The Role of the Antarctic Centre and the Antarctic Treaty - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 07 Academic Listening Test 2 · Part 3 · Questions 21–30
Audio
Questions
Questions 21–26 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 27–28 Table Completion
Complete the table below.
Write ONE WORD AND/OR TWO NUMBERS for each answer.
| ANTARCTIC TREATY | |
|---|---|
| Date | Event |
| 1870 | Polar Research meeting |
| 27 | 1st International Polar Year |
| 1957 | Antarctic Treaty was proposed |
| 1959 | Antarctic Treaty was 28 |
Questions 29–30 Two Choices
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Which TWO achievements of the Antarctic Treaty are mentioned by the speakers?
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q21 | B | Well actually New Zealand is the second closest country to Antarctica and Christchurch is often used on Antarctic expeditions | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that the doctor believes the city's location is the real reason for the centre. He explains that New Zealand is one of the closest countries to Antarctica and that many trips start from Christchurch because it is in a helpful location. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Christchurch was chosen as the location for the centre because of its physical place on Earth, which is near Antarctica. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the doctor explains that the location was chosen based on how close New Zealand is to Antarctica. He points out that New Zealand is the second closest country, making Christchurch a convenient starting point for journeys to the South Pole. While the interviewer asks if the choice was due to the 'climate', the doctor clarifies that it is actually about the physical distance and the country's role in 'expeditions' (travel for a specific purpose). Therefore, the city is 'well positioned' geographically for this work. |
| Q22 | A | the centre contains a clothing warehouse where expeditions are supplied with suitable clothing for the extreme conditions | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says the center has a big storage room for clothes. It gives people on trips the right kind of clothes so they can survive in very cold weather. Answer Explanation: The answer means that one job of the Antarctic Centre is to give travelers the right clothes and gear they need for their trip. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the doctor explains that the center has a place to store clothes. People going on trips (expeditions) can get "suitable clothing" there to protect them from the freezing weather. In this context, clothing is a type of "equipment" needed for the trip. The keyword "supplied" means to provide or give something that is needed. |
| Q23 | C | the visitors' centre aims to recreate the atmosphere of Antarctica. There's a mock camp site where you can see inside an Antarctic tent and imagine yourself sleeping there | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the center wants to copy the feeling of Antarctica. It mentions a fake camping area where people can look inside a tent and think about what it would be like to sleep in such a cold place. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the goal of the Visitors' Centre is to give people a chance to see and feel what it is like in Antarctica. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the doctor explains that most people will never visit the real Antarctica. Therefore, the center aims to "recreate the atmosphere" for them. Using a "mock camp site" allows visitors to see the equipment and "imagine" being there, which effectively shows them what the place is like. The word "recreate" is a synonym for showing or making a copy of an experience. |
| Q24 | B | each time I'm struck by the awesome beauty of the place. It's magnificent | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that every time the doctor visits Antarctica, he is moved by how pretty and great the location looks. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Dr. Merrywhether describes Antarctica as a place that is very wonderful and pleasing to look at. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Dr. Merrywhether uses words like "awesome beauty" and "magnificent" to describe Antarctica. These terms are synonyms for being "extremely beautiful." While he says the continent is very cold, he notes that people can visit during the summer, so it is not "too cold" for all tourists. He also focuses on the physical appearance rather than saying it is unlike any other "country." |
| Q25 | A | Antarctica is a land mass shaped like a dome, with the result that the winds blow down the slopes at speeds of up to 150 km an hour and that's what makes it so cold | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that Antarctica's shape is like a dome, which makes very fast winds blow down its sides, creating the very cold weather there. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the way the land of Antarctica is formed causes it to be freezing. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Dr. Merrywhether explains that Antarctica's physical form is like a 'dome.' He states that this specific shape causes fast winds to move down the 'slopes,' and these winds are the reason the continent is so cold. He mentions the 'frozen sea' only to describe the North Pole, and while he says Antarctica is 'dry,' he does not link its dryness to the extreme cold. |
| Q26 | B | . . . because fossils and rocks have been discovered in Antarctica which are the same as those found in places such as Africa and Australia | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that scientists found fossils (remains of very old plants or animals) and rocks in Antarctica that match those in other parts of the world, like Africa and Australia. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that scientists found physical proof in the earth, like rocks and old plant or animal remains, to show that Antarctica was once connected to other land. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Dr. Merrywhether explains that scientists found stones and remains of living things from a long time ago in Antarctica. These items are identical to the ones found in Africa and Australia. These rocks and fossils are examples of geological evidence that prove the continents were once joined together. |
| Q27 | 1882 to 1883 / 1882 - 1883 | DOCTOR: Over two years from 1882 to 1883 | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript clearly identifies the time period of the event as the years 1882 to 1883. Answer Explanation: The answer provides the timeframe for when the First International Polar Year happened, which was across the years 1882 and 1883. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found by looking for the mention of the 'First International Polar Year' in the conversation. When the interviewer asks exactly when that event took place, the doctor explains that it happened over a period of two years, specifically from 1882 to 1883. |
| Q28 | signed | And in 1959 the Treaty was actually signed | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript clearly states that in the specific year of 1959, the treaty was signed, which matches the missing information in the table. Answer Explanation: The answer 'signed' means that in the year 1959, leaders from different countries wrote their names on the treaty to show they agreed to the rules. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'signed' because it completes the history of the Antarctic Treaty described by the doctor. He explains that after the treaty was suggested in the 1950s, it became official in 1959. In English, we use the word 'signed' to mean that a formal agreement has been finished and accepted by writing names on it. |
| Q29 | — | — | |
| Q30 | A / D | DOCTOR: Well, firstly it means that the continent is reserved for peaceful use.INTERVIEWER: That's Article 1, isn't it?DOCTOR: Yes . . .INTERVIEWER: That's important since the territory belongs to everyone.DOCTOR: Yes but not as important as Article 5, which prohibits any nuclear explosions or waste disposal | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the continent must be used only for peaceful purposes and that nuclear explosions are not allowed. Answer Explanation: The answer is choices A and D, which mean that Antarctica is not allowed to be used for military activities and that no nuclear tests (explosions) can happen there. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is stated near the end of the interview. The doctor explains that the first goal of the treaty is for the continent to be 'reserved for peaceful use,' which is a synonym for no military use. He then mentions that Article 5 'prohibits any nuclear explosions,' which is the same as no nuclear testing. |
Transcript
INTERVIEWER: We're pleased to welcome Dr Martin Merrywhether of the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand who has come along to talk to us today about the role of the Centre and the Antarctic Treaty.
INTERVIEWER: Now my first question is about the choice of location for the centre. Why Christchurch? Was it because of the climate?
DOCTOR: Well actually New Zealand is the second closest country to Antarctica and Christchurch is often used on Antarctic expeditions.
INTERVIEWER: Right, so it's because of where we are . . . coupled with our historical role. So tell us – what is the main purpose of the centre?
DOCTOR: Well . . . we have two complementary roles. One is as a scientific base for expeditions and research and the other is as an information centre.
INTERVIEWER: Tell us something about the role as a scientific base.
DOCTOR: We're able to provide information about what scientists should take with them to the South Pole – for example, the centre contains a clothing warehouse where expeditions are supplied with suitable clothing for the extreme conditions.
INTERVIEWER: I suppose you need a bit more than your normal winter coat!
DOCTOR: Yes, exactly and then there's also the specialist library and mapping services.
INTERVIEWER: Right. And which countries are actually located at the centre?
DOCTOR: Well . . . the centre houses research programmes for New Zealand, for The United States as well as for Italy . . . there's even a US post office at the American airforce base here.
INTERVIEWER: Really? And what does the visitor's centre offer?
DOCTOR: Well, since very few people will ever experience the Antarctic first hand, the visitors' centre aims to recreate the atmosphere of Antarctica. There's a mock camp site where you can see inside an Antarctic tent and imagine yourself sleeping there. And the centre also acts as a showcase for the unique international co-operation which exists in Antarctica today.
INTERVIEWER: What is it actually like at the South Pole? I know you've been there on a number of occasions.
DOCTOR: Yes, I have and each time I'm struck by the awesome beauty of the place. It's magnificent but you can really only visit it in the summer months.
INTERVIEWER: October to March.
DOCTOR: Yes, because it's completely dark for four months of the year (pause) . . . and in addition it has to be the coldest place on earth.
INTERVIEWER: Colder than the North Pole? Why's that?
DOCTOR: Well, unlike the North Pole, which is actually a frozen sea, Antarctica is a land mass shaped like a dome, with the result that the winds blow down the slopes at speeds of up to 150 km an hour and that's what makes it so cold. And one other interesting thing is that Antarctica is the driest continent on earth, surprisingly, and so you have to drink large amounts of water when you're there.
INTERVIEWER: How old is Antarctica?
DOCTOR: We're pretty sure it was part of a larger land mass but it broke away from the rest of the continent 170 million years ago.
INTERVIEWER: How can you be certain of this?
DOCTOR: . . . because fossils and rocks have been discovered in Antarctica which are the same as those found in places such as Africa and Australia.
INTERVIEWER: Amazing . . . To think that it was once attached to Africa . . .
INTERVIEWER: Now let's just have a look at the Antarctic Treaty. How far back does the idea of an international treaty go?
DOCTOR: Well, as far back as the 19th century, when eleven nations organised an international event.
INTERVIEWER: When was that exactly?
DOCTOR: In 1870. And it was called the Polar Research Meeting. And then, not long after that, they organised something called the First International Polar Year.
INTERVIEWER: And that took place when exactly?
DOCTOR: Over two years from 1882 to 1883. But it wasn't until the 1950s that the idea of an international treaty was proposed. And in 1959 the Treaty was actually signed.
INTERVIEWER: What do you see as the main achievements of the treaty?
DOCTOR: Well, firstly it means that the continent is reserved for peaceful use.
INTERVIEWER: That's Article 1, isn't it?
DOCTOR: Yes . . .
INTERVIEWER: That's important since the territory belongs to everyone.
DOCTOR: Yes but not as important as Article 5, which prohibits any nuclear explosions or waste disposal.
INTERVIEWER: Which is marvellous. Well, I'm afraid we're going to have to stop there because I'm afraid we've run out of time. Thanks for coming along today and telling us all about the centre and its work.