Essential to the

IELTS
Student’s Book

The Listening Module

 INTRODUCTION TO THE IELTS TEST

Background

If you’re preparing to take the IELTS test, you’re not alone. Over two million people all over the
world take the test each year. A knowledge of English is increasingly important for people who
want to study abroad, or work in countries where English is the first language, and IELTS is widely
recognised by universities and colleges, professional bodies, employers, immigration authorities
and other government agencies. You can find a list of over 9,000 organisations which recognise
the test on the IELTS website at www.ielts.org.

Academic and General Training tests

There are two versions of IELTS, Academic and General Training (or GT). When you enrol, you can
choose which version you want to take.

You should take IELTS Academic if you want to study abroad, for example an undergraduate or
postgraduate course at a university where the teaching is in English. You should take the General
Training version if you intend to live and work in an English-speaking country and need to show
the migration authorities that you have the required level of English.

Your teacher can advise you on the version which is appropriate for you, or you can contact the
organisation you intend to apply to and find out which one they require.

The Test
There are four parts to the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and you must take
them all. The total test time is two hours and 45 minutes The tests of Listening and Speaking
are the same for all candidates, but the tests of Reading and Writing are different depending on
whether you chose the Academic or General Training versions. You do the Listening, Reading and
Writing tests on the same day, and usually the Speaking test is done a few days before or after the
other components.

The test is administered very frequently, typically once or twice each month, and you can find your
local centre and information about how to register for the test on the IELTS website at www.ielts.
org.

Scoring
IELTS assesses your language knowledge and skills and gives you a Band Score from 1 to 9 in each
of the four parts of the test, and also an overall Band Score from 1 to 9 for the whole exam, which
is an average of the scores for each part. There is no pass or fail in IELTS because the college,
university or organisation you’re applying to will tell you the Band Score you need to achieve.

2 Essential to the IELTS

 IELTS BAND SCORES

Band 9: Expert user

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete
understanding.
Band 8: Very good user

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and
inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed
argumentation well.

Band 7: Good user

Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriaces
and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and
understands detailed reasoning.

Band 6: Competent user

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies
and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar
situations.

Band 5: Modest user

Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is
likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

Band 4: Limited user

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and
expression. Is not able to use complex language.
Band 3: Extremely limited user
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in
communication occur.
Band 2: Intermittent user
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words
or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty
understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1: Non-user

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Band 0: Did not attempt the test

No assessable information provided.

Essential to the IELTS 3

4 Essential to the IELTS
The Listening

Module
 ABOUT THE LISTENING TEST

and an employee, or one between a student and

A The Test a college administrator or two friends talking
about how to spend their free time
Interaction The conversation has a purpose, such as giving
Listening Description Setting
pattern
instructions, asking for information, making a
Work and social booking or making plans. Most of the questions
Section 1 10 questions dialogue
situations test your ability to understand the detailed
information that is exchanged between the
Work and social
Section 2 10 questions monologue
situations speakers and the conclusions they reach You
often have to complete the missing information
two or three Academic or in a form, a table or a set of notes. Sometimes,
Section 3 10 questions
speakers educational situations you may have to choose the correct answer from
a list of alternatives (A, B, C, etc.).
Section 4 10 questions monologue Academic situations

The IELTS Listening Test tests your ability to
understand spoken English in different situations.
The test lasts for approximately 30 minutes and
has four sections.
In each section, you listen to a recording and
answer ten questions. Before each section,
you hear information about who is speaking,
the situation and the topic. The voice on the
recording then tells you which questions to look
at and you read the instructions for the task on
the question paper.
The recordings in each section are divided into
parts and there is a generally a pause between
each part so that you can read the questions
before you listen. After the pause, you hear a
continuation of the same recording. You should
use the pause to read the task so that you’re
ready to answer the questions.
You hear each section of the recording ONCE
only. You should answer the questions as you
listen, and write your answers directly onto the
question paper. You have ten minutes at the
end of the test to copy your answers on to the
separate answer sheet.
Section 1
In this part of the test, you hear a conversation
between two people. The conversation is
generally about living, studying or working in an
English-speaking country. For example, you may
hear a conversation between an employer
Section 2
In this part of the test, you hear one speaker
giving a talk to a group of people. The talk is
generally about living, studying or working in
an English-speaking country, for example an
employer talking to a group of employees or
someone making an announcement.
The talk or announcement has an aim, such
as giving instructions. Most of the questions,
therefore, test your ability to understand
detailed information.
The questions usually ask you to choose the
correct answer from a list of alternatives (A, B,
C, etc.). You may have to answer multiple-choice
questions, for example, or match the information
you hear to one answer in a longer list of options.
Sometimes the questions in Section 2 are based
on visual material and you may, for example,
have to choose the correct labels to go on a map.
Sometimes you may have to complete missing
information in a set of sentences.
Section 3
In this part of the test, you hear a conversation
between two or three people in an academic
setting. The conversation is generally about an
academic topic and the two main speakers are
exchanging both information and ideas. For
example, the conversation may involve two
people who are working together on a research
project, or a meeting between a tutor and two
students reporting on their progress.

6 Essential to the IELTS

The speakers may agree or disagree on certain
points before coming to a conclusion. Most
of the questions test your ability to follow the
ideas being discussed, to identify each speaker’s
point of view and to understand the outcome of
their discussions. You need to listen to what the
speakers say about each issue to be sure of the
answer.
The questions usually ask you to choose the
correct answer from a list of options (A, B, C,
etc.). You may have to answer multiple-choice
questions, for example, or match the information
you hear to one answer in a longer list of options.
Sometimes the questions in Section 3 are based
on visual material and you have to choose the
correct labels to go on a diagram or flow-chart.
Section 4
In this part of the test, you hear one speaker
giving a lecture or presentation. The talk is about
an academic topic and the speaker is discussing
the topic in depth. You could, for example, hear
about some research that the speaker has been
involved in, or the speaker may be discussing
different people’s ideas and opinions on a
subject.
The lecture or presentation has a purpose, such
as updating the audience on developments
in a field of research or providing students
with an overview of an area of study Most of
the questions test your ability to understand
and make a note of the detailed information
the speaker presents, as well as following the
arguments.
Most of the questions ask you to write a word or
short phrase to show that you’ve understood the
information and arguments that you hear
You often have to complete the missing
information in a set of sentences or notes that
summarise the main ideas discussed in the talk.
Sometimes, you may have to choose the correct
answer from a list of alternatives (A, B, C, etc.).
B Marking
Each numbered question in the Listening test is
worth one mark. If you write the correct answer,
then you get the mark. No marks are taken off
for wrong answers, so it’s always a good idea to
write an answer, even if you’re not sure whether
it’s correct or not.
Essential to the IELTS
The instructions tell you how many words you
can write. If the instructions say ‘WRITE ONE
WORD for each answer’, then you must only
write one word. If you write two words, you
don’t get the mark, even if the information is
correct.
The words you write must be spelled correctly.
Most of the words you have to write are familiar
words that most students know how to spell.
Both UK and US spellings are accepted as
correct. The answers aren’t technical words or
words that have difficult spellings. Sometimes
the names of people and places are spelled
out for you on the recording. This tests your
knowledge of the alphabet.
Remember to write clearly. If your handwriting
is unclear, or if individual letters are not clearly
written, you don’t get the mark.
Remember that the words you need to write are
the words you hear on the recording. Don’t try
to use your own words. For example, it the word
you hear on the recording is ‘incredible’ and you
write ‘unbelievable’ as your answer, you don’t
get the mark. This is why it’s important to write
the words as you listen. If you try to remember
afterwards, you may have understood what you
heard, but not remember the actual words the
speaker used.
You can write your answers in either UPPER CASE
or lower case - both are marked correct, and
you don’t need to worry about punctuation. For
example, if the answer to the question is ‘on-line’
and you write ‘on-line’, you still get the mark. In
questions where the answer is a letter, you only
write the correct letter” next to the number on
the answer sheet.
C Strategies
Before the test
Familiarise yourself with the format of the
Listening test. Make sure you know exactly what
you have to do in each part -then you can feel
confident and prepared on the day of the test
For example, listen to whole tests to know what
you have to do in each pan, what information is
given on the recording and what information is
given on the question paper.
The information you hear about the speaker, the
situation and the topic can help you to be ready
to understand what you hear.
7
 Predict the type of vocabulary and information At the end of the test
that you’re going to hear
When the recording has finished, you have ten
Practise using the time during the pauses minutes to copy your answers on to the separate
between the sections and parts to read the task answer sheet.
on the question paper.
You have time to check your answers, especially
Practise predicting the type of words and the spelling of the words you wrote while you
information that is missing in tasks where you were listening.
have to write the answer.
Try not to change your answers at this stage.
Remember that reading the task also helps you What you wrote while you were listening is
to know about the type of information you’re probably correct.
going to hear and the order the information is
Remember you have to write one answer. If
going to come in.
you’re not sure, don’t put two answers. If you do
Try to make the most of every opportunity to that, you don’t get the mark
practise your listening. For example, listen to
Check very carefully that you put your answers
broadcasts and podcasts in English as often as
next to the correct number on the answer sheet,
you can.
and keep checking that you haven’t made a
Use the Internet to keep up with the latest mistake in the numbering.
news and current affairs in English. While you’re
If you don’t know the right answer to a
listening, think about the type of language the
question, always write something. You may have
speakers use to make their points.
understood more than you think.
Only write in the column to the right of the
During the test
numbers - don’t write anything in the columns
The voice on the recording gives you all the marked /x
instructions during the test and guides you
If you finish before the ten minutes is up, double
through the four parts.
check that your answers are in the correct boxes.
Remember that you heat each recording ONCE
At the end of the test the question paper and
only.
the answer sheet are both collected in. Only the
Remember that the questions follow the order of answers on the answer sheet count, the question
information in the recording. paper is destroyed.
Remember that you hear words and information
from the question paper as you listen to the
recording - these will help you to keep your place.
Remember there are pauses between each part
and halfway through each part so you can read
the tasks and get ready to answer.
Always write an answer while you’re listening,
even if you’re not sure whether it’s right or not.
Don’t worry about spelling while you’re listening
- you have time to check that later - but write
clearly so that you can read your own answers
later.
Don’t stop to think if you’re not sure of an
answer. You need to be ready to answer the next
one
Don’t panic. You have plenty of time.

8 Essential to the IELTS

 Getting ready to listen - In Class Activity

Times, dates and numbers

1 Match a word or expression from column A (1-9) with one from column B (a-i) that
has a similar meaning.
A B
I instant a adding up to
2 meanwhile b 1980-1990
3 over a twenty-year period c at first
4 the early 1900s d at least
5 the late 1900s e immediate
6 a minimum of f 1900-1930
7 originally g more than twenty
8 a total of h at the same time
9 over twenty i for twenty years
Which of the words are more formal/academic (column A or column B)?

2 Complete the sentences below with a word or phrase from Exercise 1.

1 The new design was a(n) ................... success.
2 To pass the exam, you need ................... 60%.
3 ................... there were a lot of problems, but now it is fine
4 Harry made the dinner. ................... , Susan finished her essay.

Phrasal and prepositional verbs

3 Match the phrasal or prepositional verbs in bold with the verbs in the box
appeared unexpectedly conducted continued create develop understand
1 George Brough set up a workshop in Nottingham.
2 He went on to win 51 races.
3 A scientific monitoring trial will be carried out.
4 A beaver popped up really close.
5 He had to build up a database.
6 It was not easy to figure out how to do this.

Compound nouns
4 Match a word from column A with a word from column B to make compound nouns.
A B
1 sea a materials
2 guided b source
3 train c level
4 raw d engine
5 precious e engine
6 steam f journey
7 fuel g metal
8 diesel h tour

Essential to the IELTS 9

 5 Now complete the following sentences with your own ideas.
1 Due to global warming, the sea level ...
2 A train journey in my country can take between ...
3 Manufacturing in my country needs raw materials such as ...

Wordbuilding

6 Look at the word or phrase in bold in the sentences. What part of speech is it (noun,
verb or adjective)?
1 The final lecture is at 3.00 p.m.
2 We have amended the schedule.
3 The structure of the building is very strong.
4 They will present their findings at the conference.
5 In the end, most issues are resolved in the workplace.
6 This is a major industry for work placements.

7 Look at the suffixes. Match each root word from Exercise 6 with the correct suffix.
Then decide what part of speech the new word is (noun, verb or adjective).
Make changes to spelling where necessary.
-ings -ment -ation -al -ise -ment -ial
1 final finalise verb
2 amend
3 structure
4 present
5 place
6 industry

8 Complete the following sentences with a word from the table in Exercise 7.
1 He’s going to talk about ............. engineering.
2 She wants to get a work ............. with an accountancy firm
3 He’s giving a ............. on linguistic diversity.
4 We need to ............. the accommodation arrangements as soon as possible.
5 Paul is studying the ............. process of glass recycling.
6 There are some ............. to the programme, so we’ll need to print it again.

Research data
9 Complete the sentences with a word or phrase from the box.

corresponded frees the hands live prime

season shifts stretch tagged

1 The study area was a seven kilometre ............ of the Sverdrup Pass.
2 The research team trapped ............ Arctic hares.
3 Once inside the trap, each hare was weighed, measured and ............
4 A tripod ............ for note-taking.
5 Researchers work in ............
6 They concentrated on shifts which ............ to feeding cycles.
7 More effort was spent on the midnight shift during the breeding ............
8 Late evening and early morning are ............ times for breeding activity.

10 Essential to the IELTS

 Common IELTS topic: The natural world
Phrasal and prepositional verbs

10 Complete the sentences with the option (A, B, C or D) which best fits each gap.
1 ‘You will need to ............ an application form before you can take part in the
southern petrel research programme.’
A fill up
B write in
C fill in
D write up

2 ‘The chicks were reared in captivity at the local zoo before being ............ to park
rangers for eventual release into the wild.’
A handed over
B handed up
C handed in
D handed through

3 ‘The lake was monitored over a period of six months in order to ............ a picture
of how the newly introduced fish were interacting with the existing species’
A weigh up
B make up
C get up
D build up
4 ‘They gave careful consideration to a number of possible sites for the research
protect and in the end ............ a location in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.’
A put up
B came about
C went for
D gave out
5 ‘After many years of research the team finally ............ why the birds were so
vulnerable to disease.’
A worked through
B figured out
C brought about
D came over
6 ‘The team should be congratulated for ............ their research despite the terrible
weather conditions.’
A carrying on with
B putting off
C getting over
D getting away with
7 ‘Your research project on climate change is so detailed and well written that you
should consider ............ to do a masters degree.’
A going up
B going by
C going in
D going on
8 ‘The eco-tourism business was ............ in 2009 and has built up an international
reputation for good practice since then.’
A set by
B set in
C set out
D set up

Essential to the IELTS 11

 Wordbuilding

11 Put the word in brackets in the correct form to complete the sentences.
1 In order to complete the research, the team will recreate the fish’s natural
habitat inside the laboratory. However, the exact specifications (specify) have
not been decided yet.
2 The increase in bird numbers around the petro-chemical plant is a good ............
(illustrate) of the beneficial environmental effect of the conservation programme.
3 There are a number of ............ (various) between the species that have been of
particular interest to researchers.
4 Peer review discovered so many ............ (adequate) in the research design that
the programme was cancelled.
5 It was ............ (correct) reported that the species was extinct when in fact a
small population was still living in a remote corner of the rainforest.
6 There was no ............ (indicate) that storms in the region could be so severe,
so the weather that night was unexpected.
7 Researchers were astonished to find that birds such as crows and rooks behaved
so ............ (intelligence); several of the birds were observed using tools to access food.
8 Many local people ............ (voluntary) to take part in the research despite the
cold and uncomfortable conditions in the forest.
9 The work of Professor Sterling transformed our understanding of the subject
and was ............ (benefit) to every subsequent researcher in the Antarctic.
10 ............ (theory), an earthquake is highly unlikely in that part of the continent,
but the researchers decided not to take any chances.

12 Essential to the IELTS

 Following a coversation - In Class Activity

Form-Filling
Form-filling is a common IELTS Listening task, particularly in Section 1. You often have to
provide factual information, including numbers. Use the words on the form as a guide to the
information you need to listen for.
1. Work with a partner. Together look at the form below and discuss the situation and
the relationship of the speakers. Then discuss what type of answers you need to listen for.
2. Audio Track 1 - Listen and answer questions 1-4.

Complete the form below.

Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Hotel Novena
Guest Registration Form
Example Answer
Name of guest: Matthews
Room: 1 .................................
Wake-up call at: 2 .................................
Type of breakfast: 3 .................................
Payment by: 4 .................................

Note completion
You often have to complete some notes in the IELTS Listening test. You should read
the notes carefully before you listen, to work out what type of words are missing. The
vocabulary in the notes can also help you predict the situation.
1 Look at the set of notes below and say what the topic is.
2 On the right, write what type of words you need to complete the notes.
3 Audio Track 2 - Listen and answer questions 1-3.

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Train now arriving at 1 ........................................ .

Meet boys outside station 2 ........................................ .
Bring leather jacket. Bring 3 ........................................ to repay Charlie.

Essential to the IELTS 13

 Recognising paraphrase

Exercises

1 Audio Track 3 - Read the sentences (1-4).

What type of information is missing in each of the gaps?

1 You could see a total of .............. motorcycles at the museum when it first opened.

2 There was a .............. at the museum in the year 2003.

3 The speaker mentions the up-to-date .............. facilities in the conference centre.

4 The museum’s oldest two-wheeled bike was built in the year .............. .

2 Audio Track 3 - Listen to a short talk about about a motorcycle museum and

make a note of this information:

1 You hear information about the number of motorcycles in the museum at

different times. Write down the numbers you hear.

2 You hear three dates when things happened at the museum. Write down the
things that happened.

3 You hear about different facilities for visitors at the museum. Which three
facilities do you hear about?

4 You hear about old motorcycles in the museum and when they were built. Write
down three years you hear.

14 Essential to the IELTS

 In Class activity - Getting ready to listen, Following a
conversation and Recognising paraphrase

Video 1 Mega Green Museum

Before you watch
1 You will watch a video about the California Academy of Sciences Natural History
Museum, which has been described as ‘a green building that breathes’. Brainstorm
answers to the following questions:

1 What kind of exhibits might you see in this kind of museum?

2 What things give a building the label ‘green’?

While you watch

2 Watch the video. Check your ideas from Exercise 1.

3 Read the sentences about the museum’s green credentials. Then watch the video
(from 01.50-03.16) and complete the sentences. Write NO MORE THAN TWO
WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

1 The museum’s roof is covered with flowers and plant life and allows ..............
from inside the building to escape.
2 The building is constructed entirely from .............. materials.
3 The domes which contain the planetarium and the rainforest are .............. high.
4 The museum’s roof also contains .............. solar panels.

4 Watch the whole video and complete the summary of the architect Renzo
Piano’s design process. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

The first stage of an architect’s job is to visit the site and understand the topography of
the 1 .............. .For Renzo Piano, the next stage is to make a simple 2 .............. sketch of
the building. The simplicity of this sketched design does not reveal how 3 .............. the
building actually is. In fact, in this case, it’s one of the largest 4 .............. buildings in the
world. The 5 .............. of the museum is one of the most innovative design features and
once Renzo Piano has approved this, work can start on the next phase.

Essential to the IELTS 15

 Home Activity

Getting ready to listen

1 Audio Track 4 - Listen and complete the notes below.

Questions 1-7
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

THE YAVARI: AN INCREDIBLE SHIP

TODAY

Where can you see the ship now: close to a 1 .............. at Puno Bay in Peru.
What can visitors do:
• take a 2 ..............
• sleep on the ship

HISTORY

Year when the ship was built: 3 ..............

Main material used in building the ship: 4 ..............
How it was transported to Peru: by sea in small sections
How it was transported across Peru:
• by 5 ..............
• on horseback

WORKING LIFE

Raw materials carried by the ship:

• precious metals
• 6 ..............
Type of engine first fitted on the ship: 7 ..............

16 Essential to the IELTS

 Getting ready to listen

1 Audio Track 5 - Listen and complete the form in Exercise 1.

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

APPLICATION TO JOIN THE COLLEGE TENNIS CLUB

TITLE: Mr

FIRST NAME(S): John Paul

SURNAME: 1 ..............

HOUSE NAME OR NUMBER: Room 42 2 .............. Hall of Residence

STREET ADDRESS: 3 .............. Street

POSTCODE: CD3 7GB

EMAIL: johnpaul24@SPL.ed.uk

MOBILE NUMBER: 09114 87877

FACULTY: 4 ..............

STUDENT ID: JPR440021

DATE OF BIRTH: 5 ..............

NATIONALITY: 6 ..............

TENNIS LEVEL: 7 ..............

ANY DISABILITIES: none

OTHER SPORTS CLUBS JOINED: 8 ..............

Essential to the IELTS 17

 Following a conversation

Matching
1 Audio Track 6 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-5
What job does each of the following people do in the hotel?
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter A-H next to
questions 1-5.
JOB TITLES EMPLOYEEES
A Head Receptionist 1 Damian Rose ..............
B Bookings Manager 2 Clara Ford ..............
C Events Co-ordinator 3 Petra Snell ..............
D Catering Manager 4 Olive Ansell ..............
E Head Chef 5 Luca Petronelli ..............
F Personnel Manager
G Head of Accounts
H Head Waiter

Matching
1 Audio Track 7 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-5
What view of interpreting does each academic or group of academics (1-5) hold?
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter A-H next to
questions 1-5.

A An interpreter must know the original language perfectly

B Client satisfaction is the best way to measure quality.
C interpreters and their clients often have different aims.
D Clients associate quality with aspects of delivery.
E Successful communication is the main aim of interpreting.
F interpreters often misinterpret clients’ needs.
G Clients sometimes criticise interpreters unfairly.
H An interpreter must speak the target language fluently.

1 Russian School ..............

2 Paris School ..............
3 Kalina ..............
4 Buhler ..............
5 Donovan ..............

18 Essential to the IELTS

 Sentence Completion
1 Audio Track 8 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-5
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.

THE SPORT OF SQUASH

1 The name of the country where squash was first played is ..............
2 The name ‘squash’ was first used to describe the .............. which is used in the game.
3 The material used to make the first squash racquets was ..............
4 The colour used to indicate an advanced level ball is ..............
5 In an advanced squash match, the ball generally travels at .............. kilometres per hour.

Sentence Completion
1 Audio Track 9 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-4
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.

SCOTTISH BEAVER TRIAL

1 There have been no beavers in the UK since the .............. century.

2 Because they make .............. better, beavers are regarded as a ‘keynote’ species.
3 A total of .............. families of beavers are now living in Knapdale Forest.
4 What’s called a .............. will tell scientists how the beavers affect the local environment.

Questions 5-10
Complete the summary below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Eileen is spending a short period at the Scottish Beaver Trial on what is called an 5 .............. She is
actually a post-graduate student and her particular area of research is 6 .............. , which is why she
finds the beaver project so interesting. On the project, Eileen has the job of studying the 7 ..............
behaviours of the beavers. Eileen was fortunate enough to see some beavers when she went out
on a 8 .............. on her first evening in Knapdale. Eileen’s particular task is to 9 .............. the dams and
other things that the beavers make, and she has set up what’s called a 10 .............. so that she can
observe them more closely.

Essential to the IELTS 19

 Recognising paraphrase
Matching
1 Audio Track 10 - Listen and answer the questions.
In IELTS Listening, sometimes you have to match a list of options to a list of questions.
There will always be more options than questions.
1 You are going to hear part of a conversation. Look at the words used in
questions 1-3 and then the options in the box, including the heading. Say what
you expect the situation to be.
2 Read the question and all the options (A-F) carefully before you listen to the
recording. Make sure you understand what you have to do and then rephrase
the advantages (1-3) in your own words.

Which course has the following advantages?

Choose THREE answers from the box and write the correct letters A-F next to questions 1-3.
Advantages Courses
1 good work prospects ........................ A Arts
2 plenty of work opportunities ........................ B Computing
3 lower entry requirement ........................ C Dentistry
D Law
E Medicine
F Science

Sentence Completion - Golden Wheels Car Rentals

1 Audio Track 11 - Listen and answer the questions.
Questions 1-6
Listen to the telephone conversation and complete the form below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Customer request form
Example Answer
Customer’s name: Frank Moorcraft
Address: 1 26, .............. , Richmond
Telephone: 2 02 ........................
Type of licence: 3 ............................
Type of vehicle: 4 ............................
Date for collection: 5 ............................
Length of booking: 6 ............................

Questions 7-10
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
7 The man will pick the car up from ............................ .
8 The car is required at ............................ .
9 A ............................ is also needed.
10 The man decides to take the ............................ .

20 Essential to the IELTS

 Places and directions - In Class Activity

Labelling a diagram
1 Audio Track 12 - Listen and answer the questions.
Label the diagram below. Write ONE word for each answer.

2 Audio Track 13 - Listen and answer the questions.

Listen and complete the notes using not more than three words in each gap.

In case of emergency

• Remove from case and withdraw 6 ............................ .

• 7 ............................ extinguisher at burning object.

• 8 ............................ top lever which 9 ............................ gas.

• Point nozzle at 10 ............................ to extinguish.

Essential to the IELTS 21

 Multiple choice
1 Audio Track 14 - Listen and answer the questions.

Multiple choice questions are common in the IELTS Listening test. They are used to
test detailed understanding. There are three types:
Type 1 A question followed by three possible answers, worth one mark.
Type 2 A statement followed by three possible endings, worth one mark
Type 3 A list of possible options from which you select a number of answers for
one or more marks.

Read each of the multiple choice questions below and say

• which type of question it is.
• how many marks it is worth
• what the topic is
• who the speakers might be.

22 Essential to the IELTS

 Listening for actions and processes - In Class Activity

Map Labelling
1 Audio Track 15 - Listen and label the map.

Questions 1-6

Label the map below.

Write the correct letter, A-I, next to questions 1-6.

1 Registry ............................
2 New Library ............................
3 Theatre ............................
4 Restaurant ............................
5 Faculty of Medicine ............................
6 Car park ............................

Essential to the IELTS 23

 Multiple Choice

1 Audio Track 16 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-6

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

1 What research finding surprised the speaker?

A The majority of phone owners fail to use simple security measures.
B A large number of lost phones end up in the hands of criminals.
C Most people who find lost phones look at the data on them.

2 With regard to shopping apps, the speaker suggests that her listeners
A remove all sensitive information from them.
B log out of them when they’re not in use.
C choose those which are most secure.

3 The device known as a ‘scream’ is most useful when

A a phone has been left in a public place.
B a phone has been temporarily mislaid.
C a phone has been stolen.

4 What does the speaker think of the ‘complete data-wipe feature’ offered by
some apps?
A It may not offer value for money.
B It shouldn’t really be necessary.
C It’s useful as a last resort

5 What problem with passcodes does the speaker regard as most serious?
A They make it harder to recover missing phones.
B People find it difficult to remember them.
C They can also be lost or stolen.

6 What service does the ‘global lost-and-found’ service offer?

A It arranges the return of lost phones to their original owners.
B It provides financial rewards for people returning lost phones.
C It enables people who find lost phones to get in touch with owners.

24 Essential to the IELTS

 Attitude and opinions - In Class Activity

ROVER ROBOT
1 Audio Track 17 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-3
Complete the summary. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER
for each answer.

The robot does the same work as a 1 ............................ . Some people think it looks like a
2 ........................ on wheels. It is quite small, weighing only 16.5 kg and it moves relatively
slowly, with a maximum speed of 3 ............................ km an hour.

Questions 8-10
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

8 How long does it take the radio signal to travel from Earth to Mars?
...................................................................................
9 What stops the scientists from steering the rover in real time?
....................................................................................
10 What do scientists believe Mars has, which is similar to Earth?
....................................................................................

Essential to the IELTS 25

 In Class Activity - Places and directions, Listening for
actions and processes and Attitude and opinions

Video 2 Eco-detectives
Before you watch
1 Where in a house would you expect to find these domestic appliances? Can you add
any more to the list?
coffee machine dishwasher DVD player food mixer fridge freezer hair dryer
kettle toaster TV VCR washing machine water heater
2 Which of the things mentioned in Exercise 1 do you consider to be essential in
your life?

While you watch

3 Watch a video about energy efficiency in the home. Are the sentences true (T) or
false (F)?
1 In the USA, houses and buildings consume almost half of all the energy that is used.
2 Many homes waste more energy than they consume.
3 We can’t save energy and keep the conveniences we are used to.
4 Vampire loads don’t actually waste electricity.
5 Temperatures in the area where Amory Lovins lives can reach-470F.
6 Lovins’ house can run on about the same power as one light bulb.

4 Watch the video again and pay attention to these expressions.

Try to explain what they mean.
1 energy-eating monster
2 eco-detective
3 innocent-looking thing
4 vampire loads
5 good old common sense
6 the climate problem

After you watch

5 Audio Track 18 - Listen to a tour of an eco-house by its new owner.
Label the plan below, Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct
letters, A-l, next to the spaces 1-5.

26 Essential to the IELTS

 Home Activity

Places and directions

Diagram Labelling
1 Audio Track 19 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-5
Label the diagram of the bike below.
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter A-H, next to each one.

A soft material gives extra comfort

B uses a standard design
C special shape reduces weight
D made from old kitchen equipment
E relatively narrow
F allows rider to change position
G exceptionally light
H recycled from old bikes

Essential to the IELTS 27

 Listening for actions and processes
Multiple Choice
1 Audio Track 20 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-6

Choose the correct letter, A B or C

1 The original aim of Fiona and Jack’s research was to find out
A whether the migration patterns of robins changed over time
B how robins knew which direction to fly in at different times of year
C if the findings of previous studies of robin migration were accurate.

2 They agree that the most surprising aspect of the birds’ behaviour was
A how much it changed.
B how quickly it changed.
C how regularly it changed.
3 Fiona’s first theory was that the birds had been affected by
A something they had eaten.
B something they had heard.
C something they had breathed in.
4 How did Fiona react initially to Jack’s suggestion about radio waves?
A She realised that the birds must be sensitive to them.
B She thought it was an unlikely explanation.
C She refused to take it seriously.
5 How did Jack feel immediately after the experiment with the Faraday Cage?
A relieved to be able to get back to his normal task
B sure that they had uncovered something Significant
C doubtful whether they had drawn the correct conclusion
6 What implications have Jack and Fiona drawn from their further research
A Other forms of communication could have the same effect).
B It is only a matter of time before all birds are at risk
C Birds in cities are more likely to be affected.

28 Essential to the IELTS

 Attitude and opinions

Getting to the Hillside Water Park

1 Audio Track 21 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-5. Complete the summary below.

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

The water park is situated in the 1 ............................ area of the town. You can get there
on foot but this takes about 2 ............................ . There are regular buses from the 3
............................ and the most direct is the number 4 ............................. . Taxis are also
available but they are not 5 ............................ .

Essential to the IELTS 29

 Multiple Choice

1 Audio Track 22 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-6. Choose TWO letters, A-E.

Which Two facilities in the student residence have been upgraded recently.
A the study bedrooms
B the main entrance
C the shared kitchens
D the bathrooms
E the laundry room
1 ............................
2 ............................
Which Two services are provided free of charge to residents
A replacement key
B parking place
C weekly room cleaning
D electricity
E extra bedding
3 ............................
4 ............................
Which Two problems should be reported to the management?
A lost or stolen items.
B faulty equipment
C poor internet connection
D problems with other residents
E complaints about staff
5 ............................
6 ............................

2 Audio Track 23 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1 and 2. Choose TWO letters, A-E.

Which TWO advantages of the website are mentioned?
A It has links to other popular websites.
B It can be used by non-academics.
C It saves researchers time.
D It helps researchers to organise their data.
E It is specifically designed to help students.
1 ............................
2 ............................
Questions 3 and 4. Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Which TWO disadvantages of the website do the two speakers agree about?
A The database is now getting too large.
B It doesn’t offer complete reliability.
C The ‘suggest’ feature is not very effective.
D Data can only be uploaded in one format.
E It doesn’t provide information free of charge.
3 ............................
4 ............................

30 Essential to the IELTS

 Following a lecture or talk - In Class Activity

Flow-chart completion
1 Audio Track 24 - Listen and answer the questions.

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

Presentation: Arctic Hare Research

1 Which other animals did the researchers study?
...................................................................................
2 What term is used to categorise Dr Gray’s study?
...................................................................................
3 What was the approximate height above sea level of the area studied?
...................................................................................
4 Which part of the animal’s body makes the clearest marks in the snow?
...................................................................................
5 What is a good place to look for hare droppings?
...................................................................................
6 What was put inside traps to attract the hares?
...................................................................................
7 What is the maximum distance for identifying individual animals with a telescope?
...................................................................................
8 Which was the best shift for seeing hares in breeding season?
...................................................................................

Essential to the IELTS 31

 Contrasting ideas - In Class Activity

Table completion
1 Take 30 seconds to look at the table below and then discuss what type of
information is missing.
2 Audio Track - 25 Listen to the first part of the conversation and answer questions 1-6.

Complete the table below.

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

Sentence completion
The sentences which follow are based on the second part of the conversation
between the man and the receptionist at the City Aquarium.
3 Audio Track - 26 Listen to the second part of the conversation
and answer questions 7-10.

Complete the sentences below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
7 You can buy a book that tells you about the .................... in the aquarium.
8 The gift shop is situated next to the .................... .
9 The aquarium closes at .................... today.
10 The tickets are cheaper when you buy them .................... .

32 Essential to the IELTS

 In Class activity - Following a lecture or talk and
Contrasting ideas

A Section 1 Questions 1-10

1 Audio Track 27 - Listen and answer the questions.

Questions 1-10
Complete the form below.

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

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION REQUEST FORM

Surname: Blake

First name: 1 ........................

ID number: 2 ........................

Gender: male

Email address: dblake@internet.com

Telephone number: 3 ........................

Course attending: 4 ........................

Start date: 5 ........................

Accommodation type: 6 ........................

Room type: 7 ........................

Type of bathroom: 8 ........................

Vehicle: 9 ........................

Amount of deposit: 10 £ ....................

Essential to the IELTS 33

 B Section 2 Questions 11-20
2 Audio Track 28 - Listen and answer the questions.
Questions 11-16. Where can you find each of the following items?
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-H next to
questions 11-16.

Places
A immediately inside the kitchen
B in the manager’s office
C near the back door
D beside the entrance
E behind the bar
F underneath the cash desk
G outside the staffroom.
H in the food preparation area

Useful items
11 cutlery ........................
12 clean tablecloths ........................
13 spare menus ........................
14 fresh flowers ........................
15 paper towels ........................
16 first-aid kit ........................

Questions 17-20
Who should each type of complaint be referred to in the first instance?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to questions 17-20.

A the manager
B the head chef
C the head waiter

17 complaints received before the meal ........................

18 complaints about a particular dish ........................
19 complaints about a whole meal ........................
20 complaints after payment has been made ........................

34 Essential to the IELTS

 c Section 3 Questions 21-30
3 Audio Track 29 - Listen and answer the questions.
Questions 21 and 22
Choose TWO letters, A-E. Which Two sources of data will Mark look at next?

A local history collection

B newspaper reports
C planning applications
D contracts
E geological survey
Questions 23 and 24
Choose TWO letters, A-E. Which TWO tasks will Kirsty do next?

A approach individual gardeners

B design a questionnaire
C draw a plan of the site
D look at previous research studies
E get permission from the management
Questions 25 - 27
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. Which Two sources of data will Mark look at
next?

25 What will their research focus on?

A the productivity of the land

B the attitude of the gardeners
C the problems facing the gardeners
26 They agree to consult their tutor

A before going any further.

B when a detailed plan is in place.
C once they have set up some interviews.
27 They agree that their main difficulty will be

A writing an adequate proposal.

B constructing a valid questionnaire.
C deciding how many interviews to conduct.

Questions 28 - 30
Label the diagram below. Write the correct letter, A-G, next to questions 28-30.

CREEPING BUTTERCUP

28 no sepals ...............
29 polygonal shape ...............
30 stolon ...............

Essential to the IELTS 35

 D Section 4 Questions 31-40
4 Audio Track 30 - Listen and answer the questions.
Questions 31-36
Choose the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Problems affecting small areas of rainforest

31 A process called ........................ has a negative effect in these areas.

32 There is less food, especially ........................ , for animals to eat.

33 Larger animals may see a fall in ........................ because of lack of contact

with other populations.

34 The ‘edge effect’ can change both the ........................ and the amount of
light at the forest.

35 There is probably more ........................ activity in forest areas close to

farmland.

36 Small animals which have a particular ........................ may be most at risk.

Questions 37-40
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

ASSESSING BIODIVERSITY
Basic method:

• Walk through the forest

• Some animals make a lot of noise, for example 37 ...................

• Some birds have easily identified nests

• Some animals always hide in certain places, for example 38 ...................

Trapping methods:

• Simple traps using a sheet of plastic and 39 ................... for small animals.

• Mist nets can trap birds

• Camera traps for other species

• A 40 ................... can be used to identify animals trapped more than once.

36 Essential to the IELTS

 Home Activity

Flowchart Completion
1 Audio Track 31 - Listen and complete the flowchart.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Note completion
2 Audio Track 32 - Listen and complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Essential to the IELTS 37

 Flow Chart Completion

3 Audio Track 33 - Listen and answer the questions.

38 Essential to the IELTS

 Mixed question types

4 Audio Track 34 - Listen and answer the questions.

Essential to the IELTS 39

40 Essential to the IELTS