Jobs Fair - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Collins Practice Tests For IELTS 2 Academic Listening Test 1 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–23 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
- The best days for engineering students are 21.
- Students can get useful suggestions about 22.
- Use the internet to look at 23 before the event.
Questions 24–27 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 28–30 Multiple Choice (Three Answers)
Choose THREE letters A-F.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | Tuesday and Wednesday | I'd suggest making sure you get along there on Tuesday and Wednesday. Engineering companies tend to be more prominent then rather than on Monday or the end of the week | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the teacher giving advice to the student. He says that companies for people who build and design things (engineering companies) are more likely to be at the event on Tuesday and Wednesday than on other days. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies the two specific days, Tuesday and Wednesday, when it is best for students studying engineering to visit the job fair. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Tuesday and Wednesday because the tutor tells Fergus that engineering companies are more 'prominent' on those two days. In this context, 'prominent' means that more of these companies will be present or have a bigger display. Fergus looks at the schedule (the programme) and agrees that those are the best days for him. |
| Q22 | career paths | But I've heard you can pick up some valuable ideas for career paths | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Fergus believes he can find helpful information about different job options for his future at the fair. Answer Explanation: The answer "career paths" refers to the different jobs or routes a person can take to reach their work goals over many years. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "career paths" because Fergus says he heard the jobs fair is a good place to get "valuable ideas" for his future. In the question, the phrase "useful suggestions" means the same thing as "valuable ideas." |
| Q23 | company websites | Have a look at company websites so you've got the basis for a good conversation with the people on the stands | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the teacher advising the student to check the companies' internet pages before the event so he is prepared to talk to the staff. Answer Explanation: The answer "company websites" means the official online pages of businesses where they share information about their work and staff. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "company websites" because the tutor tells the student to do some research before the event. Specifically, the tutor suggests checking these online pages so the student can have a better conversation with the people at the fair. The phrase "look at" in the task matches the tutor's advice in the transcript. |
| Q24 | B | Yes, I was looking at one the other day. The boss was being interviewed about their staff development programme, and there are one or two other firms I'm also interested in | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Fergus explaining that he has already looked at a website and watched an interview to learn about a company's staff training and found several firms he likes. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Fergus has already started looking for information about the companies participating in the jobs fair. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Fergus mentions that he recently visited a company's website and saw an interview with a manager. The tutor confirms this is a good first step by saying, 'You've made a start already.' This shows Fergus is being proactive and doing research (looking for facts or info) before the event begins. |
| Q25 | A | Remember to think about what you're going to ask people before you turn up | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the teacher telling Fergus to decide on his questions before the event starts. To "think about" something "before you turn up" means to prepare it before you arrive at the place. Answer Explanation: The answer means the teacher believes Fergus should decide which questions he wants to ask before he goes to the jobs event. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the teacher tells Fergus to plan his questions early. She says he should think about what to ask before he arrives. She specifically tells him to avoid talking about money (salary) and instead suggests he ask the people at the event about the skills they need for the job. This shows that he should ask these questions at the event rather than researching them all beforehand. |
| Q26 | B | I'll make an effort, though. A nice pair of trousers and a jacket, nothing too formal | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Fergus planning to wear a nice jacket and trousers while explicitly stating that the look will not be very formal. Answer Explanation: The answer means Fergus will wear clothes that look neat and professional but are not as formal as a full suit. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Fergus explains that he cannot get his suit and tie from his parents' house and he does not want to buy new clothes. He decides to wear a jacket and nice trousers instead. He describes this choice as 'nothing too formal,' which is another way of saying 'smart but casual.' |
| Q27 | A | Try and direct your questions towards the best person | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the teacher giving Fergus advice to speak to the right person for his specific questions instead of just talking to anyone at the table. Answer Explanation: The answer means the teacher thinks Fergus should choose which person he talks to based on what he wants to know. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the teacher tells Fergus to 'direct' his questions to the 'best person'. The teacher explains that companies have different workers there, such as marketing staff or former students. Therefore, Fergus should ask specific questions to the particular person who knows the most about that topic. |
| Q28 | — | — | |
| Q29 | — | — | |
| Q30 | B / E / F | It's more about discovering what companies are looking for in potential employees Yes, plus they're a great opportunity to practise things like networking, meeting new people, talking about yourself and what you do, d'you know what I mean There'll be several high-profile companies in the engineering sector, and you'll have the chance to get to know some useful people |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the goals of attending the fair are to find out what requirements employers have for new workers, to practice meeting and talking to strangers about your skills, and to build a list of people who might help you find work later. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the job fair is a good place to learn what skills and traits companies want, to improve your networking and talking abilities, and to meet people who can help your future career. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer identifies three main benefits mentioned in the dialogue. First, the tutor explains that the fair is useful for learning about the needs of a company, or "what companies are looking for." Second, Fergus points out that it is a great way to practice "networking" and talking about one's work, which relates to communication skills. Finally, the tutor notes that students can meet and "get to know some useful people," which refers to making professional contacts. Other options like getting a job are dismissed by the tutor as "unlikely" to happen directly at the fair. |
Transcript
Tutor: OK, Fergus, so we've looked at your assignment, which was OK. Now, before you go, you know about the jobs fair that's coming up, don't you?
Fergus: Yes, it's the week after next, isn't it? The whole week, is that right?
Tutor: That's right. Monday through to Friday. I'd suggest making sure you get along there on Tuesday and Wednesday. Engineering companies tend to be more prominent then rather than on Monday or the end of the week.
Fergus: Um, yes, I've got the programme for this year. And it looks like those days will be best for me. I'm only in my first year, so I'm not expecting too much from the day. But I've heard you can pick up some valuable ideas for career paths.
Tutor: Well, you've still got a few years here, I know, but it's never too soon to make a good impression on potential employers. You've got the programme, so do some research. Have a look at company websites so you've got the basis for a good conversation with the people on the stands.
Fergus: Yes, I was looking at one the other day. The boss was being interviewed about their staff development programme, and there are one or two other firms I'm also interested in.
Tutor: Mm, that's good. You've made a start already. Remember to think about what you're going to ask people before you turn up. Not how much you're likely to earn, of course! You only discuss salaries at job interviews. No, questions about the skills you need for the job, the kind of personal qualities employers are looking for, that kind of thing.
Fergus: Yes, I see what you mean. It's best to go prepared and make the most of the opportunities.
Tutor: And I'm sure you don't need telling that it's a good idea to dress correctly for the event. You need to give off a professional air.
Fergus: Well, I won't be buying anything special for the occasion, that's for sure. I've got a suit and tie at my parents' but I don't have time to collect it. I'll make an effort, though. A nice pair of trousers and a jacket, nothing too formal.
Tutor: I'm sure you'll look the part. By the way, you'll often find companies have more than one representative, maybe someone from marketing handing out free gifts, someone who'll explain the interview process, an ex-student who now works for them, that kind of thing. Try and direct your questions towards the best person.
Fergus: Yes, that's a good idea. I'd certainly be keen to talk to any ex-students that are around.
Tutor: I'm sure you'll find the whole thing really useful. It's important to go to these events, and we always get great feedback from students who've attended. As long as you go with the right expectations. It's unlikely you'll come away with the promise of a job, of course. It's more about discovering what companies are looking for in potential employees.
Fergus: Yes, plus they're a great opportunity to practise things like networking, meeting new people, talking about yourself and what you do, d'you know what I mean?
Tutor: Definitely, yes. There'll be several high-profile companies in the engineering sector, and you'll have the chance to get to know some useful people. If they give you their card or contact information, make sure you keep it safe. It's a sign they like you and want you to keep in touch.