Weekend Entertainment Events - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Trainer 2 Academic Listening Test 2 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–15 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.
Questions 16–20 Matching
What comment does the speaker make about each of the following events?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to questions 16-20.
You may use any letter more than once.
A. the location has changed
B. transport will be a problem
C. the event might be crowded
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | C | In the past the Festival has been based at the Victoria Theatre, which wasn’t really big enough. So this year they’re going to be using a number of other venues as well | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that before now, the festival was held only at the Victoria Theatre. Because that place was too small, the organizers decided that this year they will use several different places (venues) for the festival. Answer Explanation: The answer states that there will be more places where people can go to see the festival events. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker explains that the festival used to use only the Victoria Theatre, but it was too small for everyone. Therefore, this year, they are adding more places (venues) to host the events. The word 'venues' is a synonym for 'locations'. Choice A is incorrect because the number of international writers is the same as last year, and choice B is incorrect because having time for questions is something the festival 'always' provides, so it is not new. |
| Q12 | B | And they’ve just announced a 20% discount on all tickets, to encourage a good turnout | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the organizers just told people about a special lower price (a 20% discount) for every ticket to make sure many people attend the show. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the cost of tickets for the Wearable Art event is now lower than it was before. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker mentions that there is a '20% discount' on all tickets for the Wearable Art event. In English, a 'discount' is when the price of something is 'reduced' or made cheaper. This was done to get more people to go to the fashion show. |
| Q13 | B | It’s a chance for the whole family to learn about the science of the ocean and marine eco-systems and how to protect them | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that every person in a family can visit this event to get knowledge about the ocean and how to keep it safe. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the event is for people of any age to come and learn new information. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because Dan explains that 'Ocean Times' is not a normal beach day for swimming or playing. Instead, it features workshops, displays, and presentations. He specifically mentions it is for the 'whole family' to 'learn' about science. This matches the idea of an educational event for all ages. |
| Q14 | A | I’d recommend you take a warm coat, though, because it can get quite windy up there | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript shows Dan telling the listeners to bring a thick coat because the place for the art show is high up and has a lot of wind. Answer Explanation: The answer means that individuals visiting the Artscape Exhibition are advised to pick the right types of clothes for the weather at the location. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because Dan mentions that it can be cold and windy at the Sanctuary Reserve. To be comfortable, he suggests that people bring a warm coat, which is an example of 'appropriate clothing' for that environment. The idea of choosing your own path ('wander wherever you want') and arriving at any time ('whenever suits you') makes options B and C incorrect. |
| Q15 | A | This event is only held once a year so these opportunities to tour the Civil aren’t too frequent | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that because the tour only happens one time every year, the chance to go on a tour does not happen very often. Answer Explanation: The answer means that people can only visit the inside of the Civil Theatre on special tours a few times, specifically once a year. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker explains that the tours are a special event that only happens once a year. He uses the words 'aren’t too frequent' to describe these tours, which means they do not happen often. |
| Q16 | C | This is often really popular so get there in good time to be sure you beat the rush | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that many people enjoy this event, so it is a good idea to arrive early to avoid the large crowd of people. Answer Explanation: The answer C means that a lot of people will likely go to the Night Market, so it could become very busy and full of people. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker describes the Night Market as 'really popular'. He also tells the listeners to get there early to 'beat the rush'. In English, a 'rush' often refers to a large group of people moving or arriving at once, and if an event is 'popular', it means many people want to be there. These phrases indicate that the event might be crowded. |
| Q17 | A | If you’re interested in going along please note – it was going to be in King’s Square, but actually it’s now going to be held down on the waterfront, where there’ll be plenty of space for everyone | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that the event was originally meant to be in King's Square, but it is now being held at the waterfront. Answer Explanation: The answer choice A means that the place where the event happens has been moved to a different spot than first planned. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker clearly tells the audience that the Buskers' Festival will no longer be held in King's Square as planned. Instead, the venue has changed to the waterfront. This direct statement about moving from one place to another confirms that the location has changed. |
| Q18 | B | Just bear in mind that the roads around the college can get pretty congested at that time on a Friday, so allow plenty of time to get there | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript warns that because the streets near the school will be full of cars, people should leave early to make sure they arrive on time. Answer Explanation: The answer means that getting to the event might be difficult because of traffic or travel issues. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker warns that the roads near Swanson College become very busy and 'congested' on Friday afternoons. This indicates that people traveling to the event will face traffic delays, making transport a problem. |
| Q19 | B | Though it’s the usual issue with the old post office venue – no parking at all in that part of the central city. And the train service is suspended on Sunday for repairs, so if you’re taking the bus, leave early | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that there is no place to park a car and the train service is not running because it needs to be fixed, which makes traveling to the event a challenge. Answer Explanation: The answer means that getting to or from the event will be difficult. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker mentions two main issues with traveling to the "Sunday Unplugged" event. First, he says there is no car parking available near the building. Second, he mentions that the train service will be stopped for repairs. Because both driving and using the train are difficult, it shows that transport will be a problem. |
| Q20 | C | And on Saturday evening it’s the Ignite Dance Finals. This is the final of the inter-school dance competition so I know there’ll be a huge turnout | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that because this is the final competition between different schools, the speaker expects a very large number of people to come and watch. Answer Explanation: The answer C means that the Ignite Dance Finals might be very full of people. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker mentions there will be a "huge turnout" for this event. In English, a "turnout" refers to the number of people who go to an event, and "huge" means very big. Therefore, many people will be there, which means it might be crowded. The speaker also advises getting tickets early to avoid missing out because it is so popular. |
Transcript
Melanie: OK so, next up on this morning’s show – Dan Johnson’s going to tell us what’s on in the city this weekend. Dan.
Dan: Well thanks Melanie and there’s certainly a great program of entertainment this weekend – something for everyone. So first, it’s the Writers’ Festival again, and just like last year the Festival has attracted more than 250 writers from around the world. The writers will be talking about their latest books and there’s always an opportunity for audience members to ask the writers about their work. In the past the Festival has been based at the Victoria Theatre, which wasn’t really big enough. So this year they’re going to be using a number of other venues as well. More information and tickets are available from the website.
Now something I’m really looking forward to is Wearable Art on Saturday evening. This fashion show’s always been held in the capital, so it’s very exciting that it’s coming to our city for the first time and I’ve already got my ticket. And they’ve just announced a 20% discount on all tickets, to encourage a good turnout. Tickets can be bought online, or at the door.
Something slightly different is Ocean Times – that’s on Sunday morning at Bright’s Beach. Now you might be thinking it’s the wrong time of year to go to the beach for a swim or build sandcastles with the kids, and you’d be right. But what’s happening is, there’s going to be a number of large tents put up on the beach, for workshops, displays and presentations. It’s a chance for the whole family to learn about the science of the ocean and marine eco-systems and how to protect them. Sounds like a good way to spend your Sunday.
Now, you may already have seen the advertising for the Artscape Exhibition. This is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures and installation art that officially opens this evening and you can go along whenever suits you over the weekend. It’s being held up at the Sanctuary Reserve and the idea is, you wander wherever you want around the Reserve, enjoying the artworks in a natural environment. I’d recommend you take a warm coat, though, because it can get quite windy up there.
Now, the Civil Theatre is open for tours this weekend, too. This is a great chance to go backstage at the city’s largest theatre and see all its secrets. This event is only held once a year so these opportunities to tour the Civil aren’t too frequent. I went last time and can tell you it’s well worth it.
Dan: OK, so what I’ll do now is just run through a few more events that are on over the weekend. So every Friday night, of course, is the Night Market – a great place to eat delicious street food from around the world. If you haven’t been before, it’s in the old Smith Street warehouse, just a short walk from Central Station. This is often really popular so get there in good time to be sure you beat the rush.
There’s also the local Buskers’ Festival, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. This is a chance for buskers and street performers from across the city to perform at an organised event. If you’re interested in going along please note – it was going to be in King’s Square, but actually it’s now going to be held down on the waterfront, where there’ll be plenty of space for everyone.
Now later this afternoon it’s Stand Up For Kids. This is a stand-up comedy show aimed particularly at children aged from 5 to 10. This is being held in the hall at Swanson College at 4 p.m. today. Just bear in mind that the roads around the college can get pretty congested at that time on a Friday, so allow plenty of time to get there. But it’s bound to be a great show and the hall at Swanson is huge so you shouldn’t find it hard to get a seat.
Then it’s Sunday Unplugged on Sunday afternoon, with a number of local bands playing at the old post office building in Morningside. There’s a great range of acts this week – check online for details. Though it’s the usual issue with the old post office venue – no parking at all in that part of the central city. And the train service is suspended on Sunday for repairs, so if you’re taking the bus, leave early.
And on Saturday evening it’s the Ignite Dance Finals. This is the final of the inter-school dance competition so I know there’ll be a huge turnout. If you haven’t already got your ticket I’d do so without delay to avoid disappointment. It’s being held in the Ridgeway Theatre, same as last year, so there’ll be a great atmosphere.
Now one other…