IELTS Listening 2 - Section 1

Test Tip

Before each section of the Listening Module, you hear a short introduction. This tells you who is speaking and what the situation is. It also tells you how many questions you have to answer before the next break in the recording. Listen carefully, as this information is not given on the exam paper. You are then given some time to look at the questions. There is a short break in the middle of the recording in Sections 1, 2 and 3, and you are given time to look at the remaining questions for that section. In Section 1 of the Listening Module, you listen to a conversation about an everyday topic.

When you write your answers, make sure your handwriting is clear. If it is not clear what word you have written, your answer will be marked incorrect.

You will hear a number of different recordings and you have to answer questions on what you hear.
There will be time for you to read the instructions and questions and you have a chance to check your work. All the recordings will be played once only. The test is in four Sections. At the end of the test you will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answersheet.

Now turn to section 1: You will hear a telephone conversation between a travel consultant and a customer. First you have some time to look at Questions 1-10.

You will see that there is an example which has been done for you. So Whale Watch Experience has been written on the form. Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen, because you will NOT hear the recording a second time.

Listen carefully and answer Questions 1 to 10:

Questions 1-4

Complete the form below, using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Dreamtime travel agency

Tour information
Example:
Holiday name: Whale Watch Experience
Holiday length: 2 days
Type of transportation:
Maximum group size:
Next tour date:
Hotel name: The

Questions 5 and 6

Which TWO things are included in the price of the tour?

Questions 7-10

Complete the sentences below, using NO MORE THAN A WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

7The tour costs $.

8Bookings must be made no later than days in advance.

9A deposit is required.

10The customer's reference number is .

Test Tip

Don't always write down the first thing you hear. The recording often refers to a number of possible answers, but only one answers the question correctly.
Look at this example conversation between the customer and the travel agent about the basic tour price:

CUSTOMER: Well that sounds good. So how much is the basic tour price?
RECEPTIONIST: At this time of year it's usually around $300 but let me check. Err...oh, it's actually $280.

The answer would be $280, not $300.

CHECK ANSWERS

RECEPTIONIST:
Good afternoon, Dreamtime Travel. How can I help you?
CUSTOMER:
Oh hello. I'm interested in the holidays you offer along the coast near here.
RECEPTIONIST:
Yes. We operate several tours up the coast. Where in particular did you want to go?
CUSTOMER:
Well, I like the sound of the holiday that mentioned whales. Was it 'Whale Watching'?
RECEPTIONIST:
Oh, that's our Whale Watch Experience. lt's very popular and it's based in a lovely little town with nice beaches.
CUSTOMER:
Oh right, and how long does it last?
RECEPTIONIST:
It's two days - that includes four hours' travel time each way from here.
CUSTOMER:
Good, I don't want to be away any longer than that. So is that by coach?
RECEPTIONIST:
Actually it's by minibus. We like to keep those tours small and personal so we don't take a whole coachload of people. in fact, we only take up to fifteen people on this tour, although we do run it with just twelve or thirteen.
CUSTOMER:
Oh, right. So do you run these tours often?
RECEPTIONIST:
Well it depends on the time of year. Of course in peak times like the summer holidays we do them every weekend, but at the moment it's usually once a month at most.
CUSTOMER:
And when is the next one going?
RECEPTIONIST:
Mmm, let me see. Um, there's one in three weeks' time which is April the 18th, and then we don't have another one until June the 2nd.
CUSTOMER:
All right, and is April a good time to go?
RECEPTIONIST:
Pretty good. Though the really good time is later in the year. I have to say though that the whale sighting is only one of the many things offered.
CUSTOMER:
Really?
RECEPTIONIST:
Yes. The hotel itself where you stay has great facilities. It's called The Pallisades.
CUSTOMER:
The Paris what?
RECEPTIONIST:
No, it's actually The Pallisades, P-A-L-L-I-S-A-D-E-S. It's right on the main beach there.
CUSTOMER:
Oh, I see.
RECEPTIONIST:
All of the rooms have nice views and the food is really good there too.
CUSTOMER:
Oh right.


CUSTOMER:
And what about the other things? You know, that are included in the price.
RECEPTIONIST:
Oh, there are lots of things. If you don't want to do the whale watch cruise, your guide will take anyone who is interested either on a bushwalk through the national park near the hotel, and there's no extra charge for that, or on a fishing trip. That's an extra $12 I think. And there's also a reptile park in town - that costs more or less the same.
CUSTOMER:
No, I think I'd prefer whales to snakes.
RECEPTIONIST:
Yeah. And if you just want to relax you are free to sit by the hotel pool or go down the beach. Oh, and they also have tennis courts at the hotel, but you have to pay for those by the hour. But there are table tennis tables downstairs and they're part of the accommodation package. Just speak to your guide.
CUSTOMER:
Well that sounds good. So how much is the basic tour price?
RECEPTIONIST:
At this time of year it's usually around $300 but let me check. Er...oh, it's actually $280.
CUSTOMER:
And the next tour, are there any places on that one?
RECEPTIONIST:
HOW many people Is It for?
CUSTOMER:
These are two of us.
RECEPTIONIST:
Yes, that should be fine. Can I just mention that we require all bookings to be made at least fourteen days before you travel to avoid cancellations of tours. And if you cancel within seven days of departure you will have to pay 50% of your total booking.
CUSTOMER:
OK.
RECEPTIONIST:
And you also need to pay a 20% deposit at the time of booking.
CUSTOMER:
Can I pay that by credit card?
RECEPTIONIST:
Yes, you can.
CUSTOMER:
All right, what I'll do is I'll talk to my partner and get back to you.
RECEPTIONIST:
Fine. So I'll make a provisional booking, shall I? - two for the Whale Watch Experience. Let me issue you with a customer reference number for when you call back. Do you have a pen?
CUSTOMER:
Yes.
RECEPTIONIST:
OK, it's three nine seven, four five, T. That's T for tango. When you call back, ask to speak to the Tour Manager, that's me, Tracy.
CUSTOMER:
Fine, I will.

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