Thomas and Nadia’s Conversation - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Simulation Tests Academic Listening Test 03 · Part 1 · Questions 1–10
Audio
Questions
Questions 1–5 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 6–10 Matching
How likely are Thomas and Nadia to visit the following attractions?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C next to questions 6–10.
A. they will definitely visit
B. they might visit
C. they will not visit
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | A | NADIA: I was tempted to get the latest novel by Dan Brown but it's quite heavy and I'd have to carry it around with me. If I could have found a crossword puzzle book, I'd have bought it; but in the end I was attracted to a front-page article in today's issue of the New York Times. THOMAS: Is that all you bought then? NADIA: Yes | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that Nadia chose not to buy a novel or a crossword book, but instead bought today's copy of the New York Times newspaper. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Nadia purchased a newspaper at the shop. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Nadia explains what she bought. She decided not to buy the novel because it was too heavy, and she could not find a crossword puzzle book. Instead, she bought today's issue of the "New York Times", which is a famous newspaper, and confirms that this was the only thing she purchased. |
| Q2 | C | THOMAS: Oh, I'd forgotten about that, mmm, I wonder how good it is actually I was thinking of the new comedy the one about the physician. NADIA: Doctor Hunter. THOMAS: That's the one |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Thomas explaining that the play he wants to read about is the comedy about a physician, and Nadia clarifies that this character is Doctor Hunter, which Thomas confirms. Answer Explanation: The answer "C" means that Thomas wants to read about or see the play that is about a medical doctor. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Thomas clarifies that he is thinking of the comedy about the "physician" (a formal word for a medical "doctor"). Nadia adds the character's name, "Doctor Hunter", and Thomas confirms with "That's the one." Although a "pirate" and the name "Hunter" are mentioned, Thomas is not looking for the play about a pirate, and Hunter is the doctor's name, not the occupation. |
| Q3 | A | NADIA: Well, according to those two they thought it was hilarious | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Nadia telling Thomas that the couple in the shop thought the comedy show was extremely funny. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the two people in the bookshop were talking about a theatre show that makes people laugh. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Nadia explains that the couple she overheard in the bookshop were talking about the new comedy play. She says they described it as "hilarious," which means extremely funny. Option B is incorrect because they described the actor as "smooth," not the play itself. Option C is incorrect because they said it was "not in the least bit boring." |
| Q4 | A | THOMAS: An espresso? Short and black with sugar? NADIA: Perfect | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Thomas suggesting a coffee that is black with sugar added to it, and Nadia replies that this is exactly what she wants. Answer Explanation: The answer 'A' means that Nadia wants her coffee to be black (without milk) and to have sugar in it so it is sweet. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Thomas asks Nadia if she would like an espresso that is "Short and black with sugar?", and Nadia responds with "Perfect!". Having sugar in the coffee means it will be "sweet", and having no milk means it is "black". |
| Q5 | B | NADIA: I'll try to stay off chocolate—the berry sounds healthier | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Nadia saying she wants to avoid eating chocolate and thinks the berry muffin is a healthier choice. Answer Explanation: The answer "B" means Nadia wants to eat a berry muffin. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Thomas asks Nadia if she would like a chocolate muffin or a berry muffin. Nadia replies that she will avoid chocolate because the berry option sounds healthier. Note that the plain muffin is chosen by Thomas, not Nadia. |
| Q6 | A | THOMAS: Okay. So, do we do the Tower first? NADIA: Yes, that's the idea | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Thomas asking if they should go to the Tower first, and Nadia agrees by saying that is the plan. Answer Explanation: The answer "A" means that Thomas and Nadia are certain to visit the Tower of London. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Nadia states "The Tower, of course" when asked what they should see in London. Later, Thomas confirms their plan by asking if they will visit "the Tower first," and Nadia confirms with "Yes, that's the idea." This shows they have definitely planned to visit it. |
| Q7 | C | NADIA: I'm not that keen on the wheel. Do you want to ride on it? THOMAS: No way. NADIA: Well, let's leave it out of the itinerary then. THOMAS: Okay | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows that Nadia is not interested in the Wheel, Thomas completely refuses to ride it, and they both decide to drop it from their travel plan. Answer Explanation: The answer C means that Thomas and Nadia will not visit the Wheel. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because Nadia mentions she is not keen on the Wheel, and Thomas strongly agrees by saying "No way." Nadia then suggests that they "leave it out of the itinerary" (remove it from their travel schedule), and Thomas agrees by saying "Okay." This shows that both of them decided not to go there. |
| Q8 | A | NADIA: Yes, that's the idea. And then we absolutely have to go to Westminster. THOMAS: Really? NADIA: Yes. Look, it's not going to cost us anything and I promised my sister I'd take photos there. THOMAS: Well, if you insist. NADIA: I do | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Nadia strongly stating that they must visit Westminster to take photos for her sister, and Thomas agrees because she insists on going. Answer Explanation: The answer "A" means that Thomas and Nadia will certainly visit Westminster. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Nadia says they "absolutely have to go to Westminster" to take photos she promised her sister. When Thomas says "if you insist," Nadia confirms with "I do." This means they have definitely decided to visit the attraction. |
| Q9 | B | THOMAS: Well, I did know that but I was hoping we wouldn't have to spend time in any museums—we've only got three days in all and it'll take at least one whole day to go through the museum. NADIA: Well, let's say we leave it till day three and see how you feel then? THOMAS: Okay, I can't argue with that | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Thomas saying that a museum visit takes too much time, so Nadia suggests deciding on the third day depending on Thomas's mood, which Thomas accepts. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that Thomas and Nadia might visit the British Museum. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Thomas expresses concern that visiting the British Museum will take up an entire day out of their short three-day trip. Nadia then suggests waiting until their third day to decide based on how Thomas feels, and Thomas agrees. Because their visit depends on how they feel on day three, it is not guaranteed, meaning they might visit. |
| Q10 | A | NADIA: And Buckingham Palace? THOMAS: I suppose you've promised lots of photos of that as well, have you? NADIA: Well, no, not really, but we can't say we've been to London and haven't seen the Queen's palace! THOMAS: I guess not and there's the added benefit that it won't cost anything as well | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Nadia emphasizing that they must see the Queen's palace (Buckingham Palace) while in London, and Thomas agrees with her. Answer Explanation: The answer "A" means that Thomas and Nadia will certainly go to visit Buckingham Palace. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Nadia says they cannot go to London without seeing the Queen's palace (Buckingham Palace). Thomas agrees, saying "I guess not" and noting that it will not cost any money. Because both agree they must see it, visiting Buckingham Palace is a certainty ("they will definitely visit"). |
Transcript
THOMAS: Where have you been, Nadia?
NADIA: Browsing in the bookshop.
THOMAS: What took you so long? You said you were only going to be away 5 minutes.
NADIA: I was only gone for a quarter of an hour.
THOMAS: Well, it seemed much longer than that. Did you buy anything?
NADIA: I was tempted to get the latest novel by Dan Brown but it's quite heavy and I'd have to carry it around with me. If I could have found a crossword puzzle book, I'd have bought it; but in the end I was attracted to a front-page article in today's issue of the New York Times.
THOMAS: Is that all you bought then?
NADIA: Yes. Look, why don't you read the business section while I catch up on the news and then we can swap.
THOMAS: I'd rather have the entertainment section.
NADIA: Are you looking for anything in particular?
THOMAS: I just thought they might have a review in there of that new play that opened on Broadway yesterday.
NADIA: The drama about that awfully cruel pirate?
THOMAS: Oh, I'd forgotten about that, mmm, I wonder how good it is...actually I was thinking of the new comedy...the one about...the physician.
NADIA: Doctor Hunter.
THOMAS: That's the one.
NADIA: Well, when I was in the bookshop I overheard a couple talking about it and they said it was fantastic—not in the least bit boring. They especially liked the actor who played the main part—very smooth, apparently.
THOMAS: Lots of fun, then?
NADIA: Well, according to those two they thought it was hilarious.
THOMAS: Ooh, we'll have to make a point of seeing it when we get back.
NADIA: Definitely.
THOMAS: We didn't have time for breakfast and I'm hungry. Do you fancy a coffee and a muffin?
NADIA: Sounds like a good idea.
THOMAS: And how will you have your coffee today? Long and black as usual?
NADIA: I think I might have something different this morning.
THOMAS: What? You don't mean a flat white or some other milky one?
NADIA: Oh, I don't know, I want something to perk me up.
THOMAS: An espresso? Short and black with sugar?
NADIA: Perfect!
THOMAS: Will that be with a chocolate muffin or a berry muffin?
NADIA: I'll try to stay off chocolate—the berry sounds healthier.
THOMAS: And I'll have a plain one with butter. Won't be long...
THOMAS: Here you are. Mind the coffee, it's really hot.
NADIA: Thank you. I'm really ready for this.
THOMAS: Have you thought about what we should see when we get to London?
NADIA: The Tower, of course. I've always wanted to get a look at the Crown Jewels. That is where they keep the jewels, isn't it?
THOMAS: I think so. And, what about the Wheel? I hear it's quite extraordinary.
NADIA: I'm not that keen on the wheel. Do you want to ride on it?
THOMAS: No way.
NADIA: Well, let's leave it out of the itinerary then.
THOMAS: Okay. So, do we do the Tower first?
NADIA: Yes, that's the idea. And then we absolutely have to go to Westminster.
THOMAS: Really?
NADIA: Yes. Look, it's not going to cost us anything and I promised my sister I'd take photos there.
THOMAS: Well, if you insist.
NADIA: I do. Oh, did you know the British Museum is free to the public? Not just residents but tourists as well?
THOMAS: Well, I did know that but I was hoping we wouldn't have to spend time in any museums—we've only got three days in all and it'll take at least one whole day to go through the museum.
NADIA: Well, let's say we leave it till day three and see how you feel then?
THOMAS: Okay, I can't argue with that.
NADIA: And Buckingham Palace?
THOMAS: I suppose you've promised lots of photos of that as well, have you?
NADIA: Well, no, not really, but we can't say we've been to London and haven't seen the Queen's palace!
THOMAS: I guess not and there's the added benefit that it won't cost anything as well.
NADIA: Oh, Thomas. It's not that I'm afraid of spending money; it's just that I want to see all the traditional sights first.
THOMAS: Good. I'm glad that's sorted. Listen, I think they just called our flight.