Paul’s Academic Interview - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 08 Academic Listening Test 3 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–26 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 27–30 Matching
What does Paul decide about each of the following modules?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to questions 27-30.
A. He will do this.
B. He might do this.
C. He won't do this.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | C | Well, as I'm combining Spanish with Latin American studies, my main idea was to find out more about the way people lived there. My spoken Spanish was already pretty good in fact | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that Paul's top goal was to learn more about the lifestyle of the people in that area. He also explains that he could already speak Spanish well. Answer Explanation: The answer means Paul's main reason for going to South America was to see and learn about how the people there live their daily lives. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Paul says his 'main idea' (his biggest plan) was to learn about the 'way people lived' in South America. This is the same as learning about their 'life.' He says his Spanish was already 'pretty good,' so he did not go only to practice the language (Option B). He also says that teaching English (Option A) was not his first plan. |
| Q22 | C | Yes, getting involved in building projects was an option. Then there was tourism – taking tourists for walks around the volcanoes – which I actually chose to do, and then there was work with local farmers | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Paul listing several work options provided by an agency. He explains that while building projects and farming were available, he selected the tourism project, which involved showing visitors the local volcanoes. Answer Explanation: The answer is Tourism because this is the specific project Paul picked when he first started his work experience. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Tourism because Paul clearly states that out of the different jobs offered by the agency, this is the one he 'actually chose to do.' While he mentions other possibilities like building houses (construction) or working with farmers (farming), he only identifies the tourism project—specifically leading walks around volcanoes—as his chosen plan. He later mentions that he 'ended up' teaching English, but that was because his 'original choice' (the tourism project) lacked the structure he wanted. |
| Q23 | A | Because I never really knew whether I'd be needed or not. I'd thought it might be difficult physically, but I was certainly fit enough . . . no, I wanted to do something that had more of a proper structure to it, I suppose. I get de-motivated otherwise | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Paul was unhappy because the project lacked a clear plan or schedule. He did not know from day to day if he was needed, so he looked for a project that was better organized or had a 'proper structure' to stay interested in the work. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Paul decided to stop his first job because the way the work was planned and managed was not very good. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Paul explains that he wanted a job with a 'proper structure.' He explains that he often didn't know if he was needed for work or not, which indicates the job was not well organized. He explicitly rules out choice C by saying he was 'fit enough' for the physical work. He chooses to switch because he finds a lack of structure 'de-motivated' or discouraging. |
| Q24 | B | Yes, but things soon improved. What struck me was that when people became more comfortable with me and less suspicious, we really connected with each other in a meaningful way | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Paul noticed a big change when the local people stopped being 'suspicious' (thinking he might be bad or strange). Once they felt 'comfortable' and trusted him, they could truly understand and bond with each other. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Paul learned that building a sense of safety and belief in one another was the most important thing in the village. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Paul explains that his relationship with the villagers improved only when they became less 'suspicious' of him. When people are suspicious, they do not trust you. Paul mentions that once they felt 'comfortable' with him, they were able to 'connect' in a 'meaningful way.' This highlights that creating a bond of trust was the key to being accepted and learning about their community life. |
| Q25 | C | Yes and he gave me lots of advice and guidance | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the project manager was helpful by giving Paul suggestions and helping him understand his work. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Paul's boss helped him and gave him good directions while he was working. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Paul explicitly states that his project manager provided him with 'advice and guidance.' In a work context, offering advice and guidance is the same as being 'supportive.' Although Paul criticizes the manager's ability to handle paperwork or stay focused on tasks (calling him a 'dreamer'), his initial comment highlights the help he received. |
| Q26 | A | And they gave me all the equipment I needed . . . even a laptop. WOMAN: You didn't expect that then? PAUL: No | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Paul was given a laptop. When the woman asks him if he expected to get that, he says 'No,' which means it was a surprise. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Paul was shocked or caught off guard when he received a laptop (a portable computer) for his work. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is confirmed when Paul talks about the supplies he received. He mentions that the agency gave him all the equipment he needed, specifically noting a laptop. When the woman asks if he expected to receive that, he replies 'No,' which shows it was an unexpected surprise for him. Important words to notice are 'gave' (to be given) and 'didn't expect' (surprised). |
| Q27 | C | WOMAN: It looks at how gender analysis is reconfiguring civil society in Latin America. Women are increasingly occupying positions in government and in other elected leadership positions in Latin America. I think you'd find it interesting. PAUL: If it was to do with people in the villages rather than those in the public sphere, I would | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the woman describing the course as being about women in government roles. Paul responds by saying he would take it only if it focused on village life instead of politics. This means he does not want to take the course as it is currently described. Answer Explanation: The answer 'C' means Paul decides he won't do the Gender Studies in Latin America module. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'C' because Paul expresses a lack of interest in the module's actual focus. When the woman explains that the course covers women in government and leadership (the 'public sphere'), Paul replies that he would take it only 'if' it was about people in villages. Since the course description does not match his specific interest, he rejects it. He uses 'would' to describe a situation that is not happening, showing he doesn't plan to sign up. |
| Q28 | A | PAUL: I hadn't thought about that. I'll put that down as a definite, then | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Paul agrees with the teacher's suggestion and decides he will certainly choose this specific subject to study. Answer Explanation: The answer 'A' means Paul will take the class called 'Second Language Acquisition'. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'A' because when the woman suggests that the module would be useful due to his past teaching experience, Paul decides to sign up for it. He uses the word 'definite', which shows he has made a firm decision to take the course. |
| Q29 | B | WOMAN: Don't judge the value of the course on that. Maybe, talk to some other students first and we can talk about it again later. PAUL: Okay | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the woman telling Paul not to decide against the course just yet. She suggests he gets feedback from other students so they can discuss the choice again in the future. Paul says 'Okay,' which means he agrees to wait and think about it instead of saying no right now. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that Paul is not sure yet if he will take the module called 'Indigenous Women's Lives'. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because although Paul says he changed his mind about taking the course after seeing the exam questions, he agrees to a suggestion to keep the option open. The woman advises him not to judge the course purely on the exams and suggests he talks to other students first. By saying 'Okay' to her suggestion that they 'talk about it again later,' Paul indicates that he might still choose this module after getting more information. |
| Q30 | C | Well, I'd much sooner do something else, then | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Paul chooses to do a different class instead of the Portuguese lessons. Answer Explanation: The answer 'C' means that Paul decides he will not study Portuguese Language Studies. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Paul decides against taking the Portuguese module. After the woman explains that knowing Spanish can actually make it harder to learn Portuguese correctly, Paul states he would rather do a different subject. The phrase 'much sooner' indicates a preference for an alternative, showing he has decided not to sign up for this specific course. |
Transcript
WOMAN: I've been reading your personal statement, Paul. First, let's talk about your work experience in South America. What took you there? Was it to gain more fluency in Spanish?
PAUL: Well, as I'm combining Spanish with Latin American studies, my main idea was to find out more about the way people lived there. My spoken Spanish was already pretty good in fact.
WOMAN: So you weren't too worried about language barriers?
PAUL: No. In fact, I ended up teaching English there, although that wasn't my original choice of work.
WOMAN: I see. How did you find out about all this?
PAUL: I found an agency that runs all kinds of voluntary projects in South America.
WOMAN: What kind of work?
PAUL: Well, there were several possibilities.
WOMAN: You mean construction? Engineering work?
PAUL: Yes, getting involved in building projects was an option. Then there was tourism – taking tourists for walks around the volcanoes – which I actually chose to do, and then there was work with local farmers.
WOMAN: But you didn't continue with that project. Why not?
PAUL: Because I never really knew whether I'd be needed or not. I'd thought it might be difficult physically, but I was certainly fit enough . . . no, I wanted to do something that had more of a proper structure to it, I suppose. I get de-motivated otherwise.
WOMAN: What do you think you learned from your experience? It must have been a great opportunity to examine community life.
PAUL: Yes, but it was difficult at first to be accepted by the locals. It was a very remote village and some of them were reluctant to speak to me – although they were always interested in my clothes and how much I'd had to pay for them.
WOMAN: Well, that's understandable.
PAUL: Yes, but things soon improved. What struck me was that when people became more comfortable with me and less suspicious, we really connected with each other in a meaningful way.
WOMAN: You made good friends?
PAUL: Yes, with two of the families in particular.
WOMAN: Good. What about management. Did you have a project manager?
PAUL: Yes and he gave me lots of advice and guidance.
WOMAN: And was he good at managing too?
PAUL: That wasn't his strong point! I think he was often more interested in the academic side of things than filing reports. He was a bit of a dreamer.
WOMAN: And did you have a contract?
PAUL: I had to stay for a minimum of three months. My parents were surprised when I asked to stay longer – six months in the end. I was so happy there.
WOMAN: And did anything on the administration side of things surprise you? What was the food and lodging like?
PAUL: Simple . . . but there was plenty to eat and I only paid seven dollars a day for that which was amazing really. And they gave me all the equipment I needed . . . even a laptop.
WOMAN: You didn't expect that then?
PAUL: No.
WOMAN: Well, I'll look forward to hearing more.
WOMAN: But now let's look at these modules. You'll need to start thinking about which ones you'll definitely want to study. The first one here is Gender Studies in Latin America.
PAUL: Mmm . . .
WOMAN: It looks at how gender analysis is reconfiguring civil society in Latin America. Women are increasingly occupying positions in government and in other elected leadership positions in Latin America. I think you'd find it interesting.
PAUL: If it was to do with people in the villages rather than those in the public sphere, I would.
WOMAN: Okay. What about Second Language Acquisition?
PAUL: Do you think I'd find that useful?
WOMAN: Well, you've had some practical experience in the field, I think it would be.
PAUL: I hadn't thought about that. I'll put that down as a definite, then.
WOMAN: Okay. What about Indigenous Women's Lives. That sounds appropriate.
PAUL: I thought so too, but I looked at last year's exam questions and that changed my mind.
WOMAN: Don't judge the value of the course on that. Maybe, talk to some other students first and we can talk about it again later.
PAUL: Okay.
WOMAN: Yes. And lastly, will you sign up for Portuguese lessons?
PAUL: My Spanish is good, so would I find that module easy?
WOMAN: Not necessarily. Some people find that Spanish interferes with learning Portuguese . . . getting the accent right too. It's quite different in a lot of ways.
PAUL: Well, I'd much sooner do something else, then.
WOMAN: Alright. Now, what we need to do is . . .