The Summer Arts Festival - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 04 Academic Listening Test 3 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–14 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 15–20 Table Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
| Where | Type of performance | Highlights | Type of audience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circus Romano | Clowns and acrobats | Music and
15 |
16 | |
| Circus Electrica | 17 | Dancers and magicians | Aerial displays | 18 |
| Mekong Water Puppets | 19 | Puppets | Seeing the puppeteers at the end | 20 |
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | C | This is the third year they've run it and the timing's slightly different: for the last couple of years it's been around the fifth to seventeenth, but this year they wanted to allow everyone enough time to recover from the first of January celebrations and they've put it at the end of the month | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that the festival organizers decided to hold the event late in January instead of early or in the middle. This was done so people could get over the New Year's holiday first. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the event happens during the last few days of January. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker explains that the festival dates have changed this year. While it used to take place in the middle of the month (the 5th to the 17th), it has been moved to the "end of the month" to give people time to rest after New Year's Day. Choice C represents the final week of January, which matches this description. |
| Q12 | A | For today's report though, Geoffrey, I'm looking at some of the theatrical events that you might like to see; in particular, at this year's theme - circuses | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Jane is picking theatre-related events to focus on for this specific talk. Answer Explanation: The answer is theatre, which refers to shows or plays performed by actors on a stage. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is theatre because Jane says that even though there are dance shows and art exhibitions, she will focus on theatrical events for her report today. The word 'theatrical' is another way to say something belongs to the theatre. |
| Q13 | C | I'm going to tell you about two circus performances, but there are plenty of others in the programme | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that although the woman chooses to talk about two circuses, there are actually many other circus shows listed in the official festival schedule. Answer Explanation: The answer C means that there are many different circuses at the festival, not just one or two. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker mentions that she will describe two specific circus shows, but then she clearly states that the festival list includes many more shows. The word 'several' is used as a synonym for 'plenty of others' in this context, meaning more than two. |
| Q14 | B | As this is a travelling circus, it follows a long tradition by performing in a marquee - which is really like a canvas portable building, usually put up in a green space or car park, rather than in a theatre or stadium | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that because this circus moves from place to place, it uses a marquee. It describes a marquee as a structure made of canvas that can be moved and set up in open areas like grass or parking lots, instead of using permanent buildings like theatres or stadiums. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the Circus Romano shows happen inside a tent. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker mentions that the Circus Romano performs in a 'marquee.' To help the audience understand, she describes a marquee as a 'canvas portable building,' which is a synonym (another word with the same meaning) for a tent. She also specifically says they do not perform in a theatre or a stadium, which rules out the other choices. |
| Q15 | lighting / lights / light | The show has a lot of very funny moments, especially at the beginning, but the best part is the music and lighting | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that while the show is funny, the most impressive elements, or the 'best part', are the musical performance and the stage lighting. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies that the best parts of the Circus Romano show are the music and the lights used on stage. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by the speaker's description of Circus Romano. When talking about the 'best part' of this specific circus (which is a synonym for 'highlights' used in the notes), the speaker mentions two specific things: the music and the lighting. Since 'music' is already provided in the notes, 'lighting' is the missing piece of information needed to complete that section. |
| Q16 | adult / adults | At forty-five dollars it's very expensive anyway - it's really for adult tastes | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the performance is expensive and its style is suited for the preferences of grown-up people. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the show is specifically designed for grown-up people rather than children. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is identified in the section where Jane discusses Circus Romano. She mentions that the ticket price is high and that the style of the performance appeals more to grown-up people. She explicitly states that the show is better for grown-ups and even advises leaving children at home because they might not appreciate it. |
| Q17 | at Studio Theatre / the Studio Theatre / Studio Theatre / at Studio theater / the Studio theater / Studio theater / at Studio Theater / the Studio Theater / Studio Theater / at Studio theatre / the Studio theatre / Studio theatre | The second circus performance is Circus Electrica at the Studio Theatre | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript clearly names the building, which is the Studio Theatre, as the place where the Circus Electrica show is being held. Answer Explanation: The answer is the name of the place where the show called Circus Electrica will be performed. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is identified by looking for the location of the second circus mentioned. In the transcript, the speaker explicitly states that Circus Electrica is taking place 'at the Studio Theatre'. The word 'at' is a common preposition used to show a specific location or venue. |
| Q18 | the whole family / whole family / all the family / families | But it's still well worth seeing: a good one for the whole family | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that even though the performers are very young, the show is excellent and is recommended for everyone in a family to see. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the show is suitable and enjoyable for parents, children, and people of all ages to watch together. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by Jane's description of Circus Electrica. After discussing the performers and the venue, she specifically mentions that the show is worth seeing and describes it as a 'good one for the whole family,' which makes it the appropriate choice for the 'Type of audience' section. |
| Q19 | in City Gardens / City Gardens / the City Gardens / outdoors | And finally, as it's summer, you may wish to see some of the Festival performances that are being presented outdoors. Like the famous Mekong Water Puppet Troupe, performing in the City Gardens this week | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that some festival shows are held outside (outdoors) and names the City Gardens as the specific place where the Mekong Water Puppet group is performing. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies the location where the Mekong Water Puppet show takes place, which is an outside area called the City Gardens. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the speaker's introduction of outdoor shows. The speaker says the Mekong Water Puppet Troupe is performing at the City Gardens. In English, 'outdoors' means a place not inside a building, like a park or garden. |
| Q20 | young children / younger children / children | It's a must for young children though, and that's the audience it's really aimed at | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that little kids are the main audience for the puppet show and it is highly recommended for them. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to little kids being the main group of people who should watch this show. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found at the end of the description of the Mekong Water Puppets. Jane notes that while she enjoyed it as an adult, other older people were less interested. She explicitly states that the show is a 'must' for young children because they are the group the show is 'aimed at'. These words mean the show was created especially with that group in mind. |
Transcript
GEOFFREY: Good evening, and in this week's edition of 'Focus on the Arts', Jane Hemmington is going to fill us in on what's in store for us at this year's Summer Festival. Over to you, Jane.
JANE: Thank you, Geoffrey. This year, the Summer Festival is the biggest we've ever seen, so there should be something for everybody. This is the third year they've run it and the timing's slightly different: for the last couple of years it's been around the fifth to seventeenth, but this year they wanted to allow everyone enough time to recover from the first of January celebrations and they've put it at the end of the month.
The programme has sensational theatre, dance and also a large number of art exhibitions, but the thing the Festival is most famous for is its great street music. For today's report though, Geoffrey, I'm looking at some of the theatrical events that you might like to see; in particular, at this year's theme - circuses.
I'm going to tell you about two circus performances, but there are plenty of others in the programme. I've chosen these because they represent distinct movements within circus performance. The first is the Circus Romano from Italy. As this is a travelling circus, it follows a long tradition by performing in a marquee - which is really like a canvas portable building, usually put up in a green space or car park, rather than in a theatre or stadium.
In spite of this, Circus Romano isn't at all like the traditional circuses I grew up with. There are no animals - just very talented clowning and acrobatic routines. The show has a lot of very funny moments, especially at the beginning, but the best part is the music and lighting. They're magical. At forty-five dollars it's very expensive anyway - it's really for adult tastes. In fact, much of it would be wasted on children - so I suggest you leave them at home.
The second circus performance is Circus Electrica at the Studio Theatre. The purists are suggesting that this isn't a circus at all. It's a showcase for skills in dance and magic, rather than the usual ones you expect in a circus. With only six performers it's a small production, which suits the venue well - the Studio only seats about two hundred people. For my money it's the aerial displays which are outstanding as well as the magical tricks - features which are missing from Circus Romano. An interesting feature of the show is that the performers are so young - the youngest is only fourteen. But it's still well worth seeing: a good one for the whole family.
And finally, as it's summer, you may wish to see some of the Festival performances that are being presented outdoors. Like the famous Mekong Water Puppet Troupe, performing in the City Gardens this week. Now, water puppetry is amazing! It's large puppets on long sticks, controlled by puppeteers standing waist deep in the lake. The puppets do comedy routines and there is some terrific formation dancing. This is a fantastic show and the best moment comes at the end - seeing the puppeteers. When the troupe walks up out of the water, you get this amazing feeling. It's really hard to believe that what you've been watching is lifeless wood and cloth. As an adult, I had a great time, but I did note that other older people in the audience weren't quite as taken with it as I was. It's a must for young children though, and that's the audience it's really aimed at.
Well, that's all I've time for today, but I'll be back next week with more news of what's worth seeing and what it's best to miss.