Prepare for IELTS General Training Volume 1

Published on: 06 Feb 2021
Tests taken: 819,432

Answer Keys:

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Part 1: Question 1 - 10

1 Lions and Penguins
2 Royal Circle
3 Interval
4 per person
5 buy two get

6 performance
7 flexible
8 10 charge
9 Starr Theatre Bookings
10 BUKTHTR14582

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

11 D
12 A
13 C
14 H
15 F

16 G
17 J
18 A
19 B
20 C

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

21 C
22 A
23 B
24 F
25 G

26 D
27 B
28 B
29 B
30 B

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

31 refuse/rubbish
32 local people
33 (washing) detergents
34 pinpoint
35 borrow equipment

36 planks of wood
37 or nails
38 sift by hand
39 pit
40 clearly defined

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Review & Explanations:

Part 1: Questions 1-10

Questions 1-8

Complete the notes below.

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

NOV 14,

Dear Diary,

Venue: New Malden Theatre (Example)

Show 1

Seats 2

Row 1, B, C and D

Start time: 2:00 p.m.

3 3:00 p.m.

Finish time: 4:15 p.m.

Ticket (£): 45.00 4

Total Price (£): 90.00 ( 5 one free)

Remember!

- £30 cancellation fee for cancellations within 10 days of the 6

- Dates are not 7

- £ 8 per seat to change your seating arrangements

1 Answer: Lions and Penguins

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q1 is “show”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a name.
The answer for Q1 is quite noticeable as the student directly tells us his surname, which is Buwal.
We expect the answer for Q1 is a name of the show. The booking agent introduces 2 shows and explains what each show is about. Then the customer chose Lions and Penguins. Therefore, the answer for Q1 must be “Lions and Penguins”.

NOTE: “stick to” is a synonym of “choose”.

2 Answer: Royal Circle

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q2 should be “seats” and “Row 1, B, C and D”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
At first, the booking agent informs the customer that there are 3 seats left in the Royal Circle and they are all together. We can infer that it is the answer, but to be more precise, we keep listening: the customer asks about the price of those three seats and then decides to take them. Moreover, the booking agent repeats the name of the seats in Row 1, B, C and D (this is shown in the question booklet). Therefore, the answer for Q2 must be “the Royal Circle”.

3 Answer: Interval

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q3 are “3:00 p.m” and “2:00 p.m”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
The booking agent introduces that the matinee show would start at 2:00 p.m and we can infer that the answer is mentioned after that.
Next, the booking agent tells the customer that the interval would be at three for 15 minutes. Hence, the answer for Q3 must be “interval”.

4 Answer: per person

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q4 should be “£45.00”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
When we underline the keyword, we see it is related to the price of the ticket. Therefore, when we hear the customer say “tell me more about this special offer” we deduce the answer is around here.
Next, the booking agent informs the price of a ticket was £45.00 and then confirms that the price was for one person. Hence, the answer for Q4 must be “per person”.

5 Answer: buy two get

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q5 are “total price” and “£90.00”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be phrasal verb.
After mentioning the price, the booking agent talks about a deal that week that if the customer buys two, she gets another at no cost. We can deduce this sentence has basically similar meaning as the answer.
Keep listening, the customer asks “Buy two get one free?” and the booking agent replies it was true and informs the customer would be charged £90 in total now we hear the keyword. Hence, the answer for Q5 must be “buy two get”.

6 Answer: performance

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q6 are “£30”, “cancellation fee” and “within 10 days”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
According to Q6’s wording, we hear the booking agent reads out the terms of cancellation fee that if the customer canceled within 10 days of the performance, the fee would be £30 which has basically similar meaning as the answer. Thus, the answer for Q6 must be “performance”.

7 Answer: flexible

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q7 is “dates”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be an adjective.
For Q7, the customer asks about the cancellation fee if cancelling more than 10 days beforehand and the answer for Q7 is quite noticeable as the booking agent directly tells us the dates are not flexible. Hence, the answer for Q7 must be “flexible”.

8 Answer: 10 charge

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q8 are “per seat” and “change”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a number and a noun.
Q8 is about the fee to change the seat per seat and in the conversation, the booking agent informs the charge for seat changing is £10 per person or per seat. Thus, the answer for Q8 must be “£10 charge”.

NOTE: We need to fill the word “charge” because behind £10 in the question Q8 the sentence needs a reason to match the sentence structure.

Questions 9-10

Complete the form below.

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

John and Amanda Houghton
1001 Date: Pay to the order of 9 £90.000 Ninety pounds only GBP Memo Booking Ref: 10 Authorized signature(s)

9 Answer: Starr Theatre Bookings

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q9 is “pay to the order of”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a name.
After choosing the suitable show, the customer asked if the booking agent accepted a cheque. The booking agent agrees and introduces the place to pay the order is Starr Theatre Bookings. Thus, the answer for Q9 must be “Starr Theatre Bookings”.

10 Answer: BUKTHTR14582

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q10 is “booking ref”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be name and number which indicate the reference.
The booking agent reminds the customer to write the booking reference on the cheque and then the booking agent reads the reference twice: BUKTHTR14582. Thus, the answer for Q10 must be “BUKTHTR14582”.

NOTE: the reference is written in both letters and numbers separately.

Part 1

Part 2: Questions 11-20

Questions 11-13

Label the chart below.

Write the correct letter, A-E, next to questions 11-13.

11 Online Sales Department

12 Retail Sales Department

13 Design Department

11 Answer: D

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q11 are “Online Sales Department” and “outperformed”.
This section is to compare profits between different departments in a company through the bar chart. For Q11, we can easily hear the Online Sales Department has outperformed the rest of the company which means that this department ranked first. Hence, the answer for Q11 should only be “D”.

12 Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q12 and Q13 are “Retail Sales Department” and “Design Department”.
In the conversation, they mention their investment arm, Investment Trader is down at the bottom of the pile which means it came last. Therefore, we can remove the bar E (the bar shows the least figure).
We keep listening, the manager mentions the Retail Sales Department. The manager states that if the Retail Sales Department continued to perform like that, it would threaten the second-most profitable arm of the business - Design. Thus, we deduce Design ranked the second. Hence, the answer for Q13 must be “C”.
Moreover, the manager keeps saying that the Retail Sales Department must content itself with third place for the moment. Hence, the answer for Q12 must be “A”.

NOTE: At the end of the conversation, the manager indicates the profit of the Wholesale Division was around £500,000. From the bar chart, we can be sure our answers as B is exactly the Wholesale Division.

13 Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q12 and Q13 are “Retail Sales Department” and “Design Department”.
In the conversation, they mention their investment arm, Investment Trader is down at the bottom of the pile which means it came last. Therefore, we can remove the bar E (the bar shows the least figure).
We keep listening, the manager mentions the Retail Sales Department. The manager states that if the Retail Sales Department continued to perform like that, it would threaten the second-most profitable arm of the business - Design. Thus, we deduce Design ranked the second. Hence, the answer for Q13 must be “C”.
Moreover, the manager keeps saying that the Retail Sales Department must content itself with third place for the moment. Hence, the answer for Q12 must be “A”.

Questions 14-20

Label the floor plan below.

Write the correct letter, A-J, next to questions 14-20.

14 Customer Service

15 Human Resources

16 Legal

17 Manager

18 Finance

19 Marketing

20 Research

14 Answer: H

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q14 is “Customer Service”.
This part is about a map. The narrator tells Tina that her customer service team was going to be placed in the open plan area to the right just behind the fire escape. This question is quite easy to find the position. Looking at the picture, we can find the open area on the right is three blocks H. Moreover, three blocks H lies behind the fire escape. Hence, the answer for Q14 must be “H”.

15 Answer: F

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q15 is “Human Resources”.
The manager introduces three different semi-open cubicles and these cubicles are located on the other side of the floor and near the left fire escape.
Then the manager informs Sales team would be nearest the fire escape therefore we remove the answer “E”. As the keyword “Human Resources” is heard, we can easily locate the position of HR in the middle of three cubicles. Hence, the answer for Q15 must be “F”.

16 Answer: G

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q16 is “Legal”.
For Q16, the answer is mentioned after the manager introduces the position of HR. Legal at the other end. Hence, the answer for Q16 must be “G”.

NOTE: In this question, we can remove the answer “E” at first and the correct answer for Q15 is “F”, and the remainder of the cubicle would probably be “G”.

17 Answer: J

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q17 is “Manager”.
According to Q17, the manager states directly her assistant manager would be behind the Sales team at the back in the left-corner office. From that, we can locate the location of her assistant manager is “I”. However, we need to find the place of Manager therefore we keep listening. The manager states that she would be opposite him (means her assistance) in the other corner office. Hence, the answer for Q17 must be “J”.

18 Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q18 and Q19 are “Finance” and “Marketing”.
We move to the front of the floor; starting from the front entrance and thus, we deduce the answer would probably be “A” or “D”. After that the manager says that on the left-hand side is the finance team. Hence, the answer for Q18 must be “A”.
Later, the manager mentions above them (which means above finance team) is marketing. Hence, the answer for Q19 must be “B”.

19 Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q18 and Q19 are “Finance” and “Marketing”.
We move to the front of the floor; starting from the front entrance and thus, we deduce the answer would probably be “A” or “D”. After that the manager says that on the left-hand side is the finance team. Hence, the answer for Q18 must be “A”.
Later, the manager mentions above them (which means above finance team) is marketing. Hence, the answer for Q19 must be “B”.

20 Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q20 is “Research”.
In the audio, we hear the manager introduce on the other side which means “C” and “D” is the research opposite marketing and thus, we infer the answer is “C”. Hence, the answer for Q20 must be “C”.

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Part 2

Part 3: Questions 21-30

Questions 21-26

Which attitude is associated with the following people during the conversation?

Choose six answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-H, next to questions 21-26.

	Attitudes
A	critical
B	relaxed
C	unsympathetic
D	grateful
E	insincere
F	unrealistic
G	welcoming
H	imaginative

21 The Biophysics Team at Kelheim

22 The Professor’s Manager at Kelheim

23 The Professor’s Employees at Kelheim

24 The Kelheim Directors

25 Dr Michael Stout

26 The Professor’s Current Students

21 Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q21 is “Biophysics Department”.
We need to find the corresponding adjective and match with each department. For Q21, Lecturer tells the student 1 that his team in the Biophysics Department were not understanding of how it feels to be a new guy which means that they did not know how to sympathize and they reprimanded him for any mistakes he made. Therefore, the answer for Q21 must be “unsympathetic”.

22 Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q22 is “Manager”.
Lecturer knows his professor’s manager really well because he is an assistant manager. He states that his professor’s manager always points out what everyone was doing wrong quickly which means he is a critical person. Therefore, the answer for Q22 is “critical”.

23 Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q23 is “Employees”.
In the conversation, Lecturer says that his professor’s manager would take early retirement and thus, he was managing the entire operation. However, he got to work with the same team as he had been a part of before and they were at ease. The team was comfortable with him and the way he did everything. Thus, the answer for Q23 is “geography”.

NOTE: “at ease” is a synonym of “relaxed”.

24 Answer: F

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q24 is “director”.
We notice that Lecturer says the department functioned really well for a time and then he got into a dispute with the director. He was not satisfied with the way the director did: their expectations were just not very practical which means not unrealistic. Hence, the answer for Q24 must be “unrealistic”.

NOTE: “practical” is a synonym of “realistic”.

25 Answer: G

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q25 is “Dr Michael Stout”.
After not being satisfied with the director, Lecturer left the department and started to lecture and Dr Michael Stout was a member of staff when Lecturer first arrived.
In the audio, we can see that Lecturer describes Dr Michael’s consideration in caring and guiding newcomers enthusiastically through the sentence: “I have Michael to thank for showing me the ropes.”, “considerate of the new faculty members and assisted no end”. Hence, the answer for Q25 must be “welcoming”.

NOTE: “show sb the ropes” means you show them how to do a particular job or task.

26 Answer: D

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q26 is “Current students”.
After talking about Dr Michael Stout, Lecturer introduces he is now a lecturer which means he is the professor’s current students. Keep listening, student 1 replies that all the students were very glad to have L as theirs means they really respected L. Hence, the answer for Q26 must be “grateful”.

Questions 27-30

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

The students

A haven’t found the mutant gene yet.
B haven’t been able to study the mutant gene on its own yet.
C haven’t been able to confirm the results of their tests yet.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q27 are “mutant gene” and “have not found” in the choice A; “not study” in the choice B and “not confirm” in the choice C.
As stated in the conversation, the student mentions their project was about the mutant gene.
Lecturer asks them whether they identified the mutant gene and they agree yes which means they have found the mutant and thus, we can remove the choice “A”. However, the students say that until they isolate the gene, testing could not commence which means they could not study the gene until they were isolated. Therefore, the answer for Q27 must be “B”.

NOTE: Moreover, we can hear in the conversation, Lecturer and the student did not mention the result of their tests, hence, the choice “C” is removed.

The project is

A six months behind schedule.
B ahead of schedule but making slow progress now.
C in a six-month testing phase.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q28 are “6 months behind” in the choice A; “ahead” and “slow now” in the choice B and “in 6-months testing” in the choice C.
Lecturer asks the student whether a timeframe of 6 months was just to identify the culprit and the student 1 replies yes. They say that they had done that (identify the culprit) so quickly in a week which means their project was ahead of schedule therefore we remove the choice “A”. Moreover, they tell the lecturer that they had to wait then. Therefore, the answer for Q28 must be “B”.

The infection associated with the mutant gene

A is passed directly from parent to child.
B affects every second generation.
C cannot be passed on to the next or subsequent generation.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q29 are “infection”, “directly” in the choice A; “affects” and “second” in the choice B and “can not” and “next, subsequent” in the choice C.
We need to find the keyword “infection” in the audio and the lecturer mentions the gene mutation bypasses every other generation which has basically a similar meaning as the answer in the choice A but the student 2 disagree. He explains if the parents are infected, any children they have will go on to infect. Therefore, the answer for Q29 must be “B”.

The students think that

A Bird Flu may cure the mutant-gene infection.
B a symptom of Bird Flu may be key to fighting the mutant-gene infection.
C a low body temperature may cure the mutant-gene infection.

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q30 are “Bird Flu”, “cure” in the choice A; “fighting” in the choice B and “low body temperature” in the choice C.
In the conversation, Lecturer asks if the students suspected the Bird Flu virus somehow has a curative effect and the student 3 answers they did not think the Bird Flu was the virus and thus, we remove the choice “A”, but the accompanying fever which means the Bird Flu may be key to fighting the mutant-gene infection. Therefore, the answer for Q30 must be “B”.

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Part 3

Part 4: Questions 31-40

Questions 31-40

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

CONDUCTING AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG
- First find a suitable dig site by surface-collecting - aim to locate a midden (place where 31 used to be dumped). - If surface-collecting does not prove fruitful, quiz 32 to see what they know about the area and redirect your search based on any firm tips you receive. - Separate your finds into categories. Then clean the ones you think are important - avoid using 33 as this can cause damage to delicate pieces. - Use your findings to 34 the area where digging should commence. - Gather your tools together. If you don’t have the right tools, the faculty permits students to 35 - Make a box screen if you haven’t got one. Use four 36 to make the box frame, connecting them with L-brackets. Add a mesh frame to the base using heavy-duty staples 37 . A two-by-four-foot screen is best for anyone who is going to 38 . - Now the actual digging of the 39 can commence. Dig one large enough that you will not be in your own way while working in it, and highlight the edges using string or cord so that they are 40 .

31 Answer: refuse/rubbish

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q31 are “first”, “surface-collecting”, “dumped” and “midden”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
In the first part of the audio, the narrator mentions identifying a suitable site to dig and thus, we can infer the answer is around here.
The narrator starts to talk about the best way to do this and define a “midden”. Keep listening we hear she continues to define midden in the near and distant past as the random hole where people dig and throw rubbish in. Therefore, the answer for Q31 must be “rubbish”.

32 Answer: local people

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q32 are “not fruitful”, “quiz”, “know”, “your search” and “the area”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
The answer for Q32 is quite straightforward as the audio solely uses the synonym to paraphrase. The narrator states that if their surface-collecting did not yield many finds, asking the local people of the area what they know, which means if their findings were not efficient or fruitful, they should ask the locals. Therefore, the answer for Q32 must be “the local”.

NOTE: “yield many finds” is paraphrased by “does not fruitful”.

“quiz” is a synonym of “ask”.

To be sure, we notice later the narrator talks about using the state files if asking the residents did not work which has basically similar meaning as the last phrase in Q32.

33 Answer: (washing) detergents

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q33 are “separate”, “clean”, “avoid” and “delicate pieces”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
Next, to evaluate what they have collected, the narrator explains thoroughly each step which we can hear the keywords are mentioned in. After the keywords “clean”, “separate” appear, the narrator alludes that using plain water as washing detergents could deteriorate delicate pieces, which means they should avoid using water detergents. Hence, the answer for Q33 must be “the local”.

34 Answer: pinpoint

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q34 are “your findings” and “commence”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a verb.
In this question, the narrator states when they have done their groundwork, they should be in a position to... which means they should use their findings to… and our mission is to hear the aim to use the findings. It is quite easy to deduce the answer as the narrator mentions the purpose is to pinpoint the area. Hence, the answer for Q34 must be “pinpoint”.

35 Answer: borrow equipment

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q35 are “tools” and “the faculty”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a verb.
Right after the answer of Q34 is mentioned, the narrator reminds students who did not have the right tools to borrow them from the faculty. Hence, the answer for Q35 must be “borrow equipment”.

36 Answer: planks of wood

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q36 are “four”, “L-brackets” and “box frame”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
If they did not have the tool, they could use 4 planks of wood to fit together as a square or rectangular box themselves and from that we deduce that square or rectangular is to make a box frame.
We know the answer exactly but keep listening for sure, we hear they talk about making the box frame out of these woods, using L-brackets (we have all the keywords we underline before). Hence, the answer for Q36 must be “planks of wood”.

37 Answer: or nails

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q37 are “mesh frame” and “heavy-duty staples”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
After hearing the answer Q36, the narrator mentions immediately the keyword “mesh frame”. She says to attach a mesh frame to the base of the box using heavy-duty staples or nails which has exactly similar meaning as the sentence in the Q37. Hence, the answer for Q37 must be “or nails”.

NOTE: “attatch” is a synonym of “add”.

38 Answer: sift by hand

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q38 is “two-by-four-foot”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a verb.
In the audio, the narrator talks about the answer before mentioning the keyword and thus, we have to pay attention, otherwise we will miss it.
In this context, the narrator states if they were going to sift by hand, then design their box to 2 foot by four foot dimensions. Here we hear the keyword and the meaning of this sentence is the answer because after that the narrator solely explains 2 reasons to design 2 foot by 4 foot dimensions. Hence, the answer for Q38 must be “sift by hand”.

NOTE: “2 foot by 4 foot” is a synonym of “two-by-four-foot”.

39 Answer: pit

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q39 are “now” and “the actual”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
In the question booklet, the sentence in Q39 is “the actual digging of” and in the audio, the narrator tells them when they had their tools in hand, it was time to start the dig proper. These two sentences have a similar meaning, hence, we infer the answer is mentioned after that. Then, the narrator introduces the first stage to dig. Hence, the answer for Q39 must be “pit”.

40 Answer: clearly defined

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q40 are “string”, “cord” and “the edges”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be an adjective.
“highlight the edges” means “place a stake and an eye hook at each corner and do something” and thus, we infer the answer implies around here. “Pull” some string or cord is paraphrased by “use” string or cord. Therefore, the next step is to hear the reason for doing this and the answer appeared right after. Hence, the answer for Q40 must be “clearly defined”.

Part 4

Change Audio Sources

กำลังโหลด...

Section 1

You will hear part of a telephone conversation between a customer and a booking agent. First you have some time to look at questions 1-8. [Pause 30 seconds]

You will see that there is an example that has been done for you. On this occasion only, the conversation relating to this will be played first.

BA (Booking agent): So you said you lived in Sheen, is that right?

C (Customer): Yes, and ideally we'd like to see something close by.

BA: OK. In that case, I can suggest New Malden Theatre, only a five-minute walk from Sheen.

Narrator: The venue is New Malden Theatre, so you write 'New Malden Theatre' in the space provided. You should answer the questions as you listen because you will not hear the recording a second time. Listen carefully and answer questions 1-8.

BA (Booking agent): So you said you lived in Sheen, is that right?

C (Customer): Yes, and ideally we'd like to see something close by.

BA: OK. In that case, I can suggest New Malden Theatre, only a five-minute walk from Sheen.

C: Perfect! What's on there at the moment?

BA: Well, there's a matinee show and an evening show. The matinee show is called Lions and Penguins and the evening show is the renowned John Millington play War Horse Breakfast.

C: Oh yes, I think I've heard of that one. Hmm... might not be best for the kids though, I'll stick with Lions and Penguins please.

BA: Great! Now did you say there were three of you?

C: That's right.

BA: Oh, you're in luck! There are only three seats left in the Royal Circle and they're all together.

C: Nice! But won't that be expensive?

BA: Not at all. We have a special offer running.

C: Oh, I'll take them then!

BA: So that's the Royal Circle, Row 1, B, C and D.

C: Let me just make a note of that... got it.

BA: Now the matinee performance starts at 2:00 p.m. and you should be seated about 15 minutes before the curtains open. The interval will be at three for 15 minutes and the play will finish at 4:15.

C: OK, I've made a note of that. Now, tell me more about this special offer, please.

BA: Well, tickets are £45 (interrupted)

C: Oh, that's good, isn't it?

BA: Per person.

C: (sounding deflated) Oh.

BA: But we're running a deal this week where if you buy two you get another at no cost.

C: Buy two get one free?

BA: Right. And that means you'll be charged £90 in total.

C: That's not so bad. Well, thank you very much for your help.

BA: Eh, just a moment before you go, please; I'm obliged to read you out the terms of purchase.

C: Very well.

BA: OK. There is a cancellation fee, which only applies if you cancel within ten days of the performance, and that's £30.

C: So, SO long as I cancel more than 10 days beforehand I won't get charged?

BA: Right. And just to let you know, the dates are not flexible. If you want to change when you go to see the performance, you have to cancel and start again.

C: (sounding hurried) OK.

BA: (quickening) And one last thing: if you want to change your seats, there's a £10 charge per person, or per seat if you like.

C: Got it (interrupted)

BA: Em, there is also the matter of payment...

Narrator: Before listening to the rest of the conversation you have some time to look at questions 9-10.

[Pause 30 seconds]

Now listen and answer questions 9-10.

C: Of course. Sorry, I completely forgot. Will you accept a cheque?

BA: Yes, that'll be absolutely fine. You can make it out to Starr Theatre Bookings: that's Starr - S-T-A-R-R Theatre Bookings; it's my surname not the word, so, don't forget, two Rs.

C: OK. Two Rs.

BA: And just write the booking reference on the cheque to help me match the payment to your entry on our system.

C: Of course.

BA: It's BUKTHTR14582. That's BUKTHTR14582.

C: Great. Thanks ever so much.

BA: You're welcome. Now, I won't keep you any longer; you seem in an awful hurry.

C: Yes, sorry about that. I am. Thank you. Bye bye.

Narrator: That's the end of Section 1. You have half a minute to check your answers. [Pause 30 seconds]

Now turn to Section 2.

Section 2

You will hear a manager talking to his staff. First you will have some time to look at questions 11-13. [Pause 30 seconds] Now listen carefully and answer questions 11-13.

Manager:

Now, if I can have everyone's attention a moment; I have some announcements to make. First of all, we've just received the results for 2011 from head office and I want to congratulate all of you for another highly successful year. Once again,the Online Sales Department has outperformed the rest of the company. This literally wouldn't have been possible without you. Sadly, after taking a hit in the stock markets, our investment arm, Investment Traders, is down at the bottom of the pile - but then these are hard times for the stock markets and a poorer-than-normal performance was to be expected. A little more surprising is how well the Retail Sales Department did. Indeed, if it continues to perform like this it will threaten the second-most profitable arm of the business - Design, but for the moment it must content itself with third place. As for profits in the Wholesale Division, well, they've stayed pretty static at around £500,000. Overall, the message coming down from head office is: keep up the good work.

Narrator: Before you hear the rest of the discussion you have some time to look at questions 14-20.

[Pause 30 seconds] Now listen and answer questions 14-20.

Now, I have some more important news from head office; it has just been confirmed that we are moving down to the headquarters' building on Cavendish Way. The move will take place on Monday. I'm handing you out a floor plan of our new office. Take a look at it and we'll go through it together. As you can see, it's a little different to where we are at the moment, but I'm sure it'll feel like home in next to no time. Notice the fire escapes - very important from a health and safety perspective - either side of the floor. These are only to be used in exceptional circumstances. There are two main entrances at either end of the floor, which staff can use on a regular basis. Now, Tina, your customer service team is going to be placed in the open plan area to the right just behind the fire escape. There are three different semi-open cubicles all allocated to your department, so divide your guys up as you wish into teams. On the other side of the floor, near the left fire escape, there is a cubicle allocated to each of the legal, human resources and sales teams. Sales, you guvs will be nearest the fire escape; HR, in the middle,legal at the other end. OK?Now, Frank, my assistant manager, will be behind you guvs at the back in the left-corner office. I'll be opposite him in the other corner office. Moving to the front of the floor now; well, starting from the front entrance, .nearest to you on the plan, on the left-hand side we've got the finance team and above them marketing. On the other side we've got the research guvs opposite marketing, and, closest to the door, that is going to be our new conference room. So guys, all I can say to you is try to settle in on Monday morning. Welcome to headquarters!

Narrator: That's the end of Section 2. You have half a minute to check your answers. [Pause 30 seconds]

Now turn to Section 3.

Section 3

You will hear a discussion between three students and their lecturer. First you have some time to look at questions 21-26. [Pause 30 seconds]

Now listen carefully and answer questions 21-26.

L: That's right; I started out working as a researcher in Kelheim Laboratories - though it's a long time ago now.

S1: What was it like then - em, starting out I mean? That'll be us next year.

L: It largely depends on your work environment really. My team in the Biophysics Department were not very understanding of how it feels to be a new guv and really were quite hard on me. From day one they expected me to pull my weight and they reprimanded me for any mistakes I made. There was no time for me to find my feet and get comfortable.

S1: That sounds awful.

L: Well, it was to begin with, and it certainly took a long time for me to gain their respect, but, once I had done, the work environment became far more pleasant, and, indeed, we ended up making a great team.

S2: How long did you stay there?

L: 6 years.

S2: You did a fair stint then.

L: Yes, well, you see I was offered a promotion in my fifth year to assistant manager. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance. I'd got to know the manager really well during my time there though, and I knew, based on how quick he was to point out what you were doing wrong all the time, that it would be a challenge to have to work closely with him, but I've never been one not to accept a challenge.

S2: So how did you and he get on?

L: Well, it didn't matter as he was only there another 6 months. He took early retirement on account of a heart condition, and, before you knew it, there I was managing the entire operation.

S1: Was that difficult for you?

L: Not at all. I was very fortunate to then be managing the same team as I had been a part of for so long. They were at ease with me and the way I did things, so the department functioned really well for a time.

S1: Only for a time?

L: Yes, until I got into a dispute with the directors. You see, being new to management, I'd never dealt with directors or the like before, and their expectations were just not very practical: they had their head in the clouds if you ask me! Anyway, they expected me to get instant results in our lab work. Needless to say, I wasn't prepared to rush the delicate experiments we were conducting along too quickly. I stood my ground and made it clear that I had no wish to pressure my team and that, in my eyes, they could have as much time as they liked to find out what they were looking for. This didn't go down too well with the directors and they got rid of me.

S2: You mean you were sacked?

L: In a manner of speaking. Well, they told me to leave of my own accord or I would be removed. I left!

S1: And is that when you started to lecture?

L: Yes. And I've been doing it ever since. When I first arrived, Dr Michael Stout was still a member of staff here.

S2: You mean the Programme Director?

L: Well, he wasn't back then. I have Michael to thank for showing me the ropes. He was very considerate of the new faculty members and assisted me no end. And now, here I am, 20 years a lecturer. How time flies!

S1: Well sir, we're very glad to have you as ours; that's for sure.

S2: Yeah, you make all the stuff sound so interesting unlike some of them.

S3: Couldn't agree more; honestly, I almost fall asleep in the other classes.

L: Now, come on! I'm neither that good, nor are your other lecturers that bad!

Narrator: Before you hear the rest of the discussion you have some time to look at questions 27-30.

[Pause 30 seconds] Now listen and answer questions 27-30.

L: Right, now let's get down to business. We didn't meet for idle chat. Tell me, John, how's the project coming along?

S1: Well, we haven't been able to isolate the mutant gene yet, so, to be honest, I'd say it's slow progress.

L: But you have at least identified the mutant gene, correct?

S1: Yeah, but until we isolate it, testing cannot commence so the whole project is on hold at the moment.

L: I think you are being a little too hard on yourselves. After all, correct me if I'm wrong, but did we not say a timeframe of maybe six months just to identify the culprit?

S1: Yes, but having done that so quickly in the space of a week, it's frustrating to have to wait now.

L: Patience is a skill you have yet to acquire, John!

S1: I guess!

S2: We have managed to establish that the gene mutation bypasses every other generation.

L: Intriguing; so the infection is not passed directly from parent to child?

S2: No. If the parent is infected, the child will be a silent carrier. who will go on to infect any children he or she has.

L: That's an important discovery.

S2: Yes, and we've also found a way to switch off the mutant gene -we think.

L: Go on.

S2: One of the volunteers we have been studying was a carrier six months ago, but the mutation is no longer in his DNA. Having studied his health records, it seems that he caught a strain of Bird Flu on a trip to Malaysia. He had a near-death experience, but has since made a full recovery.

L: Do you suspect the Bird Flu virus somehow has a curative effect?

S3: We don't think it was the virus, but the accompanying fever. His body temperature was raised to 105. We have a hypothesis that the mutant gene couldn't cope with such an excessive internal body temperature.

L: Excellent work. So, by the sounds of it, a cure might not be too far away?

S2: If we can isolate the gene, then we can begin further research to confirm our hypothesis.

L: Now I understand why you are so eager.

Narrator: That's the end of Section 3. You have half a minute to check your answers. [Pause 30 seconds]

Now turn to Section 4.

Section 4

You will hear part of a lecture about the process of conducting a small-scale archaeological dig. First you have some time to look at questions 31-40. [Pause 1 minute]

Now listen carefully and answer questions 31-40.

It is encouraging to see so many students here after hours to attend what is an optional lecture; I am very heartened. Thank you all for coming. Today's lecture is about bringing what you have learned to life - or, at least, showing you how to bring it to life, or put it into practice. If you are truly passionate about archaeology, you will not wait until your first official dig or field trip with the university to get started. Why? Because it is so easy to do one yourself. Every weekend, each and every one of you can be going out scouting the land for potential dig sites and conducting your own amateur digs to gain what would be priceless onsite experience which will stand to you if and when you qualify. So, my goal for today is to show you what you need to do.

And it is really quite simple, so let's start with the obvious; first of all, you have to identify a suitable dig site. The best way to go about doing this is by surface-collecting, or walking around an area looking for things out of the ordinary. Ideally, you'll look to find a 'midden'; that is m-i-d-d-e-n. an archaic term for a refuse site, Remember, dumps are a feature of modern existence, but in the near and distant past, people would simply dig a random hole and designate it as the spot to throw rubbish in, and that's your 'midden'. Alternatively, if your surface-collecting doesn't yield many finds, consider asking the local people of the area what they know. Sites are often found by word of mouth. Or if that doesn't work, use the state files - remember, they are normally only ever open to qualified archaeologists, so you, the students of UCD, are in a very privileged position indeed to be able to access them.

Now, once you have found a site with some potential and collected some surface finds, it's time to evaluate what you have collected. The objective is to identify the area of your prospective dig site which was the most densely populated, as this will yield the best results come dig time. Clean and categorise each surface artefact you find. Separate the modern trash, the unidentifiable items, the ceramics, the bone and shell tools, etc. and then begin the process of cleaning the finds you think are important.Use plain water as washing detergents can damage delicate pieces and cause etchings and the like to vanish. A soft brush will remove encrusted mud from any crevices quite effectively, too, so please avoid scratching or picking at finds for obvious reasons.

Now, having done this groundwork, you should be in a position to pinpoint the area which is likely to produce the best results, and, therefore, ready to start your dig. Borrow equipment from the faculty here if you do not have the right tools at home. We are always happy to assist students who show an interest in conducting archaeological work in their free time. You will need a trowel, flat-blade shovel, dust pans, assorted brushes, measuring tape, folding sticks, plastic bags in assorted sizes, markers, a clipboard, line level, string, stakes, gloves and fluorescent survey tape, and, most important of all, a screen. You can make a DIY box screen pretty handily.

You'll need four planks of wood, cut to measure, either to fit together as a square or rectangular box. Make the box frame out of these using L-brackets. Attach a one-quarter-inch mesh frame to the base of the box using heavy-duty staples or nails. If you are going to sift by hand, then design your box to 2 foot by four foot dimensions (a) because it is easier to handle and (b) because it will fit neatly on your table. If you plan on fabricating a larger sifting device, then I would recommend a six foot by four foot screen; that's quite big enough.

Now, with your tools in hand, it is time to start the dig proper. Firstly, you will need to dig a pit. I'd caution against the temptation to dig a very small one - say a one-by-one. Why? Simply because you'll be getting in your own way as your dig progresses. A two-by-three or three-by-four should give you enough room to work in. Place a stake and an eyehook at each corner of the pit and pull some string or cord through each stake to keep the edges of the pit clearly defined. Let's break here for five minutes to (fading)... Narrator: That is the end of Section 4. You now have half a minute to check your answers. [Pause 30 seconds] That is the end of the listening test. You now have ten minutes to transfer your answer to the Listening Answer Sheet.

Prepare for IELTS General Training Volume 1

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Questions 1-8

Questions 9-10

John and Amanda Houghton

Questions 11-13

Questions 14-20

Questions 21-26

Questions 27-30

Questions 31-40

CONDUCTING AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Comments:

About us

Our mission

Prepare for IELTS General Training Volume 1

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Share your score

Questions 1-8

Questions 9-10

John and Amanda Houghton

Questions 11-13

Questions 14-20

Questions 21-26

Questions 27-30

Questions 31-40

CONDUCTING AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Comments:

About us

Our mission