IELTS Mock Test 2021 January

Published on: 20 Jan 2021
Tests taken: 2,294,376

Answer Keys:

Report Mistake

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

6 C
7 A
8 1
9 3
10 5

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

11 8:25 am
12 (full-sized) coach
13 2
14 Friday
15 sailing boat

16 (Greek) traditional music
17 expert people
18 (vanished) cultures
19 Greek tour
20 AA3

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

21 (severe) accommodation problems
22 hospitality
23 English for farming
24 orientation
25 Word of mouth

26 C
27 A
28 C
29 A
30 B

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

31 A
32 C
33 B
34 D

35 B
36 C
37 B
38 40 A,C,D

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Review & Explanations:

Part 1: Questions 1-10

Questions 1-7

Circle the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Example

What is Thomas’s new home phone number?

A 9731 4322

B 9813 4562

(C) 9452 3456

D 9340 2367

A Image A
B Image B
C Image C
D Image D

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q1, we need to find the activity that Ken and Megan will do this evening
Ken and Megan have listed several activities, but Jane can’t join the first two due to her injured ankle so they decided not to.
So they decided to go bowling, and Ken also imply this by saying: Okay, let’s do it.
The answer is: A

A Image A
B Image B
C Image C
D Image D

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q2, we need to find the information about where Entertainment City is.
Megan ask Ken whether he know where Entertainment City is or not. Then she say the address: It’s on the corner of Smith Street and Bridge Road
So the answer is B

When will Ken leave?

A now
B in ten minutes' time
C at 10 o'clock
D in 30 minutes

Answer: D

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q3, we need to know when will Ken leave.
So Megan suggested that they should leave now, but Ken have to call Thomas and get changed.
Then Ken said: I’ll be out of here in half an hour .
The answer is D in 30 minutes

A Image A
B Image B
C Image C
D Image D

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q4, we need to know the means of transport Megan will take.
Ken was talking about the catches of having a car and Megan said that it’s won’t be a problem for her, because she’ll take the bus.
So the answer is A

How many people will they meet there?

A none
B three
C two
D a group

Answer: D

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q5, we need to know how many people will come.
Ken ask Who else is coming ,Megan say nearly everyone from the afternoon class will be there.
Megan did not say A none, B three, C two; but nearly everyone from the afternoon class will be there means a group
The answer is D a group

How much will the evening cost?

A nothing
B just the fares
C less than $40.00
D more than $40.00

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q6, we need to know how much money Ken will spend this night.
So they talked about how much money they expect to spend this night. And Ken said he expect to spend nearly $40.
nearly $40 is almost $40, but still less than $40. So the answer is C less than $40.00.

Note: The question doesn’t explicitly ask about whose money is going to be spent so we have to answer based on the choices. There is no choice close to $20 that Megan is going to spend so the question is obviously about Ken.

What time does Megan plan to come home?

A before midnight
B after midnight
C on the last bus
D tomorrow morning

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q7, we need to know when Megan plan to come home.
“try to get home by about 11” is equivalent to “before midnight” so the answer is A before midnight

Questions 8-10

Write ONE NUMBER for each answer

Which number will Ken press:

if he wishes to order a cab now?

if he wishes to order a cab for later?

if he has lost something in a cab?

8 Answer: 1

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords in Q8-10 are number, Ken press, if he wishes, order a cab now, order a cab for later, lost something in a cab
When calling to Acme Cabs, Ken is instructed to press certain numbers which are related to different types of requests. The numbers range from 1 to 6. Number 1 is pressed if a cab is requested right at the time of speaking.
Due to Ken’s demands which are to order a cab now the answer for Q8 is 1.

9 Answer: 3
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
In order to answer Q9, we need to know which button Ken need to press to order a cab for later.
To make an advance order is equivalent to order for a cab for later.
The answer is 3
10 Answer: 5
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
In order to answer Q10, we need to know which button Ken need to press if he lost something in a cab.
Lost something is equivalent to lost property.
The answer is 5

Part 1

Part 2: Questions 11-20

Questions 11-16

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

HOLIDAYING IN GREECE
AIRPORT • flying on British Airways • departing Wednesday at 11 • must have all travel documents ready • transport from Athens Airport by 12 CITY OF ATHENS • hotel accommodation for 13 nights • visiting National Archaeological Museum • dinner at Greek restaurant • free time on 14 evening GREEK ISLANDS • travel by 15 • slopping off at different islands • experience 16 on board

11 Answer: 8:25 am

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q11 are Airport, British Airways, departing Wednesday at
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a time of departure.
Following the schedule, next Wednesday the tourists will depart from London Gatwick Airport on British Airways. Therefore, it is important to arrive at the airport early by 4:30, according to the tour organizer. Nonetheless, 4:30 is not the departing time of the flight. In fact, the flight will take off not until 8:25. Thus, 8:25 am is the answer for Q11

12 Answer: (full-sized) coach

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q12 are airport, transport from Athens Airport by
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a vehicle. Our clue is that the answer will come after ‘’have all travel documents ready’’ being mentioned.
Indeed, after reminding the tourists to prepare necessary documents, the organizer continues with the schedule. According to the timetable, visitors will reach Athens at 2:25 in Wednesday afternoon, before getting on a full-sized coach and continuing travelling. Thus, (full-sized) coach is the answer for Q12

13 Answer: 2

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q13 are CITY OF ATHENS, hotel accommodation for, nights
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a number
The trip in Athens is expected to last for 3 full days and only 2 nights. That’s why they only need to reserve the accommodation in the hotel for 2 nights. Thus, two/2 is the answer for Q13

14 Answer: Friday

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q14 are CITY OF ATHENS, free time on, evening
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a day. Our clue is that the answer will come after ‘’dinner at Greek restaurant’’.
Moving onto Thursday, the organizer notes that a meal at a typical Greek restaurant will be arranged at night. In the following day, Friday, while visitors will be kept occupied by discovering historic sites in the morning and afternoon, they are going to have free rest of the day or free evening, without any plan. Thus, Friday is the answer for Q14

15 Answer: sailing boat

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q15 are GREEK ISLANDS, travel by
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a vehicle
There is a trip to Greek islands arranged on Saturday. To commute to the islands, the tourism agent firstly assumes that they can not access to a big sailing boat and thus, have to travel by the ferry. Fortunately, according to the organizer, they will be able to hire a sailing boat which is so spacious that everyone can fit in. Hence, they decide to go by sailing boat. Thus, sailing boat is the answer for Q15

16 Answer: (Greek) traditional music

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q16 are experience, on board
Taking a sailing boat is maintained to a real advantage for tourists who will gain precious experiences, ranging from cruising around and sleeping on boat to entertain the playing of on-board traditional music of Greece. Thus, (Greek) traditional (Greek) music is the answer for Q16

Questions 17-18

Complete the sentences below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

This tour owes its success to the hard work of 17

The tour group shares an interest in learning about ancient societies and 18

17 Answer: expert people

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q17 are This tour, owes its success, hard work of
After introducing the timetable for the whole excursion, the organizer want to thank the contributors who have given a helping hand to organize the trip. In particular, the organizer praises the effort of the travel agent and staff at the British Museum. Furthermore, he emphasizes that but for the hard work of expert people, the trip will not be successfully organized. Thus, expert people is the answer for Q17

18 Answer: (vanished) cultures

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q18 are The tour group, shares interest, learning, ancient societies and
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a noun
According to the organizer, there are questions asked about the common traits of all visitors who crave for joining this trip. He then justifies that their shared characteristics lie on their interest of discovering old/ancient societies, in addition to vanished cultures. Thus, vanished cultures is the answer for Q18

Questions 19-20

Complete this baggage label.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

19 Answer: Greek tour
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
In order to answer Q19, we need to know needed words to complete baggage label.
So the answer is Greek tour.
20 Answer: AA3
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
In order to answer Q20, we need to know needed words to complete baggage label.
The answer is AA3.
Note: The only acceptable answer is AA3 because the word must be in uppercase.

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Part 2

Part 3: Questions 21-30

Questions 21-25

Complete the sentences below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

The increase in student numbers from Brazil resulted in 21

A large number of students from Turkey are studying 22

The Indonesian students studied 23 at the Language Learning Centre.

The 24 course helps to settle students down.

25 is the best form of advertising for the Language Learning Centre.

21 Answer: (severe) accommodation problems

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q21 are increase, student, from Brazil, resulted in
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a problem
With regards to Brazilian students, the speaker notes that they are the first students who attend courses in the center since 1985. Moreover, this number has been tripled from 20 to 60. Consequently, this growth triggers severe accommodation problems. Hence, the answer for Q21 is severe accommodation problems

22 Answer: hospitality

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q22 are large number, students, from Turkey, studying
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a subject/major.
Among 13 nationalities, Turkish students make up for 40% which is noted as the largest student group at the center. It is also noted that many of them choose to study hospitality (a major related to hotel and tourism). Hence, the answer for Q22 is hospitality.

23 Answer: English for farming

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q23 are Indonesian students studied, at Language Learning Centre.
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a subject/module
According to the speaker, the center does not only offer academic English course but certain classes in extra courses are also available. In support of this, he provides an example of students from Indonesia whose aimed degree in university is agriculture. Note that agriculture is Indonesian students’ s major in university, not the course that they take while they are in the center. Thus, it is not the answer. In fact, the center support them to prepare for agriculture course by providing them with a subject called English for farming. Hence, the answer for Q23 is English for farming

24 Answer: orientation

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q24 are course, helps, settle students down.
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a course.
Since it is believed that students will perform better provided that they have enough time to settle and get used to the new environment when the course start, another course is arranged to help students not only have time to organize but also to take test. That course, which will occur during a week, is called the orientation course. Hence, orientation is the answer for Q24

25 Answer: Word of mouth

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q25 are best form, advertising, Language Learning Centre.
From the keywords, we anticipate that the answer would be a method of advertising.
According to the course director, so as to promote the reputation of the center and attract students, they apply the advertising strategies of the university. Additionally, they also use their own web as a tool of marketing. Nevertheless, the website is not mentioned as the most effective method of advertising. Instead, the best way to attract people is word of mouth, which means former students assess the course due to their own experience and introduce other people about it. Hence, word of mouth is the answer for Q25

Questions 26-30

Which students can join the following activities?

Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to questions 26-30.

A	All students
B	Beginners
C	Advanced students

ACTIVITY	STUDENTS
Non-English Language Courses	26
Jazz Club	27
Drama Society	28
Choral Group	29
Special Conversation Group	30

26 Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q26, we need to know which students can learn non-english courses.
The Course Director said that only students who have almost finished their English language course can take a non-English language course. That means Advanced students.
The answer is C Advanced students

27 Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q27, we need to know which students can join Jazz club.
The Course Director said that the jazz group is available for everyone means all students can join.
The answer is A All students

28 Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q28, we need to know which students can go to Drama Society.
The Course Director said that elementary students( which means Beginners) can’t go to the drama group, that means not all students can go but the advanced students.
A All students x
B Beginners x
C Advanced Students v
The answer is C Advanced Students.

29 Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q29, we need to know which students can join choral group.
The Course Director said that the university choir welcomes all the singers it can find. Choir is equivalent to choral group and they welcomes all the singer it can find which means all students.
The answer is A all students.

30 Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q30, we need to know which students can join special conversation groups.
The Course Director said that only elementary students( which means Beginners) can join these groups.
The answer is B Beginners.

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Part 3

Part 4: Questions 31-40

Questions 31-37

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Most postgraduate students are studying

A courses that feature vocational training.
B full-time courses.
C part-time courses.
D research-based courses.

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q31, we need to know what most postgraduate students are studying.
Most postgraduate students is equivalent to the vast majority of postgraduates, provide specific vocational training is equivalent to A courses that feature vocational training.
So the answer is A courses that feature vocational training.

Postgraduate students are advised to

A take as many diverse subjects as possible.
B accept an intellectual challenge.
C be sure to have a definite goal.
D have already completed training.

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q32, we need to know what the speaker advise postgraduate students to.
He was talking about the reasons people undertake postgraduate.
It is essential is equivalent to be sure, Determine the reasons you want to become a postgraduate means to have a definite goal.
So the answer is C be sure to have a definite goal.

The speaker says that where you study

A is of minimal importance.
B must be somewhere you like.
C must be reasonably priced.
D should be based on your course.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q33, we need to know what the speaker advised on choosing a place to study for postgraduates.
He advised postgraduates on where to study. And he said it is important that you are happy living there, which means the place must be somewhere you like. Because only when you like the place that you can live happily there.
The answer is B must be somewhere you like.

Choosing an institution should be mainly based on

A the quality of the housing for postgraduate students.
B the reputation of the department they work in.
C the reputation of the organisation they attend.
D the quality of the supervision they receive.

Answer: D

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q34, we need to know what the speaker thinks students should mainly based on when choosing an institution.
The speaker said do not rely on the reputation of an institution, so we can exclude 2 answers: B the reputation of the department they work in and C the reputation of the organisation they attend which tell us otherwise. And he did not say anything about housing for students so we can also exclude A the quality of the housing for postgraduate students. But after telling students to find the information about the staff, he said” Be very careful to check how they feel about their supervisors “ that means postgraduate should choose an institution based on the quality of the supervision they receive.
The answer D the quality of the supervision they receive.

In terms of available facilities, the speaker places more importance on

A libraries and laboratories.
B computer support.
C secretarial services.
D the working environment.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q35, we need to know what facilities speaker thinks to be most important.
He was talking about checking facilities. And he said I am always anxious to check the computer support available , and regard it as slightly more important than library access that means he consider computer support to be most important, even more important than library access.
And computer support is equal to computer facilities so the answer is B computer facilities

The experience of a postgraduate is different because

A of higher living expenses.
B of the moderate work load.
C the majority of students are younger.
D course deadlines are stricter.

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q36 are experience, postgraduate, different because
A postgraduate students’ life is separated from others’ in many ways. They may attain contrasting study level, work independently and be put under pressure of heavy workload and time-bound. However, the most recognized difference is linked to the age gap since postgraduates are naturally older than undergraduates. Therefore, the answer for Q36 is C

Postgraduates can avoid feeling alone by

A discussing any problems with a medical professional
B joining associations of their peers.
C participating in outside community activities.
D getting in touch with the student union.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q37, we need to know what postgraduates can do to avoid being lonely.
Isolated is equal to being lonely. And several ways you can make sure that this is either short-lived or does not happen at all is equivalent to avoid.
The speaker was saying about how to avoid being lonely and he said postgraduate societies that organise social events which is equal to associations of their peers.
So the answer is B joining associations of their peers

Note: There are some more ways to avoid being lonely after this way but we don’t have answer choice for them. In order to answer this question, you must read the answer beforehand.

Questions 38-40

Which THREE things does the speaker mention in relation to a postgraduate's financial situation?

A postgraduates are not eligible for government student loans
B banks provide facilities for overdrafts
C Studies are funded from student's own income
D funding can be sourced from charities
E extra fees are covered by the institutions
F institutions do not provide financial support
G living costs are included in their fees

38-40 Answer: A,C,D

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

Keywords in Q38-40 are a postgraduate's financial situation?
Moving onto talking about financial funding, the speaker states that postgraduates are excluded from governmental policies about student loans. That means the student loans are not available/accessible/ eligible to postgraduate students. Hence, A is correct.
Being unable to receive student loans, postgraduates are demanded to finance themselves with their own money/income, making them either suffer from large fee or be cautious about hidden charges from the institution. Thus, C is correct.
Nonetheless, postgraduates can avail several opportunities to obtain financial funding from external organization, including charity. Thus, D is correct.
Therefore, A, C, D are the answers for Q38-40

Part 4

Change Audio Sources

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Section 1

Listen to the conversation between Megan and Ken. They are deciding how they will spend the evening. First you have some time to look at questions 1 to 7.

You will see that there is an example which has been done for you. The conversation relating to this will be played first

Telephone rings

Megan Hello. Megan speaking.

Ken Hello Megan.

Megan Hello Ken. I'm glad you called. Thomas asked me to give you his telephone number.

Ken Is that his office number or his home number?

Megan I can give you both. His new home number is 9452 3456. Would you like his office number?

Ken I think I have it. Does 9731 4322 sound right?

Megan That's it. But the home number is 9452 3456. He moved in last week.

Ken Good. I've got that. Now, what would you like to do?

Narrator Thomas's home telephone number is 9452 3456 so letter C has been circled. Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen because you will not hear the recording a second time. Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 7 Telephone rings

Megan Hello. Megan speaking.

Ken Hello Megan.

Megan Hello Ken. I'm glad you called. Thomas asked me to give you his telephone number.

Ken is that his office number or his home number?

Megan I can give you both. His new home number is 9452 3456. Would you like his office number?

Ken I think I have it. Does 9731 4322 sound right?

Megan That's it. But the home number is 9452 3456. He moved in last week.

Ken Good. I've qot that. Now, what would you like to do?

Megan Well, I'd like to go dancing, but Jane's hurt her ankle so she'd rather not.

Ken That's a pity. I guess it means she doesn't want to play tennis, either.

Megan That's right. She says it's okay to go bowling if we don't expect her to do welt.

Ken Okay, let's do that! I guess we can go dancing another time.

Megan Well, I booked us some time at the bowling alley of Entertainment City. Do you know it?

Ken Is it on Smith Street, down near the university?

Megan That's right. It's on the corner of Smith Street and Bridge Road.

Ken What time did you book it for?

Megan The first booking I could get was eight o'clock.

Ken Okay. It's seven now. What do you want to do first?

Megan Well, I think we should leave now. We can meet at the bowling alley.

Ken I can't be that quick. I have to call Thomas, to

start with, and I need to get changed.

Megan Okay. I think I'll leave in 10 minutes and meet you in there.

Ken That makes sense. I'll take my car, so I'll be quite quick. I'll be out of here in half an hour.

Megan Okay. You're so lucky to have a car! You can get around so easily.

Ken Well, yes and no. I often spend ages driving around trying to find parking. The traffic can be very bad.

Megan Well, that won't be a problem for me, because I'll take the bus. It goes right past my door, and I'll have plenty of time.

Ken Sounds good. Who else is coming?

Megan I think nearly everyone from the afternoon class will be there.

Ken Which class? The big maths class, or the afternoon tutorial?

Megan The maths class. What's more, we get a concession for large numbers!

Ken That's good. I'm trying to keep my expenses down this month.

Megan So am I. I expect tonight'll cost about $20.

Ken You must be good with money, I expect it to come to ... um ... nearly $40! So how are you going to manage that?

Megan Well, the bus is cheap, and if I come home early I won't have time to spend too much! In any case, I have to be up early tomorrow morning, so I'd really better try to get home by about 11.

Ken That reminds me. I have to phone the taxi company for my mother. Goodbye, Megan. I'll see you later.

Megan: Goodbye, Ken.

Sound of phone hanging up.

Narrator: Ken calls the taxi company. Now listen to the telephone call and be ready to answer questions 8 to 10.

Sound of somebody dialling, phone ringing Man's voice Hello, this is Acme Cabs.

If you wish to order a cab now, press 1.

If you have placed an order previously, press 2.

If you wish to make an advance order, press 3. Please be ready to tell us your street number and name.

If you wish to speak to the radio room supervisor, press 4.

If you want to enquire about lost property, press 5.

If you want to order a taxi equipped to carry wheelchairs, press 6.

Your call is very important. Please stay on the line for the next available order taker.

Click to indicate a real person is there.

Ken Hello. I think I Left something in one of your cabs on Thursday. It was a brown paper package with an address written on it in green ink. Has anyone handed il in?

Section 2

You are going to hear some announcements made to a group of people who are planning a trip to Greece. First look at questions 11 to 16. As you listen to the first part of the talk answer questions 11 to 16.

Tour organiser Good morning everyone. I'm getting very excited about this trip to Greece, and I'm sure you are too. As you know, we didn't have all the details at our last meeting, but I can give them to you now.

We'll leave London Gatwick Airport on British Airways next Wednesday. Please be sure to be at the airport by 4:30.I know it's early, but our departure time is 8:25am. We're quite a large group, and we don't want to have any hassles. Please be sure to have all your travel documents ready. We'll arrive in Athens at 2:25 in the afternoon, and there'll be a vehicle there to meet us. It'll be a full-sized coach so everyone can travel together.

We'll spend three full days in Athens, and we're booked for two night's accommodation in the hotel. The second day we'll go to the National Archaeological Museum to see the enormous collection of ancient Greek works of art, antiques, statues—a brilliant display. We'll eat out at a typical Greek restaurant on Thursday night. It's going to be a very busy time in Athens! Friday morning and afternoon we'll visit historic sites, but we have nothing planned for the rest of the day.

On Saturday we're off to the islands, the Greek islands of ancient myth and modern romance. Now, the big news! At first we thought we'd take the ferry, but we’ve been very lucky to secure a sailing boat which is big enough for all of us. I'm really excited about this part of the trip, because we'll see the islands to the best advantage, and we'll be able to cruise around and sleep on broad.

We'll get off at different islands and for one part of the trip we'll have people playing Greek traditional music actually on board with us. Now I'll pass out a brochure with all the details. Narrator Now look at questions 17 to 20. As the talk continues answer questions 17 to 20

Tour organiser A lot of work has gone into organising this tour, and I'd like to thank in particular the travel agent who got us a really good deal and the people at the British Museum who offered us such good advice. Trips like this only happen because of the hard work of really expert people.

As you know, we have planned a gathering for when we return. I have a list of things which the committee would like you to bring to the party. They are your pictures and something to eat for everyone to share.

You are bound to have people ask what we have in common, and why we are travelling as a group. I suppose the answer is that we are interested in learning about old societies and vanished cultures, and we all enjoy travelling.

Of course, we enjoy fine food too, but that's not as important! I nearly forgot the last piece of information. You will see there are labels which I have passed around for you to put on all your luggage. Could you fill them in, please? On the top line please write "Greek tour" and on the lower line, write, in block letters, I mean upper case, the letters AA and the number 3—that's AA3.

We need to have these labels clearly displayed to help the baggage handlers keep our luggage together on the different parts of our trip, so please don't take them off.

Section 3

You are going to hear Dr Joanne Robinson, the course director of a Language Learning Centre, answering questions from reporters from the student newspaper. First look at questions 21 to 25. As you listen to the. first part of the talk, answer questions 21 to 25

Course Director Welcome to the Language Learning Centre. I'm Joanne Robinson. You must be the reporters from The Examiner. Please come in and sit down.

Cheryl Hello Dr Robinson. Yes, we're from The Examiner. I'm Cheryl Perkins and this is Don Klim. May I start with a question? Did this college really start with Brazilian students?

Course Director It did. The Language Learning Centre was founded in 1985 to look after a group of students from Brazil who wanted to study here, Those twenty students soon grew to 60, and, as you can imagine, we had severe accommodation problems.

Don Somebody said that you were in the old amenities block, right near the engineering school.

Course Director They have a good memory! Yes, we were there, because the university hadn't believed we would expand so quickly. The

problem wasn't solved until we moved into these new premises in Bancroft House in 1987.

Don When did you start taking students from other countries?

Course Director About 1990. We now have students from 13 different countries enrolled, and we expect a large group from Turkey next month.

Cheryl Yes, we've noticed a lot more advertisements for Turkish restaurants in our advertising section.

Course Director Well, 40% of our students come from Turkey, by far the largest single national group, and I believe there's been an influx to the rest of the university. There are a lot of Turkish students studying hospitality.

Cheryl Do you offer anything special to the students?

Course Director Yes, we do. There are several things which make us rather different from other language schools. English is certainly not restricted to English for academic purposes here! Sometimes we have extra classes for students who have particular courses in mind, and we have just said goodbye to a group of thirty Indonesian students who were preparing for a university course in agriculture. They came to us for English for farming, and they were with us for a long time. We miss them!

Cheryl How long do students usually stay at the Language Learning Centre?

Course Director It varies, so I'll talk about the average. Most of our courses last for five weeks, but to make any real progress a student needs to be here for at least three terms, that's fifteen weeks. The students do better if they have a little time to settle in at the beginning of the course, and we offer an orientation course that lasts a week. Most students take it. It helps them to settle down, and it gives us plenty of time to test them and place them at the right level.

Don How many people are in each class?

Course Director We sometimes go up to 18, but our average class size is 14 students, and some classes have as few as seven participants. It depends on the needs of the group.

Cheryl You were saying that you miss your students when they go. How do you attract students? I mean, how do they hear about the Language Learning Centre in the first place?

Course Director We're included in the university advertising and marketing, and we have our own website. The thing which works best for us, though, is word of mouth. Students who leave us often send us their friends. In fact, a student who arrived today was carrying a photograph for me of a former student and his baby!

Cheryl It sounds like a nice place to be!

Course Director It is! A lot of our students make tasting friendships while they're here.

Narrator Now look at questions 26 to 30. As the talk continues, answer questions 26 to 30.

Cheryl Making friends with other students sounds special enough! I'd like to emphasise that in the student newspaper.

Course Director We do try to get our students to be part of the wider university.

Don How do you do that? Do you'encourage them to join the Sports Centre, for instance?

Course Director Indeed we do! The Sports Centre is always looking for active participants, particularly in soccer. Oh, and something else. You might like to mention that we don't teach just English here, i mean, we're a language centre, not an English language centre. You may learn Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian here, and we can sometimes offer other languages. This means we can have some students who are native speakers of those languages as conversation partners for English-speaking students.

Cheryl Who can do those courses?

Course Director At this time, any native speaker of English.

Cheryl What about the people who are learning English? Can they do a non-English language course?

Course Director At this time, only if they've almost finished their English language course. You see, we try very hard to involve students who are native speakers of English as conversation leaders and we encourage our students to join groups on the campus. For instance, if they enjoy music, there is an active jazz group available to everyone, and that's a tot of fun. On the other hand, elementary students can't go to the drama group, their English just isn't ready for that sort of activity, but the university choir welcomes all the singers it can find. They often do large productions that need a tot of voices.

Cheryl I imagine the special conversation groups are open to all your students ...

Course Director I wish they were. I'm sorry to say they're a special service we provide for elementary students only. Is there anything else I can tell you? (pause) I'd be realty pleased if you could write about the courses we offer in foreign languages.

Cheryl I think our readers would be very interested in that. Thank you for your time, Dr Robinson.

Don Yes, thank you very much.

Course Director Goodbye. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about the centre. It's always good to let the rest of the students at the university know what goes on in our classrooms, and outside them! After all, many of our students leave us and then study for degrees in various disciplines on this campus.

Section 4

You will hear a talk about the pitfalls and pleasures of being a postgraduate student.

Look at questions 31 to 37. Listen to the speaker's advice and answer questions 31 to 37-Speaker Postgraduates are about as easy to define as catching steam in a bucket. Courses can be vocational, for training, as research, as a preparation for research, or a combination of these. Also you can choose between full-time and part-time. Increasingly, the approach to postgraduate study is becoming modular. The vast majority of postgraduates are doing short, taught courses, many of which provide specific vocational training. Indeed, there has been a 400% increase in postgraduate numbers in Britain over the past 20 years. Current figures stand at just under 400,000.

People undertake postgraduate study for many reasons. These may be academic (intellectual challenge, development of knowledge), vocational (training for a specific career goal) or only vague (drifting into further study). It is essential that you determine the reasons you want to become a postgraduate. If you have clear goals and reasons for studying, this will enhance your learning experience and help you to remain focused and motivated throughout your course.

Where you study should be based on much more than the course you want to do. For some courses you are likely to be there for several years, and it is important that you are happy living there. Check also what type of accommodation is available and whether the institution provides any housing specifically for postgraduates.

Choosing an institution and department is a difficult process. To determine quality, do not rely on the reputation of an institution, but find out what ratings are from the most recent assessment exercises. Find out about the staff, their reputation, competence, enthusiasm and friendliness. Visit the department if possible and talk to existing postgraduates about their experience, satisfaction, comments and complaints. Most importantly, check how they feel about their supervisors.

Also, check what facilities are available, both at an institutional level (for example libraries, laboratory and computing facilities) and in the department (for example study room, desk, photocopying, secretarial support etc). Everyone will have their own priorities, here; I am always anxious to check the computer support available, and regard it as slightly more important than library access. Your working -environment and the support available to you plays an essential part in making your work as a postgraduate a positive experience.

Life as a postgraduate can be very different to your other experiences of education. Things that can distinguish your experience are the level of study, independence of working, intensity of the course, the demands on your time, and often the fact that you are older than the majority of the students.

These factors can contribute to making you feet isolated. However, there are several ways you can make sure that this is either short-lived or did not happen at all.

Many student unions have postgraduate societies that organise social events and may also provide representation for postgraduates to both the student union and the institution. Departments can also help to create a sense of identity and community, and often have discussion groups available. Don't be afraid to talk to staff about any difficulties you might be having. Of course universities provide counselling services but we have found that the best advice comes from talking to other postgraduates who may have faced similar difficulties.

Narrator Look at questions 38 to 40. Now listen to the second half and answer questions 38 to 40.

Speaker Financial planning is essential, since the government excludes postgraduates from student loans, and it can be difficult to maintain your student status with banks. This has implications for free banking and overdraft facilities. Do not underestimate your living costs, including food, accommodation and travel, and be careful not to budget for everything except a social life.

Funding a course is one of the most challenging things people face when considering postgraduate study. Most postgraduate students are self-financing. They pay (often very large) fees and receive no maintenance income to support their study. Make sure you know exactly what your costs will be institutions often hide extra fees like laboratory costs behind the headline fee rate advertised.

Funding can come from various sources. Research councils, charities, trust funds, institutional scholarships, local education authorities and professional bodies and organisations alt offer various levels of funding. As I said before, the government excludes postgraduates from student loans, so it is essential you look to other sources. Career development loans are available from high street banks, The best advice on funding is to be proactive, persistent and patient.

The postgraduate community in Britain is multinational, has a wide range of experience of life and work and an exciting mix of goals, both career and academic. Being a postgraduate student should be a productive and fulfilling thing to do, and you will become part of a diverse and motivated social group.

NEW

IELTS Mock Test 2021 January

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Questions 1-7

What is Thomas’s new home phone number?

Questions 8-10

Questions 11-16

HOLIDAYING IN GREECE

Questions 17-18

Questions 19-20

Questions 21-25

Questions 26-30

Questions 31-37

Questions 38-40

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Comments:

About us

Our mission

IELTS Mock Test 2021 January

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Share your score

Questions 1-7

What is Thomas’s new home phone number?

Questions 8-10

Questions 11-16

HOLIDAYING IN GREECE

Questions 17-18

Questions 19-20

Questions 21-25

Questions 26-30

Questions 31-37

Questions 38-40

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Comments:

About us

Our mission