Trellor Valley - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Practice Test Plus 3 Academic Listening Test 3 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–14 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
Questions 15–20 Map Labeling
Label the map below.
Write the correct letter, A-H, next to questions 15-20.

Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | A | The ferry is also seasonal, normally running between April and September, depending on the weather | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the ferry service is available only during certain times of the year, typically starting in April and ending in September. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the ferry usually begins its service in the month of April. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by the speaker's statement that the ferry service is seasonal and "normally" runs between April and September. In this context, "normally" is a synonym for "usually." The other options are incorrect because the transcript states that the timetable "differs from day to day" (contradicting the idea that it departs at the same time) and that the river was the main form of transport only "in the past." |
| Q12 | A | If you prefer, you can travel up river by boat and return to Plymouth by train | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript confirms that a traveler can go up the river in a boat and then go back to Plymouth using a train. Answer Explanation: The answer means you can use both a boat and a train for your trip. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker says visitors can go one way by boat and use a train to go back. This shows that the two types of travel can be used together for the same journey. To 'combine' means to use two or more things together. |
| Q13 | B | The highlight of the journey is crossing the river on the stunning viaduct, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century and towers 120 feet over the water | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the train goes over a very high bridge called a viaduct that stands 120 feet above the water. Answer Explanation: The answer means that a part of the train track is built high above the ground or water. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker mentions a 'viaduct'. A viaduct is a long bridge used for a road or a train track to go over a valley or water. The speaker says this viaduct 'towers 120 feet over the water', which means it is very high up or raised. Choice A is wrong because the speaker says there are 'various stops in between' the two towns. Choice C is wrong because the speaker says you don't need to book and you can buy tickets on the train. |
| Q14 | C | The rover ticket provides great value for money and is now even cheaper than it was last year | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that the price of this special bus ticket has gone down recently, specifically noting it costs less now than it did during the previous year. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the cost to buy a Rover bus ticket is less than it used to be. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is identified when the speaker mentions that the Rover ticket is 'even cheaper than it was last year.' This phrase confirms that the price has recently decreased. Other options are incorrect because the ticket allows 'unlimited journeys' (not just five) and can be used on 'weekends and on national holidays' (not just weekends). |
| Q15 | H | The main road comes into the village from the south, and for those of you who are arriving by bus, it turns left just before the bridge and stops in the layby on the left-hand side | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the bus comes into the village from the south direction. Before the bus crosses the bridge, it turns left and stops at a small parking area called a layby on the left side of the street. Answer Explanation: The answer is H, which marks the location of the bus stop on the map. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is H because the speaker provides specific directions for anyone traveling by bus to the village of Calton. They mention that the bus enters from the south and turns left just before reaching the bridge. The stop itself is located in a 'layby' (a small area next to the road for vehicles to stop) on the left-hand side of that road. Following these directions—entering from the bottom of the map, turning left before the bridge, and looking at the left side of that street—points directly to location H. |
| Q16 | F | If you’re arriving by car, you have to leave it in the main car park. Go over the bridge and take the first turning on the right. Then go on until you come to the end of that road | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that car drivers must cross the bridge, turn right at the first street they see, and drive until the road stops to find the car park. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'F', which is the location of the car park on the map. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'F' because the speaker provides specific directions for people driving to the village. To get to the car park, you must cross over the bridge and then turn right at the first corner. You then keep going until the road ends. On the map, if you follow the path across the bridge, take the first right, and go to the end, you arrive at point F. Keywords like 'over the bridge', 'first turning on the right', and 'end of that road' are the clues used to find this spot. |
| Q17 | E | As you come in from the south, cross the river and go straight on the same road until you reach the end | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that if you enter from the south, you should cross over the water and keep going forward on the same road until the road stops. Answer Explanation: The answer is E, meaning location E on the map represents the museum. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the speaker gives specific directions to find the museum starting from the south of the village. To get there, a person needs to go over the bridge (cross the river) and continue moving forward (go straight) on that same road until it finishes (reach the end). Looking at the map, location E is at the very end of the main road after crossing the water. |
| Q18 | A | Also on the subject of history, you can go and see the old mill, which has recently been renovated and put back into use. Turn left before you come to the bridge. Then go straight on and then take the first turning on the right. This leads straight there | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript gives specific directions to find the mill: shoppers or visitors coming from the south road should turn left before reaching the bridge, continue forward, and then turn right at the first street they see. Answer Explanation: The answer is the location marked A on the map. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is identified by following the directions from the south part of the village. According to the speaker, before you cross the bridge, you must turn left. After that, you walk straight and then take the first right turn to find the old mill. Key phrases to notice are 'Turn left before you come to the bridge' and 'first turning on the right'. |
| Q19 | B | After crossing the bridge, turn left and it’s the second building on the left | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that to find the studio, you must go over the bridge, turn left, and look for the second building on the left side of the street. Answer Explanation: The answer is the location labeled B on the map. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker explains how to find the pottery studio by giving step-by-step directions. They say to first go across the bridge, then take a left turn. Once you have turned left, the studio is located in the second building on that same side. The letter B matches these specific directions. |
| Q20 | D | Finally, when you feel a need of refreshments, there’s a cafe opposite the old boathouse and a picnic area near the mill | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript tells the listener that if they want something to eat or drink (refreshments), they can go to the café. It explains that the café is positioned 'opposite' (facing or across from) the 'old boathouse'. Answer Explanation: The answer is letter D, which marks the location of the Café on the map. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the speaker identifies the location of the café by its proximity to another building. The speaker mentions that for those seeking 'refreshments' (food and drink), the café is located 'opposite' (across from) the building known as the 'old boathouse'. |
Transcript
Narrator: Test 3, section 2. You will hear part of a podcast for visitors to the popular holiday region called the Trellor Valley. First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 14. Now listen and answer questions 11 to 14.
Speaker: The valley and estuary of the River Trellor forms an unspoilt beautiful landscape, rich in both wildlife and sites of historic interest. There are many ways to explore the area and public transport links are good. It is possible to leave your car behind and travel by boat, train, or bus, with just short walks in between stops.
Speaker: The Trellor Valley passenger ferry runs between villages along the river estuary and provides a link with a train station at Berry, which is about 10 minutes’ walk from the riverside village of Calton. In the past, the river was the main form of transport in the area, and as in the past, today’s ferry service operates according to nature.
Speaker: The river estuary is tidal, and so the ferry timetable differs from day to day, according to the times and height of the tide. The ferry is also seasonal, normally running between April and September, depending on the weather. A timetable for the whole year can be downloaded from the internet by visiting www.trellorferry.co.uk.
Speaker: If you just want to sit and relax and enjoy the lovely scenery, you can take a river cruise to Calton and back from the nearby city of Plymouth. In the past, steamships brought early tourists along the same route. Queen Victoria and her family enjoyed such a trip in 1856. The journey is quicker these days. The round trip takes between four and five hours, depending on tides and weather. If you prefer, you can travel up river by boat and return to Plymouth by train. All cruise boats and trains have wheelchair access. For more information and for departure times, ring Plymouth Boat Cruises on 01752 823104.
Speaker: Trains run several times a day throughout the year between Calton and Plymouth, with various stops in between. They’re used by both local commuters and tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The highlight of the journey is crossing the river on the stunning viaduct, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century and towers 120 feet over the water. It is unnecessary to book and tickets can be bought on the train. For information about fares and timetables, contact National Rail Inquiries by phone or online.
Speaker: The bus service in the Trellor Valley now connects all train stations and villages in the area. Especially for holidaymakers, there’s a rover ticket, which can be used at weekends and on national holidays, and allows unlimited journeys on those days. The rover ticket provides great value for money and is now even cheaper than it was last year. An adult ticket costs 5.50 pounds a day. Senior citizens can travel for 4.50 pounds and a family ticket for up to five people costs just 12 pounds. Tickets can be bought on the bus.
Narrator: Now you have some time to look at questions 15 to 20. Now listen and answer questions 15 to 20.
Speaker: At the center of the Trellor Estuary area is the historic riverside village of Calton. The main road comes into the village from the south, and for those of you who are arriving by bus, it turns left just before the bridge and stops in the layby on the left-hand side.
Speaker: From there, it’s just a short walk to Calton’s various attractions. If you’re arriving by car, you have to leave it in the main car park. Go over the bridge and take the first turning on the right. Then go on until you come to the end of that road. It’s the only place to park in Calton, but there’s no charge.
Speaker: If you’re interested in local history, there’s a museum in Calton with farming, fishing, and household implements from the late 19th century. As you come in from the south, cross the river and go straight on the same road until you reach the end.
Speaker: Also on the subject of history, you can go and see the old mill, which has recently been renovated and put back into use. Turn left before you come to the bridge. Then go straight on and then take the first turning on the right. This leads straight there.
Speaker: If you’re interested in arts and crafts, there’s a pottery studio where you can watch the artist at work. After crossing the bridge, turn left and it’s the second building on the left. Finally, when you feel a need of refreshments, there’s a cafe opposite the old boathouse and a picnic area near the mill.
Narrator: That is the end of section 2. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
