Audioscripts IELTS Practice 15 Listening Test 04

Part 1

You will hear a representative from a city council conducting a survey with a woman about local bus services.

First you have some time to look at questions 1 to 6.

(pause)

Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 6.

Representative: Excuse me, madam. Do you have a moment to answer a few questions? We are conducting a survey on public transport in the city.

Sarah: Oh, alright then. I've got about ten minutes before my bus arrives.

Representative: That’s perfect. Thank you. So, first of all, could I take your name?

Sarah: It’s Sarah Miller.

Representative: Thank you, Sarah. And may I ask what your occupation is?

Sarah: I’m a nurse.

Representative: Oh, really? That must be very demanding work.

Sarah: It certainly is.

Representative: So, is the purpose of your journey today related to work?

Sarah: No, actually. It’s my day off. I’m heading into town to visit the dentist.

Representative: Oh, I see. Hopefully nothing too serious!

Sarah: No, just a check-up.

Representative: Now, I’d like to ask some specific questions about your travel habits, if that’s alright?

Sarah: Yes, go ahead.

Representative: Right. So, can you tell me which suburb you are travelling from today?

Sarah: Highfield. That’s where I live.

Representative: Ah, could I just double-check the spelling of that? H-I-G-H-F-I-E-L-D?

Sarah: That’s correct.

Representative: And you caught the bus from there this morning?

Sarah: Yes.

Representative: Okay, good. Next, can I ask what type of ticket you purchased? I assume it wasn't a monthly pass if you don't commute daily?

Sarah: That’s right. No, I just bought a standard return ticket. I don’t have a concession card, so I didn’t get any discount. I keep meaning to apply for one because it saves quite a bit.

Representative: Yes, you would have saved 30% on your fare today. So you paid the full adult price?

Sarah: I paid £4.50.

Representative: Okay. Do you consider that to be reasonable value for money?

Sarah: Not really. I think it’s quite expensive for a journey that only takes 20 minutes.

Representative: Yes, that is a common piece of feedback we receive. So you didn't buy your ticket via the app?

Sarah: No. I know it’s cheaper if you buy a bundle of ten trips, but I don't travel often enough.

Representative: I understand. So, did you buy it from the driver this morning?

Sarah: No, I bought it at the newsagent yesterday.

Representative: Right. And do you usually buy your tickets there?

Sarah: Well, I do usually, but the shop closes early and I dislike using the ticket machines at the bus stop. I think the machines should accept cash, not just cards. There’s always a problem with the card reader.

Representative: A lot of passengers have reported that issue. So, to clarify, you purchased a paper ticket?

Sarah: Yes, that’s right.

Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 7 to 10.

(pause)

Now listen and answer questions 7 to 10.

Representative: Okay. Thank you. Now I’d like to ask you about your level of satisfaction with the service today. So what would you say you were most satisfied with?

Sarah: Well, I really appreciate the air conditioning on the new buses. It’s improved a lot. It makes the journey much more comfortable in summer.

Representative: That’s interesting. Most people mention the punctuality. It’s good to hear positive feedback on comfort. And is there anything you were dissatisfied with?

Sarah: Well, normally the buses run every ten minutes and are quite frequent, but today there was a long wait. The bus was about 20 minutes late.

Representative: Okay, I’ll note down 'reliability' as an issue. Now, I’d also like to ask about the bus stop facilities. You’ve probably noticed that the shelters have been upgraded. What are you most satisfied with?

Sarah: I think the best improvement is the digital screen that shows the arrival times. It’s much clearer than the old paper timetables. Before, the print was too small and I couldn't always read it, especially at night.

Representative: That’s good to hear. And is there anything you’re not satisfied with at the stop?

Sarah: Let’s see. I think things have generally improved. The shelters are cleaner and I like the new lighting. But one thing is that there isn't enough protection from the rain, especially when it’s windy. The roof is too high.

Representative: Okay, so I’ll put 'shelter design' down as the thing you’re least satisfied with?

Sarah: Yes, specifically the weather protection.

Representative: Can I ask your opinion about some of the other aspects? We’d like to know if you are satisfied, dissatisfied... or neutral.

Sarah: Okay.

Representative: What about the cleanliness of the bus interior?

Sarah: Well, to be honest, I don't really have an opinion, as I usually stand near the door.

Representative: So, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied for that, then?

Sarah: Yes, I suppose so.

Representative: Okay, and what about the...

That is the end of Part 1. You now have one minute to check your answers.

Part 2

You will hear the manager of a community centre talking to local residents about recent improvements to the building.

First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 16.

[Pause]

Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 16.

Manager: Welcome everyone to the Millfield Community Centre. I am thrilled to show off our recent renovations. Please take a look at the new floor plan you picked up at the door.

The basic structure of the building is the same. We still have the main entrance from the street and the side entrance from the car park. Let's start at the street entrance. As you walk in, the reception desk used to be directly in front of you. However, to create a more open feel, we have moved it to the right, just beside the entrance to the cafe.

Now, we know how popular the vending machines are. They were originally down the corridor by the changing rooms, but we have relocated them. Now, you will find them immediately on your left as you enter from the street, tucked into that corner so they do not block the walkway.

The library corner has also been moved. It used to be quite noisy near the reception. Now, if you walk past the central courtyard on your right and go straight down the corridor, it is in the quiet space right at the very end.

We are really proud of our new digital media suite. If you are coming in from the car park entrance, walk straight ahead, and it is the first door on your left. It has a bright orange door, so you really cannot miss it!

For those wanting physical activity, our indoor climbing wall is a great new addition. To find it, go past the courtyard, and just before you reach the sports hall, there is a short passage on your right. The climbing wall is right at the end of that passage.

Finally, parents will be pleased with the new soft play area for toddlers. We initially thought about putting it near the changing rooms, but instead, it is now situated right inside the cafe, occupying the far left corner. This way, parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children.

Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 17 to 20.

[Pause]

Now listen and answer questions 17 to 20.

Manager: Now, let me give you a few details about our larger facilities.

Our biggest project was the swimming pool. The old one was simply falling apart. The new pool is open every day, though hours vary on Sundays. We know admission prices can be a concern, so while tourists and visitors pay the standard rate, we ensure that local residents get a substantial discount. Just bring a utility bill as proof of address. Also, please note that children under twelve must be with an adult in the water.

Then there are the art studios. We had a massive setback last winter when a severe flood ruined the space. We had to spend a significant portion of our budget ripping up the damaged floorboards and laying down brand new ones. We also managed to buy new easels and paints to replace the ones that were destroyed. Unfortunately, we simply did not have enough money left over to buy a new kiln, so pottery making is on hold for now.

If you are interested in art classes, we have a great schedule. Currently, our instructors are only available to teach on weekdays. However, we are actively looking for staff so we can start running weekend workshops by next term. We are very grateful for all your support...

That is the end of Part 2. You now have half a minute to check your answers to Part 2.

Part 3

You will hear two architecture students called Lisa and Ben discussing their presentation about central heating systems.

First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 24.

[Pause]

Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 24.

Lisa: Hi Ben, have you had a chance to look at the assignment brief for our presentation on heating systems?

Ben: Yes, Lisa. I've done a bit of preliminary reading. It's actually more fascinating than I expected.

Lisa: Me too. I found this great article about the Roman hypocaust system. They built the floors on stacks of tiles to let hot air circulate underneath. You would think the main disadvantage was that those tile columns would collapse, making the floors unstable, or that the design was just too complex to build.

Ben: Right, but actually the historical records show the real issue was the sheer volume of wood they had to burn. It was terribly inefficient because it consumed so much fuel just to keep it running.

Lisa: Ah, I see. Did you know the Koreans developed a system called Ondol around the same time?

Ben: Yes, I read about that. Unlike modern systems that rely on pumping hot water around the house, they used large flat stones. The genius part was that it didn't need a dedicated fire just for heating. It simply captured the leftover energy from the kitchen stoves and released it into the bedrooms.

Lisa: That makes complete sense. Moving on to the 19th century, I was reading about early steam radiators. People were apparently terrified that they would release poisonous fumes into the living room.

Ben: Did they?

Lisa: No, that was a myth. However, the pipes were subjected to such extreme pressure that the real threat was the entire boiler suddenly blowing up. Safety valves weren't very reliable back then.

Ben: That sounds terrifying! Thankfully, safety standards are stricter now. Speaking of modern times, heat pumps are the big trend. They extract heat from the air or ground.

Lisa: Yes, though some people still argue they look ugly on the outside of a house. Manufacturers are making them smaller to fix that. Also, they last about 20 years, which is longer than a standard boiler. So in the long run, they are great.

Ben: Absolutely. The problem is that right now, the initial financial expense to buy the unit and have it fitted is huge. That is the main thing stopping most homeowners from making the switch today.

Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 25 to 30.

[Pause]

Now listen and answer questions 25 to 30.

Lisa: Right, let's break down the topics for our slides and decide who is doing what.

Ben: Sounds good. How about starting with the history of heating? From open fires to the Romans.

Lisa: I could tackle that. I've already got plenty of notes on it. Unless you'd prefer to?

Ben: No, you go ahead. Ancient history isn't really my strong point.

Lisa: Okay, I'll do that. Next is the technical mechanics. We need to explain exactly how a modern condensing boiler works compared to a heat pump.

Ben: I don't mind taking that on. I'm quite interested in the engineering side of things.

Lisa: Excellent, because I get completely lost with all the different valves and thermostats. What about the environmental impact? We need to cover carbon footprints and renewable energy.

Ben: That's a massive topic. It might be too much for one person. Why don't we tackle that section together?

Lisa: Good idea. I can handle the carbon data, and you can look into the renewables. Perfect. Then there's the economic aspect. Comparing running costs. I can do that too, I found some great data on global fuel prices yesterday.

Ben: Actually, Lisa, would you mind if I did that section instead? I've been creating some comparison charts that I think would look really good on those slides.

Lisa: Oh, sure, no problem. It's all yours. Then we have the future of heating, focusing on smart thermostats and systems controlled by mobile apps.

Ben: I know you're doing a module on smart homes this term. Do you want to take that?

Lisa: I'd love to! I've just read a fascinating paper on systems that learn your daily schedule.

Ben: Great. And finally, we need a climate case study. Maybe comparing heating requirements in the Mediterranean versus Scandinavia.

Lisa: That's a great idea. Since you lived in Sweden for a year, you could definitely bring some personal insight into their insulation standards.

Ben: Yes, I can easily write that part up.

Lisa: Excellent. So we have a solid plan.

That is the end of Part 3. You now have half a minute to check your answers to Part 3.

Part 4

You will hear a business student giving a presentation about the industrialisation of the pottery industry in the 18th century.

First, you have some time to look at questions 31 to 40.

[Pause]

Now listen carefully and answer questions 31 to 40.

Student: Hi everyone. In today's presentation, I’m going to share my research on the transformation of the ceramics industry during the Industrial Revolution. I specifically focused on the work of Josiah Wedgwood, who is often credited with turning a simple, local craft into a massive global business.

This era marked the beginning of modern mass production, where pottery moved from being a crude necessity to a refined product desired by the wealthy elite across Europe. Before this time, ordinary people generally ate their meals off wooden boards or pewter plates. However, by the 18th century, owning a fine dinner service had become a reliable measure of a family's rank and social status. But all that changed with the rise of the Staffordshire potteries.

This was the period from the mid-1700s to the early 1800s, when improvements in chemistry and factory organisation triggered massive changes.

First, let’s look at manufacturing. When we think of pottery before this time, we tend to picture a lone craftsman sitting at a wheel, making a pot from start to finish. And it’s true that this was the traditional method. However, Wedgwood implemented a radical new system. Instead of one person doing everything, he introduced what we call the division of labour.

In his factories, the production process was broken down into distinct stages. One worker would dig the clay, another would throw the shape, a third would fire it, and a fourth would paint it. He also famously brought in steam engines. Interestingly, these were not used to turn the potter's wheels, as you might expect. Instead, their power was harnessed to crush the stone and flint needed to produce stronger, whiter clay. This machinery enabled the mass production of premium, pale-coloured earthenware, completely replacing the heavy, dark pottery that had dominated before this.

As well as manufacturing, there were revolutionary changes in transport. The problem with pottery is that it is heavy and extremely fragile. The bumpy, pot-holed roads of the 18th century were destroying his goods. Packhorses were used, but the breakage rate was high, and the financial cost was enormous.

Wedgwood realised that to succeed, he needed a smoother way to move his goods. Consequently, he became a major financial backer for the new canal system being built. He invested heavily in the Trent and Mersey waterway, which ran right past his factory gates.

These calm waters meant that a barge could carry tons of pottery smoothly without breaking a single cup. Significantly, they also worked in reverse; they allowed essential raw materials, specifically the fine white clay he needed from Cornwall, to be brought up to the factories at a fraction of the previous cost. Because his transport expenses plummeted, Wedgwood was able to drop his retail prices, allowing him to dominate a much broader market than any of his competitors.

The third main area that saw changes was marketing and retailing. Previously, potters relied on local country fairs to sell their goods. Wedgwood completely bypassed this tradition by opening an elegant, dedicated showroom in London. He understood that shopping should be an experience. He arranged his shop to look like a fashionable home, so customers could picture the plates on their own dining tables.

He also mastered the art of branding. He secured the patronage of the Royal Family, creating a tea set for the Queen. He then marketed this style as 'Queen’s Ware'. Suddenly, the middle classes were desperate to buy it so they could feel they were imitating royalty.

Historians claim that Wedgwood’s greatest achievement was creating consumer desire. Items that were once only for the aristocracy, such as highly decorated vases, were suddenly available to regular households. And before long, owning a matching dinner service became an absolute necessity.

That is the end of Part 4. You now have one minute to check your answers to Part 4.