IELTS Mock Test 2023 July

Published on: 31 Jul 2023
Tests taken: 608,957

Answer Keys:

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Part 1: Question 1 - 10

1 3
2 brakes
3 (owner) going overseas
4 $1,500
5 6:30 pm

6 88 Princess Street
7 B
8 C
9 C
10 A

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

11 3 hours
12 grey (gray) whales
13 hot springs
14 fast, playful, curious
15 black and white

16 14 m/metres/meters
17 in the middle
18 (bright) orange
19 can't swim
20 at the wrist

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

21 200
22 4 week
23 8
24 10 minute video
25 film-making/film making

26 travel plan(s)
27 C
28 B
29 April
30 course, flights

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

31 A
32 C
33 B
34 keyboard/layout
35 70%/percent

36 50 words
37 accuracy (in typing)
38 speed
39 12 to 20
40 C

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Review & Explanations:

Part 1: Questions 1-10

Questions 1-6

Complete the form using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Buying a Used Car: Contact Details
Model:	Celica
Year:	1985 (EXAMPLE)
Number of owners:	1
Condition:	overall good. 2 done last year.
Reason for selling:	3
Asking price:	4
Appointment time:	5
Address:	6 , Parkwood.
Contact name:	Elena

1 Answer: 3

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q1 is “owner”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a number.
Elena says that she is the third owner of the car, so the car has 3 previous owners.
So the answer must be 3 or three.

2 Answer: brakes
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
The keywords concerned in Q2 are “last year”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a verb.
Elena says that the car had it’s brakes done last year.
So the answer must be brakes.

3 Answer: (owner) going overseas

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q3 is “reason”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Jan asks the reason why Elena is selling the car and Elena says she is going oversea.
So the answer must be going oversea.

4 Answer: $1,500

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q4 is “price”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a number.
Jan asks whether Elena is selling the car for $1,500 or not and Elena says she was initially asking for $2,000 but reduced to sell it quickly. So it is true that Elena is selling the car for $1,500.
So the answer must be $1,500.

5 Answer: 6:30 pm

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q5 is “time”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a time.
Jan asks if she can come over and take a look at the car at 6:30 and Elena agreed.
So the answer must be 6:30.

6 Answer: 88 Princess Street

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q6 is “address”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a address.
Elena says she’s at 88 Princess St. but Jan asks whether it is 80 Princess St. so Elena has to say again that she is at 88 Princess St..
So the answer must be 88 Princess St./88 Princess Street.

Questions 7-10

Circle the correct letter A-C.

What happened to Sam’s car?

A It was replaced by another one.
B It broke down.
C It was stolen.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

We have to choose the correct answer for Q7.
Sam says that his car broke down last year so he is not driving right now.
So the answer must be B. It broke down.

Why does Jan need a car now?

A She lives too far from the university.
B She spends too much time on the bus.
C She would feel safer at night with a car.

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

We have to choose the correct answer for Q8.
Jan says that she need a car because she is working at night and don’t want to wait for bus late at night and then walk home alone.
So the answer must be C. She would feel safer at night with a car.

What does Sam recommend?

A check the service records
B avoid buying an old car
C get a mechanical inspection

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

We have to choose the correct answer for Q9.
Sam says he doesn’t know a lot about cars but he recommend to have a mechanic look at the car before buying car.
Look is equal to inspection.
So the answer must be C. Get a mechanical inspection.

How are they travelling to Elena’s?

A by motorcycle
B on foot
C by bus

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

We have to choose the correct answer for Q10.
Jan recommend some transportation means to go to Elena’s house but Sam says he could borrow motorbike from his roommate and Jan agreed.
Motorcycle is another word for motorbike.
So the answer must be A. by motorcycle.

Part 1

Part 2: Questions 11-20

Questions 11-13

As you listen, fill in the details to complete the information on the map below.

11 Answer: 3 hours

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q11 are “trip takes”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a period of time.
The tour guide says that the trip will take 3 hours.
So the answer must be 3 hours.

12 Answer: grey (gray) whales

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

There is no significant keyword in Q12.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be an activity.
The tour guide says that after orcas watching spot, they will enter the calmer shallower waters where tourists can look for grey whales.
So the answer must be grey whales.

13 Answer: hot springs

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q13 are “stop” and “1 hours”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a place.
The tour guide says that after bears and eagles watching spot, they will go to hot springs where they will be stop for an hour..
So the answer must be hot springs.

Questions 14-16

Fill in the chart using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

Whale Identification Chart
	Colour	Size	General Characteristics
Dolphins	grey	1-2 metres	14
Orcas/ Killer Whales	15	7 - 8 metres	• fierce hunters • eat fish, seals, other whales
Grey Whales	grey	16	• migratory • solitary • filter feeders, eat shrimp

14 Answer: fast, playful, curious

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q14 are “dolphin” and “characteristic”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be adjectives.
The tour guide says that dolphin’s characteristics are swimming very fast, are playful and curious..
So the answer must be fast, playful, curious.

15 Answer: black and white

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q15 are “Orcas” and “colour”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be (a) colour(s).
The tour guide says that Orcas are distinctively defined by black and white colour..
So the answer must be black and white.

16 Answer: 14 m/metres/meters

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q16 are “Grey Whales” and “size”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a length.
The tour guide says that Grey Whales are bigger than Orcas - up to 14 metres long.
So the answer must be 14 metres.

Questions 17-20

Complete the following using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

Advice for Participants on Whale Watching Excursions
• For a smooth ride, sit 17 of the boat. • Watch the waves and hold onto the ropes. • Survival suits are 18 in colour for maximum visibility. They are designed to keep you floating upright in the water even if you 19 and will protect you from the cold. • For seasickness: Place a patch 20 instead of taking pills.

17 Answer: in the middle

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q17 are “smoother” and “sit”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be an adverb.
The tour guide says that for smoother ride, sit in the middle of the boat..
So the answer must be in the middle.

18 Answer: (bright) orange

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q18 are “Survival suits” and “colour”, “visibility”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a colour.
The tour guide says that survival suits are bright orange for visibility.
So the answer must be bright orange.

19 Answer: can't swim

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q19 are “floating” and “even if”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a verb.
The tour guide says that survival suits are designed to keep you floating even if you can’t swim.
So the answer must be can’t swim.

20 Answer: at the wrist

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q20 are “seasickness” and “place”,”patch”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a adverb.
The tour guide says that if you think you might get seasick, place a patches at the wrist on your arm.
So the answer must be at the wrist.

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Part 2

Part 3: Questions 21-30

Questions 21-23

Fill in the summary below with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR A NUMBER for each space.

Selection Process for ‘Travel Documentary’
• 34 interviewed from 21 applicants nationally • 13 chosen for a 22 training course in film-making • 23 finalists selected as competitors

21 Answer: 200

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q21 are “applicants” and “nationally”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a number.
Louise says that there are 200 applicants from around the country.
From around the country is equal to nationally. So the answer must be 200.

22 Answer: 4 week

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q22 are “13, ”“training course” and “film-making”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a period of time or an adjective.
Ray says that 13 chosen interviewee will do a 4-week training course in documentary film-making.
So the answer must be 4-week.

23 Answer: 8

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q23 are “finalists” and “competitors”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a number.
Ray says that 8 finalists will get to join the competition, sent off with a video camera to travel around the world.
So the answer must be 8.

Questions 24-26

Complete the summary.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each space.

Requirements of competitors:
• produce a 24 every two weeks • no previous professional 25 experience allowed • make their own 26 and obtain approval

24 Answer: 10 minute video

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q24 are “produce” and “ every 2 weeks”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Ray says that he has to send in a 10-minute video every 2 weeks.
So the answer must be 10-minute video.

25 Answer: film-making/film making

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q25 are “professional” and “ experience”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Ray says that you can’t apply if you have already worked in filmmaking, so there is no previous professional filmmaking experience allowed.
So the answer must be filmmaking.

26 Answer: travel plan(s)

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q26 are “their own” and “ obtain approval”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Ray says that competitors make their own travel plans and has to get them approved.
Get approved is equal to obtain approval. So the answer must be travel plans.

Questions 27-28

Circle the correct letter A-C.

What was Sarah Price’s worst experience during the trip?

A She got lost in Mongolia.
B She was homesick.
C She got sick in a remote place.

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q27, we need to find the correct answer.
Ray says that Sarah Price’s worst experience was getting some mysterious fever in Mongolia and she said it was scary to feel really ill when you’re alone so far away.
So the answer must be C. she got sick in a remote place.

In which of the following areas does Ray expect to have most difficulty?

A loneliness
B time pressure
C organisation skills

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q28, we need to find the correct answer.
Ray says that he is worried about having too much to do but too little time.
So the answer must be B. time pressure.

Questions 29-30

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

In what month does the journey begin?

Name 2 things that are provided free of charge to the competitors.

30 and travel, camera, accommodation

29 Answer: April
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
The keywords concerned in Q29 are “month, ”“journey begin”.
Ray says that 8 finalists are chosen in March and a month later which is April, they are on their way.
So the answer must be April.

30 Answer: course, flights

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q30 are “travel”, ”“camera” and ”accommodation”.
Ray says that competitors don’t have to pay for course, camera, flights, accommodation and in-country travel.
So the answer must be course, flights.

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Part 3

Part 4: Questions 31-40

Questions 31-33

Circle the correct answer A-C.

What does QWERTY stand for?

A letters on the top row of the keyboard
B the company that made the first typewriter
C letters on the home row of the keyboard

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q31 is “QWERTY”.
Kate says that QWERTY are the first 6 letters of typewriter or computer keyboard.
So the answer must be A. letters on the top row of the keyboard.

The first commercial typewriter was developed in ...

A Germany.
B Great Britain.
C United States.

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q32 is “commercial typewriter”.
Kate says that the typewriter is one of America’s greatest unsung inventions, that means the commercial typewriter is invented in America or United States.
So the answer must be C. United States.

The purpose of the QWERTY keyboard layout was ...

A to slow down typing speed.
B to prevent keys from sticking.
C to reduce typing inefficiency.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q33 are “purpose” and “QWERTY keyboard”.
Kate says that the QWERTY keyboard was developed to reducing the number of jams.
Jam means sticking. So the answer must be B. to prevent keys from sticking.

Questions 34-39

Complete the summary below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

In 1932 August Dvorak solved the inefficiency problem by re-designing the 34 of the typewriter. He put the most commonly used letters on the home row. Using the Dvorak keyboard, over 3,000 words or 35 of all work can be done from the home row. In contrast, only 36 can be typed from the home row on the QWERTY keyboard. Other advantages of the Dvorak keyboard include a 50% improvement in 37 and a 15 - 20% increase in 38 . But the most important difference is in finger movement.

Typists using the QWERTY keyboard moved their fingers 39 miles per day compared to one mile a day for Dvorak typists.

34 Answer: keyboard/layout

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q34 are “1932” and “August Dvorak”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Kate says that August Dvorak came up with a new keyboard layout in 1932.
So the answer must be keyboard/layout.

35 Answer: 70%/percent

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q35 are “3000 words” and “home row”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a percent number.
Kate says that over 3000 words or 70% of all work can be done on the home row.
So the answer must be 70%.

36 Answer: 50 words

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q36 are “home row” and “QWERTY keyboard”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a number.
Kate says that only 50 words can be typed on QWERTY keyboard without reaching to other row.
So the answer must be 50 words.

37 Answer: accuracy (in typing)

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q37 are “Dvorak keyboard” and “50%”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Kate says that the Dvorak keyboard increased accuracy in typing by almost 50%.
So the answer must be accuracy (in typing).

38 Answer: speed

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q38 are “Dvorak keyboard” and “15 - 20%”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a noun.
Kate says that the Dvorak keyboard increased speed by 15 - 20%.
So the answer must be speed.

39 Answer: 12 to 20

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q39 are “fingers” and “miles”.
From the question, we can presume that the answer must be a number.
Kate says that the Dvorak keyboard users moved their fingers just about 1 mile per day compared to 12 to 20 miles per day of QWERTY keyboard users.
So the answer must be 12 to 20.

Question 40

Circle the correct letter A-C.

Which of these was the main reason why the Dvorak keyboard was never adopted?

A the Depression of 1929
B bad timing
C resistance to change

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

In order to answer Q40, we need to choose the right answer..
Kate says that the main reason that Dvorak keyboard was never adopted was that people were used to and comfortable with QWERTY keyboard so they didn’t want to change
So the answer must be C. resistance to change.

Part 4

Change Audio Sources

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Part 1

A conversation between two students about buying a used car

E: Hello.

J: Hello. Can I speak to Elena please?

E: This is Elena speaking.

J: Hi. My name is Jan. I’m calling about the car that was advertised on the notice-board in the student union building. Is it still for sale?

E: Yes, it is.

J: Your ad says it’s a 1985 Celica, in good condition.

E: It’s old but it has been well looked after. My family has had the car for ten years. I’m just the third owner and my mother had it before me, so we know its history. We’ve got all the receipts and records. It’s had regular maintenance and the brakes were done last year. It runs really well, but it looks its age.

J: Why are you selling it, by the way?

E: Well, I’m going overseas, next month to study. I’ll be away for at least 2 years so I have to sell it, unfortunately. It’s been a good car.

J: You want $1,500? Is that right?

E: I was asking $2,000 but since I need to sell it quickly, I’ve reduced the price. Would you like to come and take it for a drive? I don’t live far from the university.

J: Yes, I’d like to have a look. What time would suit you?

E: Any time this evening is fine.

J: Well, I finish classes at 6 o’clock. How about straight after that? Say 6:30?

E: Great! I’ll give you directions, when you leave (he main gate of the university, turn left on South Road and keep going until you get to the Grand Cinema. Take the first right. That’s Princess St... I’m at number 88, on the right.

J: So, it’s 80 Princess St.?

E: No, it’s 88 Princess St. and the suburb is Parkwood.

You’ll see the car parked in front. It’s the red one with the 'for sale’ sign on it.

J: OK. Thanks, Elena. I’ll see you later.

E: Bye.

(Pause)

Later that day, at the university, Jan meets up with her friend, Sam and tells him about the car.

J: Hi Sam!

S: Hi Jan! What’s happening?

J: I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve decided I have to get a car.

S: You’re going to buy a car? Do you really need one? I’d probably still be driving except that my car broke down last year. Instead of getting another one, I just moved closer to the university and went back to riding a bike - better for the environment, better for my health and I save a lot of money.

J: Did it really cost that much?

S: Well, when you think of registration, insurance, rising petrol costs, parking, plus maintenance and repairs, it adds up.

J: I know it’s going to be expensive but I really need my own transportation. It takes half an hour by bus each way to university as it is. But now I’m working at night in the city. There’s no way I want to hang around waiting for a bus late at night then walk 3 blocks home alone.

S: Hey, I think you’ve got a point there. So what kind of car are you looking at?

J: It’s an 85 Celica, same kind as I used to have. The owner’s asking $1,500.

S: That’s pretty old. How many kilometres has it done?

J: You know, I forgot to ask. I’ll have to check tonight when I go to see it. Would you be able to come with me to have a look? At about 6:30?

S: Sure, I’ll come, but I don’t know a lot about cars. I do know one thing, though. I wouldn’t buy an old car without having a mechanic look at it first.

J: That’s a good idea but won’t it cost a lot?

S: Not really. You can get a check done through the Automobile Association for $80 and it comes with a report on the condition of the car. It can save you a lot of money in the long run.

J: I’ll keep that in mind. So, we have to get to Parkwood at 6:30, Do you want to take the bus? It goes straight down South Road every fifteen minutes. Or maybe we could walk. I don’t think it’s that far.

S: Actually, I could borrow my roommate’s motorbike for an hour or so. He’s working all evening in the library.

J: Do you think he’d mind?

S:No way. He owes me a favour or two.

J: OK. Great! See you at six, outside the Student Centre.

Part 2

A talk by a guide giving instructions to a group of international students, in Canada preparing for a whale watching trip

Hello, everyone. Glad to see so many happy faces on this wild and windy day. Are you all ready to go looking for whales? I’m Tony and our other guide today is Dale. We’ll be using these two rubber boats you see here and our trip today will take 3 hours. In a few minutes, we’ll be heading into part of the largest temperate rainforest of the Pacific North-West. I’ll show you our route on the map here. This is where we are now. We’ll be leaving the sheltered bay and heading out across the mouth of the bay toward the open water. As you know, last night there were strong winds in the area so we can’t go out into the ocean as we had planned. Near the mouth, the water will be quite rough. That’s where we are most likely to spot orcas or killer whales as they are also called. After crossing the mouth of the bay we’ll enter the calmer shallower waters. This is where you look for grey whales. Then we will continue up this narrow inlet close to the shore. You will have a great view of giant fir and cedar trees that have never been logged. Here is the place to watch for wildlife. You are likely to see bears along the shore and eagles in the sky overhead. Right at the back of the inlet, here, are the hot springs where we will be stopping for an hour. You can have a soothing soak in bubbling hot water before the return trip.

I’ll tell you a little bit about the whales now because with the noise of the wind and the engine you won’t be able to hear much out there.

As we head out in the boat, we will probably see dolphins first. They are a grey colour and quite small - 1—2 metres long. They will swim right beside the boat, racing along and sometime jumping out of the water just ahead of us. They swim very fast, and they are playful and curious. They’re really fun to watch.

The next ones we’ll see are orcas or killer whales, which are actually members of the dolphin family. They are 7-8 metres long, very fast and they have sharp teeth. Some stay in these waters all year round. We identify them by the distinctive black and white colour. They feed mainly on salmon in these waters, but the orca diet can include seabirds, seals, dolphins and other mammals. They can be fierce hunters and this is why they are called 'killer whales’.

We should start watching for them as soon as we get out towards open water. We’re likely to spot the orcas from a considerable distance. Watch for the black and white marking and mist spouting from the blow-holes on top of their heads.

Just outside the inlet is where we will probably see grey whales. The greys are migratory. They pass through here twice a year, moving from far in the north where they feed, to the warm southern waters where they breed. You’re very lucky today because several have been reported in the area. Unlike the orcas, greys are solitary, except when you see a mother with a calf. The grey whales are much longer and heavier than the orcas - 14 metres long and weighing up to 30 tonnes. The grey whales are filter feeders, gathering tiny ghost shrimp from the sand at the bottom. We recognise greys from their tail fins, because each one is different.

Once we find the whales, we’ll come up as close as we can safely. We are allowed to approach the whales no closer than 50 metres but that feels pretty close when you are in the presence of animals this big. You’ll see mist coming out of the blow-holes when they breathe out and you’ll hear a loud hiss. If we are downwind, we might even be able to smell them - a strong fishy smell.

(Pause)

Now for just a few words of caution. It will be quite bouncy out there, especially in the front of the boat. If you want a smoother ride, stay in the middle of the boat, close to the engine. Hold onto the ropes and keep an eye on any big waves. Be alert so you don’t get thrown out of the boat. In case of an emergency, you are all wearing survival suits. They’ll keep you warm and dry in or out of the water. They are bright orange for visibility.

The water temperature is around 8 degrees. Without these suits you would only last a few minutes in this cold water. With these suits your survival time is increased dramatically. They will keep you upright in the water even if you can’t swim. But we don’t expect anybody to end up in the water so don’t worry.

Now, are there any questions?

S: I’m afraid of getting seasick.

Right, I was just coming to that. If you, think you might get seasick, take one of these patches and put it on your arm, at the wrist, like this. It works on pressure points of the body and will relieve seasickness without the drowsiness you can get from pills. Are there any other questions?

Alright then, let’s start loading up the boats. We leave in 5 minutes.

Part 3

A student, Penny, talking to two friends, Ray and

Louise, about a television competition Ray has entered, called 'Travel Documentary'

P: Hi. Haven’t seen you two in ages. What have you been up to?

L: Hi Penny. Ray is really excited. He has just been shortlisted for 'Travel Documentary’. He could be off travelling around the world for 3 months.

P: 'Travel Documentary’. What’s that?

L: You’ve never heard of it? Don’t you watch TV?

P: Well, actually no, hardly ever. Especially since I’ve started working on my thesis. I don’t have time to breathe, let alone watch TV. So, what’s this all about, Ray?

R: Well, actually it’s a competition run by Public TV. It involves my two great loves, travel and film-making.

P: Is it that program where people are sent around the world making documentary videos? I have heard of it. Fantastic! So, you’ve been chosen?

R: Not yet. I’m one of 34 selected for an interview next week so I’ve made it through the first cut.

L: Yeah, there were over 200 applicants from around the country. Pretty amazing heh?

R: Well, I’ve been lucky so far.

P: What’s the next stage?

R: Thirteen are chosen from the interview to do a 4 week training course in documentary film-making. Then, the 8 finalists get sent off with a video camera to travel around the world.

P: Sounds incredible. What’s the catch?

R: The catch is that every 2 weeks you have to send in a 10 minute video from a different part of the world. It’s broadcast on TV along with the work of three of the other competitors and judged by a panel of experts and the TV audience. So, you’re under a lot of pressure.

P: Wow, I guess so. You mean, you’re on television every two weeks?

R: Yep, that’s right. But first I have to be selected.

L: Do you have to have any film-making experience to apply?

R: Some background in photography or video-making helps but you’re not supposed to be an expert. In fact, you can’t apply if you have already worked in film-making. We all get the same 4 week course so we start with the same skills.

P: Can you go anywhere in the world you want?

R: Each competitor makes up his or her own travel plans and has to get them approved.

(Pause)

L: Have you talked with anyone else who has done it?

R: As a matter of fact, just last week I met Sarah Price, a girl from here who did it last year.

L: What did she have to say about it?

R: She said it was the most amazing experience of her life but it was really tough at times.

L: I think you’d have to be really brave to take off like that alone with so much responsibility. It’s not like going on a holiday, is it?

R: No. Two weeks in a country, often where you can’t speak the language to find a story, film it, organise all the editing. Then you’re off to a completely different part of the world to start all over again. Pretty exhausting, but exciting too!

P: What a way to see the world!

L: What about Sarah Price? Did she have any bad experiences?

R: She said the worst part was when she got some mysterious fever in Mongolia and thought she might have to be sent home. Fortunately it got better but she said it was scary to feel really ill when you’re alone so far away.

P: So what made you want to apply?

R: When I saw the program on TV a while ago, I thought, this is for me. I’ve always wanted to travel but needed to work for a year before I could even think about it. Then, a new series started up. I thought now’s my chance.

L: Don’t you think you’ll be lonely?

R: I don’t think I’ll have time to be homesick. I’m more worried about having too much to do and not enough time to get things organised.

P: So we might be watching you on television in the next few months.

R: I hope so. If I’m lucky!

L: When will you know for sure?

R: They choose the final eight in March. A month later you’re on your way.

L: So do you have to pay anything?

R: Nothing. It’s all paid for - course, camera, flights, accommodation and in-country travel. The budget is pretty tight though. No extras.

P: I sure hope you get it. Then I’ll be finding time to watch at least one program on television every week.

Part 4

A talk given by Kate Tomlin on the history of technology

Our talk today in this history of technology series is about a feat of anti-engineering from the late 19th and early 20th century that is still very much with us today and that is linked with the history of the typewriter. It’s the QWERTY keyboard. What, you might ask, is QWERTY? Well, have a look at the nearest typewriter or computer keyboard. If you look at the top row, you will see that QWERTY are the first 6 letters.

Did you ever think, when you were learning to type, about why the letters on the keyboard are distributed the way they are? Here’s the story. It all has to do with the history of the typewriter.

Typewriters existed since the early 1700s, but the first commercially practical system came into being in 1873. The typewriter is one of America’s greatest unsung inventions. While the telephone, automobile and airplane sped up communications and transportation, the typewriter did the same thing for the written word. But few people paid much attention, possibly because they were too busy reading what the typewriter had written about all the other inventions.

The first typewriters had the keys laid out in alphabetical order, but this system had problems. Some keys that tended to be typed together were physically close. This made the typebars hit each other and get stuck. Typewriters in 1873 jammed or got stuck if the keys next to each other were hit in quick succession.

To solve this problem, in 1878, the QWERTY keyboard was developed, spacing frequent letters away from each other, and therefore reducing the number of jams.

It was not specifically designed to slow down typists, as is generally believed, but the keyboard did create a built-in inefficiency for typists. The most common keys are scattered all over the keyboard rows, many on the left side. Right-handed people have to use their left hand, which is the weaker hand.

Typewriter technology improved, doing away with the original rationale for the QWERTY distribution, but the keyboard remained. In spite of its inefficiency, it. is the keyboard we all use today.

(Pause)

Already, back in 1932, there was a solution to the problem. Efficiency expert August Dvorak came up with a new keyboard layout. His home row consisted of AOEUIDHTNS - which includes all of the vowels as well as the most commonly used letters. On this keyboard, over three thousand words can be typed using only the home row. In fact, 70% of all the work can be done on the home row, 22% on the row above, and 8% on the row below. The QWERTY keyboard allows only about fifty words to be typed without reaching for other rows. In addition, on Dvorak’s keyboard, the right hand handles 56% of the work load and the left handles 44%, just about the opposite of the division on the QWERTY keyboard. This is an advantage for most right handers. The Dvorak keyboard increased accuracy in typing by almost 50 percent and speed by 15 percent to 20 percent.

How much labour did this Dvorak layout save? In one study, a group of typists was evaluated in the use of both keyboards. Those using the Dvorak keyboard moved their fingers just about one mile on an average day, while those who used the QWERTY keyboard moved their fingers an average of twelve to twenty miles!

The superiority of the Dvorak keyboard was clearly established. However, it has never been adopted as the keyboard of choice. Why? First of all, bad luck and bad timing on the part of the Dvorak team. First there was the Depression, not a good time for introducing change. But the main factor that worked against the Dvorak system was habit. People were used to the QWERTY keyboard. Computers today could easily switch the arrangement of letters to the Dvorak layout, but it seems that because of habit, the QWERTY layout remains dominant. People felt comfortable with the keyboard they learned on so it was the established patterns of hundreds of millions of typists, manufacturers, typing teachers and typewriter salespeople that have crushed all moves toward keyboard efficiency for over 70 years. It looks like QWERTY keyboard may be with us for a long time yet.

NEW

IELTS Mock Test 2023 July

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Questions 1-6

Buying a Used Car: Contact Details

Questions 7-10

Questions 11-13

Questions 14-16

Whale Identification Chart

Questions 17-20

Advice for Participants on Whale Watching Excursions

Questions 21-23

Selection Process for ‘Travel Documentary’

Questions 24-26

Requirements of competitors:

Questions 27-28

Questions 29-30

Questions 31-33

Questions 34-39

Question 40

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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NEW

IELTS Mock Test 2023 July

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Share your score

Questions 1-6

Buying a Used Car: Contact Details

Questions 7-10

Questions 11-13

Questions 14-16

Whale Identification Chart

Questions 17-20

Advice for Participants on Whale Watching Excursions

Questions 21-23

Selection Process for ‘Travel Documentary’

Questions 24-26

Requirements of competitors:

Questions 27-28

Questions 29-30

Questions 31-33

Questions 34-39

Question 40

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Comments:

About us

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