Organising a Conference on 17th Century English Literature - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Simulation Tests Academic Listening Test 05 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–23 Short Answers
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Questions 24–30 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Procedure (dealt with by prof.)
- Identify topic of interest involving some 24
- Invite panellists
- Select a 25
- Decide on 26
Guidelines
- Introduction of topic & speakers—get 27 information from prof.
- Each panellist speaks for 2 mins—make a hand 28 to show time is up
- Primary function = panel discussion (about 40 mins)
- Close discussion & give 29
- Secondary function = question time (about 15-20 mins)
- At end of question time, panel is thanked and audience shows appreciation by 30
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | 17th century / seventeenth century | You know that I'm organising a conference on 17th Century English Literature | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor explicitly telling the students that the subject of the conference is English literature from the 17th century. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the historical time period known as the 17th century (or seventeenth century). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is confirmed right at the beginning of the conversation when the professor states that he is organising a conference focused on "17th Century English Literature". Therefore, the time period covered by the conference is the 17th century. |
| Q22 | 5 / five | PROFESSOR: Well, I've arranged for three keynote speakers and I've invited 25 panellists so that we can have five panel discussions and I want you two to organise one of the panel discussions | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor stating that five panel discussions will take place, and he asks Louise and Stuart to organise one of them. Answer Explanation: The answer means that a total of 5 panel discussions are planned for the conference. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 5 (or five) because the professor explains the setup of the conference and explicitly states that 25 panellists were invited so that they can hold five panel discussions. |
| Q23 | different views / views / different viewpoints / viewpoints / different opinions / opinions / different positions / positions | PROFESSOR: Well, in a panel discussion the purpose is to put forward different views. We want to expose the audience to several different viewpoints at the same session | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor explaining that the main goal of this type of discussion is to present and share multiple different opinions or perspectives with the listeners. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the goal of a panel discussion is to share a variety of differing opinions or perspectives. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by the professor's explanation of what a panel discussion is for. When asked how it differs from a team presentation, the professor clearly states that the "purpose" (which means "aim") of a panel discussion is to "put forward" (which means "present") "different views" and share "several different viewpoints" with the audience. |
| Q24 | conflict | I've singled out an issue that will entail quite some conflict of opinion | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the professor selected an issue or topic that will naturally lead to different and opposing viewpoints. Answer Explanation: The answer "conflict" means a disagreement, difference of opinion, or clash between different views. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "conflict" because the professor describes the preparation procedure he has already handled. He mentions that he picked a topic ("singled out an issue") that will involve ("entail quite some") a disagreement among speakers ("conflict of opinion"). Therefore, the missing word in the note "involving some [conflict]" is "conflict". |
| Q25 | moderator / leader | PROFESSOR: And I've chosen a moderator—that's you, by the way | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor telling Louise that he has already picked the person to be the moderator (the discussion leader). Answer Explanation: The answer means the person who leads or guides the discussion, known as a "moderator" or "leader". Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "moderator" (or "leader") because the professor explains the preparation steps he has already completed for the panel discussion. In the notes, under "Procedure (dealt with by prof.)", the step after inviting panellists is selecting who will lead the session. The professor says, "And I've chosen a moderator", where "chosen" matches the word "Select" in the notes. |
| Q26 | format | PROFESSOR: Don't worry. I was just about to say. I've also settled on the format | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor telling the students that he has already decided on the specific structure (format) for the discussion. Answer Explanation: The answer "format" refers to the structure, organization, or plan chosen for running the panel discussion. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "format" because the professor lists the preparation steps he has already completed for the panel discussion. When Stuart asks about the procedure to follow, the professor says he has already "settled on the format." In this context, "settled on" directly matches the phrase "Decide on" in the notes. |
| Q27 | biographical | PROFESSOR: Don't worry—I've prepared a short biographical introduction for each one of them and I'll give you that information tomorrow | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor telling the students that he has already prepared background information (a biographical introduction) for each speaker and will share it with them. Answer Explanation: The answer "biographical" means relating to the story or background details of a person's life. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "biographical" because when Louise expresses concern about not knowing who the panellists are for the speaker introduction, the professor assures her that he has prepared a "short biographical introduction" for each speaker and will provide that information tomorrow. In the notes, "get biographical information from prof." accurately completes the requirement using one word. |
| Q28 | gesture | When the time is up, you make a cutting gesture with your hand | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that when the speaker's time has ended, the assistant should signal this by making a cutting movement using their hand. Answer Explanation: The answer "gesture" means a movement of a part of the body, such as a hand, to show an idea or give a signal. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is confirmed when Stuart asks how to show that time has run out, and the professor explains that he should make a cutting movement with his hand. In the notes, the phrase "make a hand to show time is up" corresponds directly to making a cutting "gesture" with the hand when the time is up. |
| Q29 | summary | Well, when the time's up, the moderator shuts down the debate and provides a summary of the discussion | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that when the debate ends, the moderator stops the conversation and gives a short recap (summary) of what everyone talked about. Answer Explanation: The answer means a short statement or overview that highlights the main points of what was discussed. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "summary" because the professor explains the moderator's role once the main discussion finishes. In the notes, "Close discussion & give" corresponds directly to the professor saying that the moderator "shuts down the debate and provides a summary of the discussion." Therefore, the single missing word is "summary". |
| Q30 | applause | PROFESSOR: Not quite. You still have to acknowledge the involvement of the panellists and invite your audience to thank them with a round of applause | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the leader should ask the audience to thank the panel members by clapping their hands in applause. Answer Explanation: The answer "applause" means clapping hands to show appreciation, thanks, or praise. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "applause" because the professor explains that at the very end, the moderator must invite the audience to thank the speakers with a round of applause. In the notes, showing appreciation by "applause" directly matches this instruction. |
Transcript
PROFESSOR: Come in and sit down, Louise...Stuart. I suppose you're wondering why I've asked you both to come here today?
LOUISE: Well, we've heard rumours...
PROFESSOR: Forget the rumours. I'll get straight down to business. You know that I'm organising a conference on 17th Century English Literature...
STUART: Yes, but...
PROFESSOR: Well, I've arranged for three keynote speakers and I've invited 25 panellists so that we can have five panel discussions and I want you two to organise one of the panel discussions.
LOUISE: But we haven't done that before. Is it like a team presentation?
PROFESSOR: No, the purpose is quite different. In a team presentation the group presents agreed-upon views—as you have both done at the end of a group project.
LOUISE: Yes...
PROFESSOR: Well, in a panel discussion the purpose is to put forward different views. We want to expose the audience to several different viewpoints at the same session. It can help the audience evaluate their own positions regarding specific issues. And, if it's well conducted, it's usually more interesting than a single-speaker forum.
STUART: And, what exactly do we have to do?
PROFESSOR: Well, you'll take the role of leader or moderator and assistant.
LOUISE: Is that like the role of chairman?
PROFESSOR: Yes, that's it.
STUART: Sounds daunting.
PROFESSOR: Not at all. I've already done a great deal of the preparation myself. Let me run through the procedure with you. I've singled out an issue that will entail quite some conflict of opinion. I've selected panellists who are well-informed and will probably have contradictory points of view. That's very important, you know.
LOUISE: Actually, I feel a bit nervous—how many panellists will there be?
PROFESSOR: Well, I've invited five panellists for each panel because that's probably the maximum number that an inexperienced moderator can handle. But don't worry, I always invite more than we need because you can be sure someone won't be able to make it—so you'll probably just end up with four, which is a very manageable number.
STUART: Oh, I see.
PROFESSOR: And I've chosen a moderator—that's you, by the way.
LOUISE: Ah...but...Stuart will help, right?
PROFESSOR: Yes. I'll get onto time-keeping and what-not, shortly. That's where an assistant is indispensable.
STUART: But what procedure do we follow to conduct the panel discussion?
PROFESSOR: Don't worry. I was just about to say. I've also settled on the format.
STUART: What is it?
PROFESSOR: There are various formats that can be followed but I've always found this one to be very effective.
STUART: Yes?
PROFESSOR: Okay, make some notes on these guidelines as I run through them and ask me questions about anything you don't understand.
STUART: We're ready.
PROFESSOR: Firstly, the moderator introduces the topic and the panellists.
LOUISE: But we don't know who the panellists are.
PROFESSOR: Don't worry—I've prepared a short biographical introduction for each one of them and I'll give you that information tomorrow.
LOUISE: Oh, good.
PROFESSOR: Next, the panellists are given a set amount of time to present their views on the topic. I'd say, about two minutes each should be sufficient. Now, this is where Stuart's time-keeping is going to be important. You have to keep to the schedule all the way through because the lecture room has only been booked for an hour.
STUART: How do I indicate when the time is up?
PROFESSOR: You stand off to one side of the panel either with your back to the audience or hidden from the audience but in full view of the panel and moderator. You have a digital clock or timer and you hold up the appropriate number of fingers to give the number of minutes. When the time is up, you make a cutting gesture with your hand.
LOUISE: Ah...but...what if the panellists keep talking?
PROFESSOR: Then, that's your job to politely intervene and move on to the next segment which is the discussion itself. Panellists discuss, ask questions and react to the opinions of other panel members. This, of course, is their primary function and should occupy about 60% of the allotted time.
LOUISE: Stuart will watch the time, right?
PROFESSOR: Yes, because you'll be making brief notes.
LOUISE: Why?
PROFESSOR: Well, when the time's up, the moderator shuts down the debate and provides a summary of the discussion.
LOUISE: Oh, and then it's over?
PROFESSOR: Well, no, the secondary function of the panel is to answer questions from the audience and that should take up the remaining 15 to 20 minutes. It's the leader's role to recognise appropriate questions and reject those not related to the subject. During the question period you must maintain strict control and this will most likely be the toughest part of the whole job.
LOUISE: Oh, dear.
PROFESSOR: Stuart will of course help you here by ensuring that as many people as possible have a chance to ask their questions and that no one member of the audience tries to dominate. With about 5 minutes to go, he'll announce that there's time for only a couple more questions, then announce "last question".
LOUISE: And then it's over?
PROFESSOR: Not quite. You still have to acknowledge the involvement of the panellists and invite your audience to thank them with a round of applause.
STUART: Should I clap too?
PROFESSOR: Yes, you should both take part in the applause.