Professor Van Diezen’s Advice on Choosing Courses - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 1 Academic Listening Test 1 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–26 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.
GENERAL COURSE DETAILS
Questions 27–29 Multiple Choice (Three Answers)
Choose THREE letters, A-G.
Questions 30–30 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentence below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for the answer.
- There are three full scholarships that cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash as a 30.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | C | A specialised course is one that is compulsory, meaning it's a requirement for your major and regular, so you can't place out by taking a proficiency exam | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor defining a 'specialised course' as something you are forced to do for your studies ('compulsory') and something that follows a standard schedule ('regular'). Answer Explanation: The answer identifies a specialised course as one that a student must take (required) and must attend on a normal schedule. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is derived from the professor's direct definition. He explains that a specialised course has two main features: it is compulsory (meaning you have to take it for your specific subject area or 'major') and it is regular (meaning you cannot skip it just by passing a test). |
| Q22 | A | Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only. The good thing is, now it's open to students on a flexible schedule, so it's not only for full-time students | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that these classes are no longer limited to just one group. Now, both students with flexible schedules and students who study full-time are allowed to take them. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies that Microbiology classes can be taken by both regular (full-time) students and students who have different (flexible) schedules. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Choice A because the professor explains that the rules for these classes changed. In the past, only students majoring in Microbiology could take them. Now, the classes are open to students on a flexible schedule, and the professor specifically mentions that they are "not only for full-time students." This means both groups—full-time and flexible-time students—can now take the courses. |
| Q23 | B | Well, they are open to full-time students only, which I believe is what you are | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor telling the student that the Biology courses are restricted to students who are enrolled in school full-time. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the classes for Biology can only be taken by students who study at the school full-time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the professor specifically mentions the rule for these classes. When Tina asks if she can take Biology classes, the professor tells her that they are only for 'full-time' students. This means students who have a full schedule of classes, rather than part-time students. |
| Q24 | B | I mean, most of the students presently looking into it are from off-campus | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the majority of people who are currently thinking about taking the Microbiology course do not live at the school. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies that many people who do not live at the university are interested in studying Microbiology. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the professor explicitly mentions that most students currently interested in Microbiology are from off-campus. While he lists people working in hospitals or laboratories as examples, they all fall under the broader category of 'off-campus' students who use the subject for their jobs. |
| Q25 | A | The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, so there are no experimental facilities available until next year | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the building is still being worked on. Because it is not ready, the school does not have the places or tools needed for science experiments right now, so students must wait for next year. Answer Explanation: The answer means that students cannot take the Medical Science class right now because the equipment and rooms needed for labs are not ready. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is correct because the professor says the building for this subject is being built (it is 'under construction'). Since the building is not finished yet, there are no 'experimental facilities'—which are special rooms and tools for science tests—for the students to use. Because of this, the student must wait until next year to take the class. |
| Q26 | C | Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor confirming that Environmental Science is the subject that is growing in popularity most quickly at the school. Answer Explanation: The answer is Environmental Science because it is the class that more and more students are signing up for faster than any other subject. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the professor describes Environmental Science as the "fastest growing" subject at the university. In this context, a subject "growing" means the number of students enrolling in it is increasing. Being the "fastest" means it is increasing more quickly than any other subject on campus. |
| Q27 | — | — | |
| Q28 | — | — | |
| Q29 | C / E / F | I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible, so take that one. It'll be one less difficult course you have to focus on when the science lab opens next year, and you have to catch up on classes like Laboratory Techniques. Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Maths classes, and no doubt you should take that. Otherwise, get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows the professor picking these three specific subjects from Tina's list. He explains that these classes are necessary to complete her degree, and he tells her to take them now to get them 'out of the way' before her schedule gets busier next year. Answer Explanation: The answer says that the three required classes Tina should take are Mathematics, Statistics, and Medicine. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the professor's advice to begin with courses that are mandatory for the student's major. He specifically uses the word 'compulsory' when talking about Mathematics and says the major 'requires' Statistics. He also tells her to take the 'required' Medicine course now to get it finished early. While other classes like Laboratory Techniques might be needed later, these are the three he emphasizes for her to take immediately. |
| Q30 | textbook allowance | The money is intended more as a textbook allowance, not party money | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript clearly states that the cash part of the scholarship is meant for school books (a textbook allowance) rather than for entertainment. Answer Explanation: The answer is money provided to a student specifically to help them pay for the books they need for their classes. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is extracted from the part of the conversation where the professor describes the details of the department's scholarship. While the student excitedly suggests the extra money could be used for a "party," the professor corrects her by stating its actual purpose is a "textbook allowance." This phrase fits perfectly into the sentence describing what the cash is provided for. |
Transcript
STUDENT: Hello... are you Professor Van Diezen?
PROFESSOR: Yes, I am. And who might you be?
STUDENT: Oh! Sorry, my name is Tina. I'm a freshman here. They told me I should ask you for advice in choosing courses.
PROFESSOR: Well, that's part of what I'm here for. Please come in and sit down. Now, what are your questions?
STUDENT: I, I almost don't know! Everything is so confusing! Like what is a "specialised course"?
PROFESSOR: Oh, easy. A specialised course is one that is compulsory, meaning it's a requirement for your major and regular, so you can't place out by taking a proficiency exam.
STUDENT: That sounds pretty strict. Then what are all these general courses? I seem to have to take so many.
PROFESSOR: Nothing to be alarmed over. These are courses open to all students and not directly related to your major. The university offers these general courses to choose so that you can become more well-rounded individuals. For example, I see you're a Microbiology major. So it might be a good idea to take some literature or history courses so that you can know something besides all science.
STUDENT: You mean these courses are, like, for fun?
PROFESSOR: That might be one way to look at it, but don't tell the literature professor such a thing. Think of a general course as the opposite of a specified course. A specified course is one that pertains directly to your major.
STUDENT: So can I take any Microbiology course I want?
PROFESSOR: Let's see. Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only. The good thing is, now it's open to students on a flexible schedule, so it's not only for full-time students. So the answer is yes, if you have the instructor's permission. May I ask you why you chose Microbiology?
STUDENT: Well, I also like plain old Biology, too. You know, full-sized animals. I might even become a veterinarian. Could I take some Biology classes?
PROFESSOR: Well, they are open to full-time students only, which I believe is what you are. I don't know how a freshman would get along with Microbiology, though. I mean, most of the students presently looking into it are from off-campus.
STUDENT: Off-campus?
PROFESSOR: Yes, you know, people who use it in their work at hospitals, laboratories, even a police detective. Why did you choose Microbiology, if I may ask? I don't think you quite answered that.
STUDENT: Well, eventually I want to be a doctor. At least my dad tells me so.
PROFESSOR: If I may say so, young lady, you seem a little uncertain. Still, I think that might be a good idea for a career. Of course, if you're thinking about being either a doctor or a vet, you should take some Medical Science classes before you even think of applying to med school.
STUDENT: Great! What should I take?
PROFESSOR: There is one small problem. The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, so there are no experimental facilities available until next year. I'm afraid you'll have to wait. But don't forget to take those courses at the first opportunity!
STUDENT: Oh, bummer. Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me?
PROFESSOR: Well, since you seem to like animals, have you ever thought about looking into Environmental Science?
STUDENT: No, I never really thought about it before. Is it worthwhile?
PROFESSOR: Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus.
PROFESSOR: I'm sorry, I couldn't help noticing the long list of classes you've written out there. May I have a look?
STUDENT: Oh, sure.
PROFESSOR: Medical Science, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Medicine, Mathematics, Computing. My, my, a bit of everything here.
STUDENT: Is it too much?
PROFESSOR: For your first semester, yes. What I suggest is starting out by taking the compulsory courses. Like we said before, the Medical Science can wait. Consider taking that in your sophomore year. I think I'd put off Computing, too. I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible, so take that one. It'll be one less difficult course you have to focus on when the science lab opens next year, and you have to catch up on classes like Laboratory Techniques. Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Maths classes, and no doubt you should take that. Otherwise, get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based. Oh, of course and your Environmental Science class if you're interested. The others can wait, though I think Computing is definitely a good idea, even though it's not required. I see too, on your paper there, you seem to have had high marks on the entrance exam.
STUDENT: Uhhh, yeah. I guess so.
PROFESSOR: Don't be shy! Have you thought about applying for a scholarship?
STUDENT: Do they have any? I mean, my dad is always complaining about how much money it costs him.
PROFESSOR: In your department, there are actually three full scholarships available. They cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash.
STUDENT: $1,500 cash?! Party!
PROFESSOR: Please, Miss. The money is intended more as a textbook allowance, not party money. If you promise to behave, I'll show you how to apply.
STUDENT: Great, and thanks!