Listening Practice: Autism Hour

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This lesson focuses on sentence completion questions which basically means filling the gaps with a word or words from the recording. It’s a common question type in IELTS listening tests. To do well at this type of question you need to be good at paraphrasing and being able to spot keywords in the question to help you navigate the audio.

I chose the topic of Autism because I feel it is one we all need to know more about. Autistic people experience the world in a very different way to people who are neuro-typical. The more we understand, the more we will love, value and respect people with Autism.

Listening Practice for IELTS 

AUTISM

Questions 1-5: No more than two words.

  1. Autism can affect how someone ……….. with others and how they experience the world.
  2. Businesses should ………. their lights and reduce noise during Autism Hour.
  3. Too much light and noise and lead to a sensory ………… which can be painful for people with autism.
  4. Society is mostly …………. towards neuro-typical people.
  5. Some people with other illnesses can also struggle to cope with ………… information.

Recording: Listen only once.

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Answers

Answers for this lesson are now available.

Click here: Answers to Autism Listening Lesson

Message from Liz:

Autism is something close to my heart. Please take the time to learn more by choosing one of the following links:

The Reason I Jump. This is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. It opened my eyes to the incredible world experienced by autistic people. Written by Naoki Higashida, who has severe autism, it provides a special insight into what someone with autism experiences and the reasons for their reactions so we can understand and support them. You can purchase this on Amazon. Here is a link to it for UK buyers: The Reason I Jump 

National Autistic Society, UK. This website will give you information about autism and what you can do to help: https://www.autism.org.uk/

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Rainforest Fires Listening Practice

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This listening practice is based on the recent wildfires in the Amazon. I thought it would give you a chance to get your vocabulary and listening up to scratch with this topic. Don’t be surprised if you find this topic appearing in writing task 2 or in the speaking test. The environment is a common topic in all sections of the IELTS test.

Rainforest Listening Practice for IELTS

Questions 1- 6: Complete the sentences below using no more than two words.

  1. One in ten ………. on Earth live in the Amazon rainforest.
  2. These fires are actually visible from ………. .
  3. The fires affect thousands of mammal, reptile, ………….. and bird species.
  4. Animals trying to escape the fires by hiding may die from the flames, heat or ……………………..
  5. The consequences of changing ecosystems due to the fires can filter down to impact the …………
  6. The Amazon is known as the ……… of the planet.

Recording

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Answers

The answers are not available for this lesson. Click here: Answers for Rainforest Listening

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IELTS Multiple Choice Listening Practice Lesson

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A multiple choice listening practice lesson for IELTS about a volunteer conservation program. Conservation and wildlife topics are typical in not only IELTS listening but also reading, writing and speaking. Read the multiple choice tips before tackling the listening questions.

Tips for MC Questions

  1. The key to multiple choice questions is to spot the difference between the options given.
  2. You will probably hear words from all options.
  3. Don’t try to match words – aim for meaning.
  4. Your task is to locate the keyword(s) that will help you find the right answer.
  5. Keep listening after you choose your answer in case the speaker adds more information that changes the answer.
  6. Be ready to move to the next question – do this by keeping an eye on the keywords for the next question.

Read the questions first and then play the recording. In the real IELTS test, you can listen only once. The recording audio is given below the questions.

Multiple Choice Questions for IELTS Listening

Turtle Conservation

Questions: 1-5: Complete the statements below by choosing the correct letter.

Question 1: The volunteer program relates to….

  • a) all kinds of turtles.
  • b) only Olive Ridley turtles.
  • c) various kinds of turtles.

Question 2: Volunteers can join the program for ….

  • a) as long as they want.
  • b) no more than 12 weeks.
  • c) one week.

Question 3: Accommodation is ….

  • a) luxury with a local family.
  • b) with a local family in the best house.
  • c) basic with a local family.

Question 4: Volunteers must be …

  • a) individuals of 18 years old.
  • b) individuals or groups with experience.
  • c) over the age of 18 but do not need experience.

Question 5: Volunteers will …

  • a) clear the beach of rubbish.
  • b) relocate baby turtles.
  • c) help adult turtles move along the beach.

Recording:

Notice: The information from this listening exercise is actually based on a real conservation program that helps turtles in Costa Rica. It sounds fantastic! Take a look: Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Program for Volunteers. Always check details with their site because the details above have been adapted for my listening lesson. For me personally, I just love turtles and had to make this lesson 🙂

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Answers

Click below. Check the transcript first. You can use the transcript for your development to check keywords in the recording and also improve your pronunciation by listening and repeating. Once you have done some development, check the answers.

TRANSCRIPT

Transcript: The volunteer program is aimed at helping to conserve and protect the population of Olive Ridley turtles in Costa Rica, although other species of turtles are also involved. The program is run at Ostional beach which has been an active conservation area for the last 40 years. Volunteers can sign up for any length of time from 2 to 12 weeks. All volunteers will be housed with local families near the beach – do not expect luxury, this is basic at best . Have your dictionary ready because English is not usual in local families. It is possible to sign up as a group or just as an individual without prior experience but we do have an age requirement of over 18. A health check and police check will also be required. The main involvement in this program is with recording data, helping with tagging, removing debris from the beach to ensure clear passage for adult and baby turtles and also to assist in egg relocation. This is a unique experience for anyone interested in turtles and conservation.

ANSWERS

  1. C
    • “is aimed at helping to conserve and protect the population of Olive Ridley turtles in Costa Rica, although other species of turtles are also involved”
    • The above part of the sentence shows that it was not exclusively Olive Ridley turtles because other types of turtles were in involved. This means if you continued to listen, you find that answer B is not possible.
    • Also this part of the sentence does not state that ALL turtles (100% of all turtle species) were involved. This means the answer cannot be A.
  2. B
    • “Volunteers can sign up for any length of time from 2 to 12 weeks.”
    • This means that option A is not possible because there is definitely a time limit. And option C is not possible because the minimum time is 2 weeks, not 1 week.
  3. C
    • “All volunteers will be housed with local families near the beach – do not expect luxury, this is basic at best”
    • This means that it is not luxury (A). Also it is not B. Option is there to make sure you are not trying to match words ie the word “best”.
  4. C
    • “It is possible to sign up as a group or just as an individual without prior experience but we do have an age requirement of over 18.”
    • The keyword in the question is “MUST” . This means you are listening for a requirement of the programme.
    • A is not the answer because it is not a requirement to be an individual – groups are also possible.
    • B is not the answer because experience is not a requirement.
  5. A
    • “The main involvement in this program is with recording data, helping with tagging, removing debris from the beach to ensure clear passage for adult and baby turtles and also to assist in egg relocation.”
    • The answer A can only be recognised if you are good with paraphrasing. The word “rubbish” is a synonym of “debris”. Also “to clear the beach” is a paraphrase for “removing debris to ensure a clear passage”.
    • B is not the answer because the recording shows that eggs are relocated (not baby turtles). This option is checking to make sure you are not trying to match words “relocation”.
    • C is not possible because at no time are turtles assisted in being able to move.

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MORE LISTENING FOR IELTS

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Listening Practice: My University

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This listening practice is with a video rather than an audio recording. It is a video of Royal Holloway, University of London, which is actually where I completed my BA Hons degree. I thought you would enjoy seeing it. The main building is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen for a university and I was lucky enough to live in the castle for one year.

The listening exercise is not difficult so I expect you all to get at least 5 out of 6 correct 🙂

Listening Practice: My University

Read the questions first and then listen to the video below and answer the questions.

Questions 1 – 6: no more than three words and/or a number

  1. The University of London is made up of ………. different institutions.
  2. The college was established in ………..
  3. Nowadays, the university has ………… students from over 100 countries.
  4. The campus feels like a peaceful, ……….. place in the countryside.
  5. Royal Holloway is located ………… from the centre of London.
  6. There are three world class faculties: the arts faculty, …………….and ……………………, and the science faculty.

Liz’s University: Royal Holloway, University of London

Listen to the video and answer the questions above. Please note that in the IELTS test, you won’t be given a video with music to listen to. I have created this lesson to be enjoyable, to learn about the university I went to and also to practice sentence completion questions, which are very common in the IELTS listening test.

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Answers

Click here: Answers for My University Listening Lesson

All the best

Liz

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IELTS Listening Diagrams Practice & Tips

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Useful practice and tips for IELTS Listening Diagram Labelling Questions. IELTS listening diagrams can come in any section of the IELTS listening test. You will be presented with a visual diagram requiring you to either label parts of the diagram or complete notes in the diagram. It is important that you prepare for this type of IELTS listening question. Please note that the lessons below are not tests, they are practice lessons for IELTS listening diagrams.

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR IELTS LISTENING DIAGRAM QUESTION

Take your time to read and understand the tips below. It can feel overwhelming to see a visual diagram in your listening test. You don’t have much time to absorb the illustration and prepare questions. So, the more you get used to diagrams in IELTS listening, the better.

  1. Title: Always notice the heading/title of the diagram. This gives you valuable information to understand the content.
  2. Details: Don’t get lost in trying to understand every detail of the diagram – you won’t have time. So, spot the keywords and notice which part of the diagram they relate to. IELTS do fill their listening tests with lots of information that isn’t required for answers. This is to test your ability to filter meaning and language in order to focus on your task.
  3. Questions:
    1. Note completion – often the questions require you to fill in the gap of a note or sentence. In this case, the other words in the notes will help you understand the type of answer you are looking for, such as a noun, verb, adjective, number etc.
    2. Empty Gaps – you must just have an empty gap relating to a part of the diagram with no extra words to help you. This usually indicates the name of that particular part of the illustration.
    3. Location: Notice where the questions are located and what order they come in. The questions will follow the order of the recording, but be placed in different places within the diagram.
  4. Answers: They will come in order. You must spell the word correctly.
  5. Instructions: Notice how many words or numbers you are allowed for your answer. 
  6. Keywords: The diagram will contain keywords that are already labelled – pay attention to them. They will help you understand the recording and keep your place in the diagram.
  7. Always be ready to move on to the next question. It’s easy to lose your place in the recording, particularly when you are looking at the diagram as well as listening. This really is a multi-tasking listening test.
  8. Guess: If you are not sure about an answer, don’t leave it empty – guess. Your guess might be right.

Diagram Language Tips for Listening

Diagrams are visual and this means you will learn language which relates to the location of things in the diagram. Below are some examples, but you can learn many more from the transcripts for the recordings below. Always use the transcripts after you finish a lesson to enlarge your vocabulary.

  • at the top / at the bottom / on the side (of)
  • to the left / on the left side / to the right / the right side / either side / both sides
  • behind / next to / opposite / adjacent to / in front of 
  • above / on top of / below / underneath  / upside down / the right way up
  • the center / the periphery / the focal point  / inside / outside

Often (not always) the person speaking will indicate when they are about to speak about the diagram. For example, they might say:

  • if we look at the diagram
  • looking at the illustration
  • as you can see by the visual representation

IELTS LISTENING DIAGRAM PRACTICE LESSON

  1.  

Listening Practice Lesson 1

As you see, this lesson contains two types of questions. It is normal to get two or more types of questions in one section of your IELTS Listening Test. The first type of question is Sentence Completion and the second is a practice of the IELTS Listening Diagram Labelling question. The recording will not tell you when to move from one question to another – you must listen and be ready to move at the right time.

This is a challenging lesson with complex language and topic.

Mars Insight Probe

Questions 1 – 3: Complete the sentences using no more than one word and/or a number.

  1. The Insight probe will investigate Mars’ ………………
  2. The probe is currently situated near Mars’ …………..
  3. Scientists aim to learn about Mars’ composition from its core to its ………..

Questions 4 – 7

Complete the diagram below using no more than two words and/or numbers.

Source: Both diagram and article are from BBC NEWS

RECORDING:

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ANSWERS & TRANSCRIPT

Please click below to reveal vocabulary, transcript and answers:

VocabBuilder
  • plunge = dive, decent
  • vast = enormous
  • plain = large area of flat land without obstacles such as large rocks
  • core = centre
  • crust = hard outer layer of something
  • seismometer = an instrument that measures movement such as earthquakes
  • orbits = circles (vb)
  • pointers = clues
  • circular = round
  • deploy = move into position
Transcript
Use the transcript below to check your answers, make a note of useful tips and paraphrases and also improve your pronunciation by listening to the recording and reading the transcript at the same time.

The US space agency Nasa has landed a new robot on Mars, otherwise known as the Red Planet. after a dramatic seven-minute plunge to the surface.,  The Insight probe aims to study the world’s deep interior, and make it the only planet – apart from Earth – that has been examined in this way. Insight is now sitting on a vast, flat plain, close to the Red Planet’s equator. This will be the first probe to dedicate its investigations to understanding Mars’ interior. Scientists want to know how the world is constructed – from its core to its crust.

Looking at the functions of the Insight probe shown on the diagram, we can see that at the top there is a robotic arm which places instruments such as the seismometer on the planet’s surface. Attached to the arm is an instrument monitoring camera. On the main body of the probe there are sensors for both temperature and wind as well as a rise antenna. This measures the movement of Mars’ North Pole as it orbits the sun giving pointers about the iron-rich centre of the planet and hopefully more information about the composition and size of the planet’s core. On either side of the main body of the probe are two large circular solar panels which were deployed immediately on landing to operate its systems and warm equipment in the sub-zero temperatures on the planet . To delve deep into the ground and measure the planet’s temperature, there is a heat flow probe that will penetrate to a depth of 5m or 16ft.

Answers
Answers have been written using all capital letters – this is recommended for both reading and listening answers.

  1. INTERIOR
  2. EQUATOR
  3. CRUST
  4. ROBOTIC ARM
  5. TEMPERATURE  WIND
    • It is not necessary to use a comma – punctuation is not required in IELTS listening answers. Although using a comma is still acceptable.
    • Writing the word “and” would make the answer incorrect for two reasons: 1) there is a word limit of max two words 2) the word “and” is already given in the diagram and cannot be part of the answer.
    • Both words are necessary for one point. There are no half points.
  6. SOLAR PANELS
    • You must have the “s” on panels or the answer will be marked wrong.
    • You cannot write “circular solar panels” because that is three words and the limit is two words. Also the word “circular” is purely descriptive to help the reader identify the solar panels on the diagram – it is not a word that makes up the compound noun.
  7.   5   16
    • You must have both numbers for one point. If one number is wrong, the whole answer is marked wrong.
    • See above about using commas.
    • You should not put “m” or “ft” or use brackets () with the numbers because that is already given on the diagram. Your task is to write down what is missing.
    • Note that the instructions for questions 1-3 and the instructions for 4-7 are not the same. Please check them again about the limit for numbers written in answers.

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Listening Practice: Future of Libraries

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A listening lesson about the future of libraries. This is an interesting topic that can appear in IELTS speaking, listening, reading and writing task 2. So, it’s well worth using this lesson to gain ideas and vocabulary. The questions are sentence completion which are common question types in IELTS listening.

Listening Practice

Future Libraries

Questions 1-5: No more than two words and/or a number.

  1. Libraries provide creative spaces and learning ………..
  2. Libraries can help to improve technological ……….. in society.
  3. ………… to any given book becomes possible using Library Bookmark.
  4. Patrons would be able to receive books at home using …………….
  5. Fingerlink allows the user to combine …………….. with a printed book.

Recording:

Source: Information was taken from ebookfriendly.com. Their article contained more ideas for this topic so take a look.

Transcript & Answers

Click below to reveal the transcript and answers for this lesson.

Transcript

Today, libraries are not only about lending books. They are creative spaces, not only for individuals, but also teams. They are economic incubators and learning hubs. Most of all, the libraries are the entry points to the digital world. They are the way to embrace technology and avoid digital exclusion. Therefore, to improve technological literacy of local communities, libraries should be equipped with relevant technologies.

Here are some suggestions for future improvements of technology in libraries:

  1. Library Bookmark: First of all, the device would be a perfect companion when navigating through the library, by giving turn-by-turn directions to the book the patron wants. The device could also keep track of all borrowed books, as well as remind the user of the return dates.
  2. Delivery Drones: To get the book from a library, you can either go and find it, or you can let it find you. The future belongs to the unmanned flying machines, and just like Amazon drones can deliver the goods to customers, libraries could deliver the books to patrons.
  3. FingerLink: It is a project currently developed by Fujitsu that will let you use digital tools to work with a printed book. It’s a stand you can put on a library desk. It includes two elements: a camera to read the information from the real world, and the projector to display digital information in the real world.

Answers

Spelling must be correct to have the answer marked correct. Using all capital letters is recommended for listening and reading answers.

  1. HUBS
    1. You must have “s”. If you write this answer as “hub” it will be marked wrong. You are being tested on being able to hear the difference between plural and singular.
  2. LITERACY
  3. NAVIGATING
  4. (DELIVERY) DRONES
    1. Brackets are used in the answer key of test books to show possible answers. In this case, it is possible to have the answer “drones” or “delivery drones”. You cannot use brackets in your test – you must choose only one answer.
    2. It is not possible to have “flying machines”. The paraphrase of drones is actually “unmanned flying machines” but it contains 3 words which goes over the word count limit.
  5. DIGITAL TOOLS

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IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Pictures

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IELTS listening multiple choice pictures is when you need to choose the correct answer from a selection of pictures. It is one of the most difficult types of listening questions in your IELTS listening test. This particular listening lesson below is similar to the type of question you might get in Section 4 – the most difficult section in the IELTS listening test. However, picture multiple choice questions can come in any section of the listening test.

The listening practice below is mainly aimed at students who are band score 7 and above.  For students under band score 7, you can use this listening exercise to improve your vocabulary and listening technique.

Prepare both question and picture options before listening and choosing the answer. Answers are available below the audio.

Picture Multiple Choice Listening Question

Mammoths

Question 1: Choose the correct letter

1. Which type of mammoth is this lecture going to focus on?

mammoth picture

 Picture from Sunday Times Magazine, 20/04/2014.

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ANSWER & TRANSCRIPT

Click below to reveal vocabulary, transcript and answer:

VocabBuilder
mammoth = prehistoric animal now extinct similar in shape to an elephant
physiology = make-up / structure
prominent = major / outstanding
parts of an elephant and mammoth = tusks, trunk, large ears
huge / colossal = enormous / extremely large
Transcript
There is evidence of much change and development in the mammoth. We can see the Ambelodon 20 million years ago, the Stegodon 12 million years ago and finally the Stegotetrabelodon which existed somewhere between 7.5 to 4.5 million years ago. There seem to have been a number of changes in the physiology of the mammoth, the most prominent were in the height, the size of the ears and the shape of the head and tusks. Today, I’m going to be focusing, on the one most of us associate with the ‘so-called’ classic shape and size of a mammoth and which is most known for its huge curving tusks and colossal size.
Answer
B
‘Today, I’m going to be focusing on….. which is most known for its huge curving tusks and colossal size.’

More Listening Lessons

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Listening Practice Blue-Footed Boobie Birds

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Listening Practice for IELTS preparation. This topic was actually reported in the IELTS Reading Test. But, I have used it to create a listening exercise for you. There’s a funny video if you want to see these birds in action at the bottom of this article.

Blue-Footed Boobies Listening Exercise

Blue-footed Birds

Questions 1-9: No more than two words and/or a number.

  1. Strutting and showing off feet is part of the mating …………
  2. When a male boobie has very blue feet, he is considered ……………..
  3. Their name comes from the Spanish word for …………..
  4. On land, blue-footed boobies move  in a ………. manner.
  5. Blue-footed boobies fish in ……………….
  6. They eat small fish, for example ………….
  7. Their bodies are ………..  which is advantageous when diving.
  8. Adult boobies warm their chicks with their ……………….
  9. They usually have a maximum of ………. chicks.

Notice: Based on Article from National Geographic

Answers

The answers are now available for this lesson.

Click here for the answers: ANSWERS FOR BIRD LISTENING EXERCISE

 

All the best

Liz

The Blue-Footed Boobie Video

Sorry this is not an educational video, but it is great fun to watch 🙂

 

 

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