Preston Park Run - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Academic Listening Test 1 · Part 1 · Questions 1–10
Audio
Questions
Questions 1–6 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
PRESTON PARK RUN
Details of run
Example
Day of Park Run: Saturday
Start of run: in front of the 1
Time of start: 2
Length of run: 3
At end of run: volunteer scans 4
Best way to register: on the 5
Cost of run: £ 6
Questions 7–10 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Volunteering
Contact name: Pete 7
Phone number: 8
Activities: setting up course
9 the runners
10 for the weekly report
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | café / cafe | The run starts at the café, goes past the tennis courts then twice around the lake and finishes back where it started | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the beginning of the race route is located at the café. Answer Explanation: The answer is the location where the event begins. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is café because the organizer describes the course by stating exactly where it begins. He mentions that participants begin the run at this specific location before continuing past other landmarks like the tennis courts and the lake. |
| Q2 | 9 am / nine am / 9 o'clock / nine o'clock | Well the actual run begins at 9 am but the runners start arriving at about 8.45 | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the competition officially starts (begins) at 9 am, even though runners get there slightly earlier. Answer Explanation: The answer is the specific time in the morning when the exercise event officially starts. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 9 am because the organizer, Dave, clarifies that although participants arrive earlier at 8:45, the run itself officially starts at 9 o'clock. The word 'begins' is a synonym for 'start' used in the question. |
| Q3 | five kilometres / five kilometers / 5 kilometres / 5 kilometers | Well it used to be three kilometres but most people wanted to do a bit more than that so we lengthened it to five kilometres — we now go round the lake twice and that adds an extra two kilometres | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the run was originally three kilometres, but they changed it to five kilometres because people wanted to run a longer distance. Answer Explanation: The answer means the total distance of the race is five kilometres. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 5 km because the organiser explains that the run changed from three kilometres to five kilometres to make it longer for the participants. He uses the word 'lengthened' to show that the distance was increased. |
| Q4 | a bar-code / bar-code / a barcode / barcode | When you cross the finish line you'll be given a bar code and you take this to one of the run volunteers, who will scan it | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that when someone finishes the race, they get a 'bar code'. A helper for the race then 'scans' that code. Answer Explanation: The answer is a code with lines that a helper reads with a machine at the end of the run. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is correct because the transcript says that at the finish line, runners get a bar code. A volunteer (a helper) then scans this code. The words 'volunteer' and 'scan' in the transcript match the question perfectly. |
| Q5 | website / web site | I could take your details over the phone but it's much easier if you do it using the website | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that there are different ways to register, but the speaker recommends using the website because it is the simplest method. Answer Explanation: The answer "website/web site" means that the best place to sign up for the run is on the internet through their page. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is confirmed when the organizer explains that although he could take information over the phone, it is "much easier" to register using the internet page. In the notes, "best way" is a synonym for "much easier." |
| Q6 | 1.50 | In fact we have just increased the charge to £1.50. It used to be a pound but because we were making a bit of a loss we have had to increase it by 50p | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the old price was £1, but they added 50 pence more, making the new price 1.50. Answer Explanation: The answer is the price of the run, which is one pound and fifty pence (£1.50). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 1.50 because the speaker clarifies the current cost of participating in the run. He mentions that while it used to be a pound, they had to increase the charge by 50p to avoid losing money. Therefore, the total current cost is £1.50. |
| Q7 | MAUGHAN | it's M-A-U-G-H-A-N | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the speaker spelling the name out loud so the other person can write it down exactly as it is. Answer Explanation: The answer is the spelling of the family name for Pete, the person in charge of volunteers. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is M-A-U-G-H-A-N because the speaker identifies Pete Maughan as the manager of the volunteers. When the caller asks for the specific spelling of his surname (or last name) to ensure it is correct, the speaker clarifies that it is spelled letter-by-letter as M-A-U-G-H-A-N. |
| Q8 | 01444 732900 | I think the one that begins 0-1-2-7-3 is an old one so use this one: it's 0-1-4-double 4-7-3-2-9-double zero | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dave checking his records for Pete's contact details. He identifies that one number is out of date and then says the correct number for the caller to use. Answer Explanation: The answer is the telephone number for Pete Maughan, the person who manages the volunteers. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Pete's current telephone number. During the conversation, Dave mentions that he has two phone numbers for Pete. He clarifies that the number starting with 01273 is old and should not be used. Instead, he provides the correct number: 01444 732900 (pronounced as 0-1-4-double 4-7-3-2-9-double zero). |
| Q9 | guiding / guide | But if your friend would prefer to arrive a bit later she can also help with guiding the runners so they don't go the wrong way | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that volunteers who arrive later can assist by leading the runners in the correct direction so they do not take a wrong turn. Answer Explanation: The answer is the word 'guiding' or 'guide', which means showing people which direction to run so they do not get lost. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'guiding' or 'guide' because the transcript mentions it as one of the tasks for volunteers. Dave Smith explains that while some people arrive early to prepare the path, others can help by directing the runners so they stay on the right track. Keywords to notice here are 'help' and 'guiding', which describe this volunteer activity. |
| Q10 | taking photos / take photos / taking photographs / take photographs | A: Yes that's right. In fact we do a weekly report on each race and we always try to illustrate it. B: OK - well my friend really likes taking photographs. She's just bought a new camera. A: Actually that would be great. I don't know whether Pete has anyone to take photographs this week | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the race organizer explaining that they make a report every week and want to include pictures. One speaker mentions a friend who is good at taking pictures and has a new camera, and the organizer says that would be very helpful. Answer Explanation: The answer means that a volunteer can help by taking pictures (often called 'photos' or 'photographs') to be used in the report that is created every week for the race. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the part of the dialogue where the speakers discuss the 'weekly report.' Dave explains that they like to 'illustrate' this report (meaning add pictures). When the caller says her friend enjoys 'taking photographs,' Dave agrees this would be a perfect job for a volunteer. The keywords here are 'illustrate,' 'report,' and 'photographs.' |
Transcript
A: Good morning - Dave Smith speaking.
B: Hi- could I speak to the organiser of the Preston Park Run?
A: Yes that's me.
B: Great - um - I was talking to some friends of mine about the run and they suggested I contact you to get some more details.
A: Sure - what would you like to know?
B: Well - they said it takes place every Saturday, is that right?
A: Yes it does.
B: OK - great!
A: Do you know where the park is?
B: Oh yes I've been there before. But it's quite big and I'm not sure where to go.
A: Well there's a circular track that goes right around the park. The run starts at the café, goes past the tennis courts then twice around the lake and finishes back where it started.
B: OK and what time is the run?
A: Well the actual run begins at 9 am but the runners start arriving at about 8.45.
B: OK - so I need to get up early Saturday morning then. And how long is the run?
A: Well it used to be three kilometres but most people wanted to do a bit more than that so we lengthened it to five kilometres - we now go round the lake twice and that adds an extra two kilometres.
B: Right-not sure I've ever run that far so I'd better start doing a bit of training.
A: That's a good idea. But it's not a race, it's really just for fun and the best thing would be to take it easy the first few times you do it and then see if you can gradually improve your time.
B: Is the run timed then? How do I know how well I've done?
A: When you cross the finish line you'll be given a bar code and you take this to one of the run volunteers, who will scan it. Then you can get your time online when you go home.
B: Oh - I see. You collect all the results.
A: Exactly.
B: I see - that's great. So how do I register?
A: Well there are several ways. I could take your details over the phone but it's much easier if you do it using the website.
B: OK - good. Um, I think that's probably all I need to know for now. Oh yes - does it cost anything to register or do you collect money each week?
A: Well it doesn't cost anything to register but we do charge for the run. In fact we have just increased the charge to £1.50. It used to be a pound but because we were making a bit of a loss we have had to increase it by 50p.
B: OK thanks. I think I have enough information on taking part in the run.
[pause]
B: Um - you mentioned volunteers. I have a friend who is interested in helping out. Can you give me some details so I can pass them on to her?
A: Sure - well you need to ask your friend to contact Pete Maughan. He manages all the volunteers.
B: OK - I didn't quite catch his surname - was it Morn - M-O-R-N?
A: No - just a bit more complicated - it's M-A-U-G-H-A-N.
B: Right - thanks. And could you give me his phone number?
A: Yes - just a moment. It's here somewhere - let me just find it. Ah I've two numbers for him. I think the one that begins 0-1-2-7-3 is an old one so use this one: it's 0-1-4-double 4-7-3-2-9-double zero.
B: OK - got that. Can you tell me anything about the volunteering? Like what kind of activities it involves?
A: Sure - well we need volunteers for basic stuff like setting up the course. We have to do that before all the runners arrive.
B: OK - so that's a really early start!
A: Yes that's right. But if your friend would prefer to arrive a bit later she can also help with guiding the runners so they don't go the wrong way.
B: I see. I believe you do a report on some of the races.
A: Yes that's right. In fact we do a weekly report on each race and we always try to illustrate it.
B: OK - well my friend really likes taking photographs. She's just bought a new camera.
A: Actually that would be great. I don't know whether Pete has anyone to take photographs this week.
B: Oh, I'll let her know.
A: OK good. Could you ask your friend to phone Pete and let him know?
B: Yes I will.
A: OK thanks. Goodbye.
B: Goodbye.