Young Explorer Programme - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Trainer 2 Academic Listening Test 5 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–12 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Questions 13–14 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Questions 15–20 Matching
What does the speaker say about each of the following tracks?
Write the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
A. It is likely to be busy.
B. It may be unsafe in places.
C. It is currently closed to the public.
D. It is divided into two sections.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | — | — | |
| Q12 | A / B | Some kind words and encouragement can go a long way - whether it’s convincing someone they can walk the last five miles, or helping them fit everything back inside their backpack. No one’s in charge – it’s all about co-operation – and please don’t see it as a race. There are going to be moments when there’s disagreement about which way to go or where to camp for the night – but here’s the chance to listen properly to the opinions of others, and reach a decision that’s best for everyone | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the program is about teamwork and helping each other. It says that students should use nice words to help their friends finish the walk. It also says that when the group cannot agree on a direction or a camping spot, they must listen to each person's idea and make a final choice together that is good for everyone. Answer Explanation: The answer means that people in the program will learn how to agree on plans together and how to be kind and helpful to their team members. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A and B because the speaker explains that this trip is a time for students to work together as a group. She highlights that there is no single leader, so when groups have a "disagreement" about things like where to sleep, they must "listen properly" to everyone and "reach a decision" together. This practice helps them improve their negotiation skills. She also says that using "kind words" and giving "encouragement" to help friends when they are tired or having trouble with their bags helps them build supportive relationships. |
| Q13 | — | — | |
| Q14 | B / C | You’ll also have to use a portable stove and the fuel it requires. We’ll make sure you know how to use that safely during the training session. We don’t want you or the food to get burnt, or for you to accidentally set light to any trees. Training will also include learning how to read a map and use a compass, so you can head in the right direction | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says students will learn how to use a stove (cooking tool) safely so they do not burn themselves or the forest. It also says they will learn to use a map and a compass (navigation tools) to make sure they travel in the correct direction. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the two skills the students must learn before their trip are using a small cooking stove and using tools to find their way. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is chosen because the woman clearly lists the skills that will be taught in the training. She mentions using a portable stove safely, which is another way of saying how to operate cooking equipment. She also mentions learning how to read a map and use a compass so they can go the right way, which is another way of saying how to follow a route. |
| Q15 | C | The first one, Northface, that’s one of my favourite tracks. It takes you high up into the mountains, and the view is stunning. But we’ve just heard that some maintenance work is taking place, unfortunately, and so people aren’t allowed to use it at the moment | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that because workers are fixing the track, people are forbidden from using it at this time. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the Northface track is closed right now, so people cannot walk on it. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the speaker explains that work is being done on the Northface track to keep it in good condition. Because of this 'maintenance work,' they have decided that 'people aren’t allowed' to go there for now, which is another way of saying it is closed. |
| Q16 | B | You’ve got Blue River, which I’d thoroughly recommend, but you need to keep an eye out when you’re walking that track. It’s easy to slip on the rocks when you’re crossing the river, and you do have to cross it several times | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that walkers should be careful on the Blue River path because it is easy to fall on rocks in the water. They have to cross the river many times, so they must be very cautious. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that the Blue River path might be dangerous for people in certain areas. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker warns that the Blue River track can be dangerous. She tells the group to 'keep an eye out' (be careful) because it is 'easy to slip' (fall) on the rocks while crossing the river. Since they must cross the water 'several times,' parts of the track are not safe. |
| Q17 | D | Then there’s Pioneer Track, which takes you through some native forest. You follow the track for about a day and a half, and then it comes to an end at a town called Richmond. It starts up again on the other side of town, and the rest of the route is along the coast | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says the path ends at a town and then begins again on the other side. This shows that the track is in two different pieces. Answer Explanation: The answer is that the Pioneer track has two separate parts. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the speaker describes how the track stops at a town called Richmond and then begins again once you pass through to the other side. This means the path is split into two parts or sections. Key words to notice are 'comes to an end' and 'starts up again,' which explain that the track is divided by the town. |
| Q18 | A | You might also consider Edgewater. You get to see some beautiful lakes and birdlife. The only thing I’d say though, is that it’s very popular, and you’ll probably come across a number of other groups out walking on the way | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that Edgewater has nice views of lakes and birds, but many people like to go there. Because many people like it, you will probably see other groups of walkers while you are on the path. Answer Explanation: The answer means that many people use this walking path, so it will not be empty. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker describes the Edgewater track as being very 'popular.' She warns the listeners that they will likely 'come across' or meet many other groups of people while they are walking. In English, if a place is popular and has many groups of people visiting it at once, we say it is busy. |
| Q19 | B | Number five on the list is the Murray Track. That one is certainly quite challenging – there are some very steep sections and at some points, you’d be walking right next to the cliff edge on a very narrow path. That’s definitely a track where caution needs to be taken | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the path is difficult because it goes along steep hills and the edge of cliffs, so people must be careful to stay safe. Answer Explanation: The answer B means that the Murray Track can be dangerous and people need to be very careful while walking on it. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the speaker mentions that the Murray Track has 'very steep sections' and paths right next to a 'cliff edge.' Since physical conditions like these and 'narrow' paths can lead to accidents, she emphasizes that 'caution needs to be taken.' In English, needing to take caution usually means a place is potentially unsafe. |
| Q20 | A | And last but not least is Lakeside track – which as the name suggests, takes you along one of our biggest lakes. It has some terrific camping spots, but that also means it’s a bit of a tourist attraction, and you could well be sharing the track with many other visitors | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that because the Lakeside track has nice places to camp and is a popular spot for tourists, you will probably see and walk with many other people while you are there. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the Lakeside track is expected to have many people on it at the same time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the speaker describes the Lakeside track as a 'tourist attraction' where you will be 'sharing the track with many other visitors.' These phrases indicate that the area is popular and likely to be crowded or busy with people. |
Transcript
You will hear a woman who helps run a programme called Young Explorer talking to participants.
Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 14.
Woman: All right, shall we start? It’s good to see so many people keen to participate in our Young Explorer programme. I think that at this meeting, we have groups from twelve different high schools. I can promise you that while it’s challenging, it’s also going to be a lot of fun.
The Young Explorer programme offers some unique opportunities to participants. During the programme, you’ll be trekking through forests, or maybe mountain tracks, or perhaps kayaking along the coast line. It can be a tough few days, but this part of the programme really gives your group an occasion to work as a team. Some kind words and encouragement can go a long way - whether it’s convincing someone they can walk the last five miles, or helping them fit everything back inside their backpack. No one’s in charge – it’s all about co-operation – and please don’t see it as a race. There are going to be moments when there’s disagreement about which way to go or where to camp for the night – but here’s the chance to listen properly to the opinions of others, and reach a decision that’s best for everyone. It’s an opportunity not many other programmes provide.
Later this morning, you need to choose a weekend when you can attend some preliminary training. A number of practical subjects will be covered to ensure you get the most out of your four-day trek. Now everything you eat and drink you’ll have to take with you. You’ll also have to use a portable stove and the fuel it requires. We’ll make sure you know how to use that safely during the training session. We don’t want you or the food to get burnt, or for you to accidentally set light to any trees. Training will also include learning how to read a map and use a compass, so you can head in the right direction. You’ll also need to know how to put up a tent, and where to put it. For example, putting it next to a river or stream might seem like a good idea but there are plenty of reasons not to…
Now listen and answer questions 15 to 20.
Woman: OK, there are six tracks on your list, and your group can decide which track it wants to take. Each of them are about the same distance – but very different in other respects. The first one, Northface, that’s one of my favourite tracks. It takes you high up into the mountains, and the view is stunning. But we’ve just heard that some maintenance work is taking place, unfortunately, and so people aren’t allowed to use it at the moment. But the other tracks are very interesting too. You’ve got Blue River, which I’d thoroughly recommend, but you need to keep an eye out when you’re walking that track. It’s easy to slip on the rocks when you’re crossing the river, and you do have to cross it several times. Then there’s Pioneer Track, which takes you through some native forest. You follow the track for about a day and a half, and then it comes to an end at a town called Richmond. It starts up again on the other side of town, and the rest of the route is along the coast. You might also consider Edgewater. You get to see some beautiful lakes and birdlife. The only thing I’d say though, is that it’s very popular, and you’ll probably come across a number of other groups out walking on the way. Number five on the list is the Murray Track. That one is certainly quite challenging – there are some very steep sections and at some points, you’d be walking right next to the cliff edge on a very narrow path. That’s definitely a track where caution needs to be taken. Great views, though. And last but not least is Lakeside track – which as the name suggests, takes you along one of our biggest lakes. It has some terrific camping spots, but that also means it’s a bit of a tourist attraction, and you could well be sharing the track with many other visitors. Anyway, it’s up…