change, and it was that that fired me up | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that Howard watched an excellent TV program about climate change. He says this specific show gave him the energy and motivation to start his dissertation. Answer Explanation: The answer means Howard felt energetic and excited to start his project after watching a very good television show. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Howard says a 'brilliant program' (another way to say a great TV show) was what 'fired him up.' To be 'fired up' means to feel very interested and ready to work. While he mentiones that his tutor helped a little and he read some articles, he specifically points to the TV show as the reason he felt motivated to start writing. |
| Q25 | — | — | |
| Q26 | B / D | It's helpful to look through the bibliographies for all the course modules relating to your topic and get hold of any books you think you'll need I had gotten through a lot of material, but I was frightened I wouldn't remember it all, so I got into the habit of making very detailed notes |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Howard suggesting that checking module book lists (bibliographies) is a useful first step. It also explains that Howard found writing down detailed notes helpful for remembering everything he read. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Howard recommends Joanne should look at the book lists for her classes and keep careful notes about the information she reads. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Howard tells Joanne to check the bibliographies, which are lists of books and references, for all the modules in her course. The correct answer is D because Howard shares his personal successful strategy of making detailed notes while reading to ensure he wouldn't forget any of the material. By telling her about his own good experience with this, he is suggesting she does the same during her first month. |
| Q27 | — | — | |
| Q28 | C / D | The library is likely to have most things you need, and during the dissertation writing period, you can take out 15 instead of the usual 10 books The library only keeps the best, and the staff can advise you |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Howard tells Joanne she can borrow more books (15 instead of the usual 10) during this time. He also tells her that the workers in the library can give advice and help her find the best examples of previous dissertations stored there. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the library allows students to borrow more books than normal while they are writing their dissertation, and the library staff will help students find good examples of past dissertations to look at. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is correct because Howard explains two specific benefits offered by the library. First, he notes that while writing a dissertation, the limit for borrowing books increases from 10 to 15, which matches choice C (borrow extra books). Second, when Joanne asks about finding good past projects, Howard mentions that the library staff can advise her on which ones to look at, which matches choice D (staff recommend old dissertations). |
| Q29 | — | — | |
| Q30 | B / D | Howard: Except he will be away in the second month. It's the holidays. You should ask him what to do while he's away. Joanne: Gosh yeah, but I suppose I can get a lot of support from a couple of people who are thinking of doing the same topic as me Howard: One thing I find out is what his attitude is to internet sources. Joanne: Surely not in this day and age. I'd better get that sorted out right at the beginning |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Howard giving advice to Joanne. First, he tells her to ask her teacher who to talk to when he is away on vacation (holiday). Joanne agrees to do this. Second, he tells her to check how her teacher feels about using websites as sources. Joanne says she should talk to him and get this clear at the very beginning. Answer Explanation: The answer means Joanne will ask her teacher which person she can talk to for help while he is away on a holiday break and if she is allowed to use information from websites (internet sources). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B and D because the conversation shows Joanne agreeing to talk to her tutor about these two specific points. For B, Howard mentions that the tutor will be away for the holidays and suggests Joanne ask him what she should do then; Joanne agrees by saying "Gosh yeah." For D, Howard suggests she find out the tutor's attitude about internet sources (web sources), and Joanne says she will get that "sorted out" at the beginning. Howard notes that the tutor cannot help with study time (E), and clarify that research presentation (C) is up to her, while also warning her against too much collaboration with other students (A). |
Transcript
Joanne: Hi, Howard. Haven't seen you for a while.
Howard: Hi Joanne. Yeah, they are keeping us really busy on the postgraduate program, but how are you? You'll be starting your dissertation soon, aren't you?
Joanne: Yeah, tutorials start next week. I've got Dr. Peterson. You'll remember still from last year, of course.
Howard: It's not something you forget easily. But seriously, although I didn't expect to enjoy writing my dissertation, and in fact, I didn't really find it much fun, I wouldn't miss the experience. I found it really improved my understanding of the whole degree program, you know, from the first year on.
Joanne: Right.
Howard: So what are you doing yours on?
Joanne: Glaciated landscapes. Although I haven't decided exactly what aspect yet.
Howard: I did mine on climate systems, so I can't help you much, I'm afraid. But you'll be fine once you start your tutorials. Dr. Peterson will help you focus.
Joanne: I know, and he'll set me deadlines for the different stages, which is what I need. My concern is that I've got tons of material on the topic, and I won't be able to stick to the word limit, you know?
Howard: I remember I had different concerns when I was doing my dissertation.
Joanne: Last year?
Howard: Yeah, before my first trial, I did a lot of fairly general reading because I haven't fixed on my topic at that stage. I actually enjoyed that quite a lot, and you know, it improved my reading speed. I had gotten through a lot of material, but I was frightened I wouldn't remember it all, so I got into the habit of making very detailed notes.
Joanne: So, did you find your tutor helpful in getting you started?
Howard: Yeah, we certainly had some interesting discussions. But it's funny I saw a brilliant program about climate change, and it was that that fired me up. It was talking about some recent research which seemed to contradict some of the articles I've been reading.
Howard: So you see your tutorials start next week.
Joanne: Yeah.
Howard: Well, the first month was crucial. You've got to meet your tutor and decide your focus, but don't become too dependent on him. You know you don't see him every week, only when you want to check something.
Joanne: Right.
Howard: Once you got the focus, you've got to get reading. It's helpful to look through the bibliographies for all the course modules relating to your topic and get hold of any books you think you'll need.
Joanne: I haven't got much money.
Howard: I mean get the books from the library, far better.
Joanne: And I suppose I should prepare a detailed outline of the chapters.
Howard: Yeah, absolutely. But don't feel you have to follow it slavishly. It's meant to be flexible.
Joanne: Okay. Now I'm someone who likes to get writing quickly. I can't just sit and read for a month.
Howard: Not like me then. But if that's what suits you, you know, your natural approach, then you want to start immediately and write the first chapter.
Joanne: Right.
Howard: Now, Joanne. About the library, it's not worthwhile getting on good terms with the staff; they aren't always helpful with undergraduates.
Joanne: I suppose they focus on post-grads more.
Howard: Maybe. But show them you are serious about wanting to do good work.
Joanne: And what if I can't find what I need?
Howard: Well, there're inter-library loans.
Joanne: Borrowing books from the libraries. But I've heard it isn't all that reliable.
Howard: Hmm, you're right, but you probably won't need it anyway, be positive! The library is likely to have most things you need, and during the dissertation writing period, you can take out 15 instead of the usual 10 books.
Joanne: Should I look at previous years' dissertations?
Howard: You can do.
Joanne: But I don't know which are the good ones.
Howard: The library only keeps the best, and the staff can advise you.
Joanne: Are they willing to do that?
Howard: Oh yeah!
Joanne: And I'm worried about getting journal articles from the electronic library.
Howard: Well, have you tried to find any yet?
Joanne: No.
Howard: Well you should; it's really straightforward.
Joanne: That's obviously something I'll have to look into.
Howard: Dr. Peterson will help.
Joanne: Yeah, I know I can go to him if I have any worries.
Howard: Except he will be away in the second month. It's the holidays. You should ask him what to do while he's away.
Joanne: Gosh yeah, but I suppose I can get a lot of support from a couple of people who are thinking of doing the same topic as me.
Howard: Take care, collaboration can become dependency! I think you'd better see how it works out, what the people are like.
Joanne: You're probably right. About the reading, I suppose Dr. Peterson would recommend plenty of articles to get me started.
Howard: One thing I find out is what his attitude is to internet sources.
Joanne: Surely not in this day and age. I'd better get that sorted out right at the beginning.
Howard: I would if I were you.
Joanne: And I've also got some questions about the research sections. How much time should I spend explaining the process?
Howard: Well, I think that's up to you. You can see how it develops as you're writing.
Joanne: Okay.
Howard: It's the same with things like time management. That's something a tutor can't really help you with.
Joanne: I agree.
Howard: So is there anything else you need me to go over.