Audioscripts IELTS Practice 14 Listening Test 04

Part 1

You will hear a woman telephoning a venue manager to enquire about booking a hall for a family gathering.

First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 7.

[Pause]

Now Listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 7.

Peter: Good morning, Oakwood Hall. Peter speaking. I'm the Manager.

Diane: Hello Peter. My name is Diane. I'm calling to ask about hiring a function room next August.

Peter: Okay. What sort of event is it?

Diane: Well, initially we thought about just having a family party, but actually, I'm organising a reunion for my university friends.

Peter: I see. And several of the guests will be travelling from overseas, so they might need somewhere to stay.

Diane: Yes, exactly.

Peter: I'm sure we can help you with that. Will you be having a formal dinner or a buffet?

Diane: Probably a buffet.

Peter: And do you know how many people there'll be?

Diane: Around 60, I think.

Peter: Well, we have two rooms that can accommodate that number. One is the Garden Room. That can seat 70, or hold up to 90 if people are standing.

Diane: Right.

Peter: If you want to play music, there is space for a DJ in the corner. Our guests usually appreciate the fact that the acoustics are good, so the music doesn't drown out the conversation.

Diane: Yes, it's annoying when you have to shout to be heard.

Peter: Exactly. Now, the Garden Room is on the ground floor, and there are large glass doors leading out onto the patio.

Diane: Which direction does it face?

Peter: West. So that side of the building gets the sunset in the evening.

Diane: Very nice.

Peter: From the patio, you can see the fountain in the centre of the lawn. Or you can walk down the path to the pond. That's at the bottom of the garden, so it isn't visible from the hall itself.

Diane: OK.

Peter: Then another option is the Library Room. This is slightly smaller. It can hold up to 65 people. And it has the advantage of a fireplace, which creates a lovely atmosphere if it gets chilly.

Diane: And can you go outside from the room?

Peter: No. The Library Room is on the second floor. But on one side, the windows look out onto the woods. It's a very peaceful view.

Diane: Lovely. I think either of those rooms would be suitable.

Peter: Can I tell you about some of the services we offer in addition?

Diane: Please do.

Peter: As well as catering, you can have a photographer who'll be with you for two hours.

Diane: What exactly does the photographer do?

Peter: Well, they take candid photos during the meal. And they also act as a guide. If you want to take photos in the grounds, the photographer will show you the best spots, so you get the perfect lighting.

Diane: Great. I'll need to ask you about the menu, but something else that's important is accommodation. You obviously have rooms in the main house. But do you also have any other accommodation?

Peter: Yes, there are three cottages in the grounds. They are self-catering and sleep four to six people.

Diane: That sounds perfect for the families with kids.

Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 8 to 10.

[Pause]

Now listen and answer questions 8 to 10.

Diane: You have various leisure facilities, don't you? Are they all included in the price of hiring the room? The sauna, for instance.

Peter: Normally, you'd be able to use it, but unfortunately it'll be unavailable due to maintenance throughout August. I'm afraid we're refurbishing it then.

Diane: Oh, that's a shame. What about the swimming pool?

Peter: The pool will be available, and there is no extra charge for guests. That's open all day from 7 in the morning until 10 at night.

Diane: Right. And the bicycle hire?

Peter: Yes, we have ten bikes. However, there is a small additional payment for those. It's worth booking in advance as there can be quite a high demand for them in summer.

Diane: Right. Now, could we discuss the food? This would be lunch around one o'clock.

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

Part 2

You will hear a tourist information officer talking to a group of visitors about local attractions and activities.

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

(pause)

Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 16.

Sarah: Good morning, everyone. I'm Sarah Miller, and I'm your guide here at the visitor centre. I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful stay in our region. So, let me tell you a bit about what's on offer. I'll start by outlining some of the tours that are available for tourists.

One thing you really must do while you're here is go whale watching. On our boat excursions, we have a very high success rate of sighting whales. If you are unlucky and don't see any, you can join the next trip for free. We run daily trips for just £40. Unfortunately, the morning slot is fully booked today, but please speak to me to reserve a place for tomorrow.

If you enjoy being active, I'd suggest our coastal hike. It's a guided walk of about 10 kilometres. We stop for a break at a scenic lookout, and you'll be provided with water and snacks. There are some fairly rocky sections along the cliffs, so you need to be reasonably agile for this one. And you must wear sturdy boots. Trainers really aren't suitable. Also bring a jacket in case it gets windy. It runs every Tuesday.

Then on Wednesdays, we organise a mountain biking adventure, which gives you all the thrill of cycling downhill without the hard work of pedalling up. We'll drive you and your bike up to the summit of Mount Peak and let you ride down. It's a steep descent over 15 kilometres, so this isn't really for beginners, as you'll pick up quite a bit of speed.

On our local heritage tour, you can learn about the industrial history of the area. You'll be taken to an old mill where flour is still ground and also a glassblowing workshop. If you wish, you can purchase some of the items, but there is no obligation. The best thing about this tour is the price. It's completely free of charge. The tour starts after breakfast on Thursday.

If you're interested in wildlife, you may already know that the nearby wetlands are one of the best places in the country to observe birds. We offer trips to the nature reserve on Friday. They cost £80 per person, and you'll be given binoculars and have a talk from a ranger who will explain all about the migration patterns. Afterwards, we'll head down to River Beach, where you can have a swim in the estuary if you like, before we head back to town.

Finally, there's kayaking. This is organized by the adventure centre over near Blue Bay. It costs £45, and it's available every day.

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.

Sarah: So, there's plenty to do during the day, but what about the evening? Well, the top attraction is called Cabaret Nights. Guests enjoy a gourmet dinner and complimentary wine, and watch a spectacular show, starting with jazz numbers from the 1920s, and then moving through the decades to rock and roll, and finally disco. At the end, the performers come down from the stage, still in their dazzling outfits, and you'll have a chance to take photos with them. It's extremely popular, so let me know now if you want tickets. It's on Friday night.

If you'd like a taste of history, there's the Medieval Banquet on Saturday evening. It's held in a restored 14th-century barn. You eat at long wooden tables, with servers in period costume bringing your food. You're given a hearty stew, which you eat in the traditional way, using huge chunks of bread instead of spoons. It's messy but fun. And you're entertained by jesters, who perform tricks and tell jokes. Then you can watch the knights in the courtyard and try archery as well if you fancy it.

Okay, so now if anyone has...

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

Part 3

You will hear two history students called Laura and Mike discussing their research project on the Viking age.

First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 25.

(pause)

Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 25.

Laura: Hi, Mike. I wanted to catch up with you about our project on the Vikings.

Mike: Hi, Laura. Yes, I've been doing some reading.

Laura: Me too. I'm thinking we should focus on the misconceptions people have about them. But I'd like to structure it properly first.

Mike: OK. Well, as you know, it's a group presentation. It's divided into four main sections and we have to cover all of them. One of the most interesting parts, for me at least, was about the social structure of Viking society.

Laura: You mean whether they were just warriors or had a more complex hierarchy?

Mike: Right, and specifically the status of females. What's fascinating is that the popular image isn't necessarily accurate. For instance, archaeological evidence shows women holding keys, which implies they were in charge of the household and finances, suggesting they had significant power.

Laura: Oh, I see what you mean. That section actually made me realise how advanced their laws were. They had a system called the 'Thing', which was like an early parliament. Actually, it inspired me to look into their legal system myself, just for my own interest, outside of the project.

Mike: That sounds good.

Laura: I know I can't cover everything, like the sagas. They're very long, and even historians struggle to separate fact from fiction. But I am very interested in trade routes. Is that covered in our plan?

Mike: Yes, there's a section on exploration and how they traded as far as Constantinople.

Laura: That's good. I remember seeing a map of their routes and I can still see it vividly in my mind. Trade can be so influential, just as powerful as warfare. I've always enjoyed economic history, so that's the area I want to focus on for my part of the presentation.

Mike: I'm sure it will be detailed. We also need to look at their ships in that section, but I'm not convinced we should spend too long on the technical details, not compared with the cultural impact. One of the great things about history is understanding the people, but with ship-building, it can get a bit dry.

Laura: But the Vikings are defined by their mobility on the sea. There are plenty of people who wouldn't even know who they were if it wasn't for the longships, so I think the technology serves a really useful purpose in the narrative.

Mike: You mean it's essential for understanding their identity?

Laura: Yes, exactly. I just think it's a shame if we ignore the engineering. What about their religion versus Christianity? Does the project go into that?

Mike: Yes, there's a section on it. For years, lots of historians assumed that the conversion was violent and immediate. I was amazed how much evidence there is of a gradual transition, with people worshipping both Thor and Christ side by side. Of course, this reflects the pragmatism of the Vikings.

Laura: That's true. So it sounds as though you think we have a solid plan.

Mike: Definitely.

Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 26 to 30.

(pause)

Now listen and answer questions 26 to 30.

Laura: Have you been reading lots of source material to help you with the research?

Mike: Yeah, I've gone as far back as the 9th century chronicles, though I know they can be biased.

Laura: So does that mean you've read the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle?

Mike: Yes. They must be important because they are the main written record from the victims' perspective. These were the first contemporary accounts. Then there's the Vinland Sagas.

Laura: I haven't read those.

Mike: The name makes it sound like a theme park, but it actually refers to North America. It describes how the Vikings discovered the continent five hundred years before Columbus.

Laura: Well, I never knew that. Have you read Beowulf?

Mike: Wasn't that an epic poem rather than a history book?

Laura: That's right. It has some quite mythical elements, like dragons, rather than historical fact. I hope you've read Ibn Fadlan's account.

Mike: Ah, mine too. And it's so surprising because he was an Arab diplomat, and his description of a Viking funeral is very graphic, but it is really detailed and objective compared to the European monks.

Laura: I struggled with Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, it's very dense, and I gave up after the first chapter. It's extremely important for mythology, though.

Mike: Yeah, but whereas something like Ibn Fadlan just carried me along with it, the Edda took more effort than I was prepared to give it. It's tough going.

Laura: I felt the same, though I love the stories of the gods. Another one I've read is the Orkneyinga Saga.

Mike: Oh yes, it's about the Earls of Orkney, isn't it? Hardly what you'd expect for a global history.

Laura: Exactly, but it's been very useful for understanding their settlement patterns.

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

Part 4

You will hear part of a lecture about a branch of archaeology called space archaeology.

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

(pause)

Now listen carefully and answer questions 31 to 40.

Lecturer: In today's class, I'm going to talk about space archaeology. This is a fascinating branch of archaeology that focuses on human interaction with the cosmos, satellites, and celestial bodies. It involves the study of launch sites, spacecraft debris, and other physical remains. I'll give you a specific example, and then go on to show how this type of research is being transformed by the use of the latest technology.

Let's start with an artifact known as Vanguard 1. This is a satellite orbiting the Earth, which seems to have been functioning until around 1964. Engineers at the time tracked its signal, measured its orbit, and analysed its data. It used solar cells for power, and many of its components were built around a spherical shell constructed of aluminium. The satellite contained an impressive instrument for its time: two radio transmitters that were used for geodetic purposes, to measure the shape of the Earth.

Vanguard 1 faces an uncertain future. It may be destroyed swiftly by a collision, or atmospheric drag may cause its orbit to decay and burn up gradually. Whatever its fate, it now flies 600 kilometres above the surface of the Earth. It's often described as the oldest human-made object still in space.

For space archaeologists, Vanguard 1 is a time capsule. Research on the design and materials has revealed how the early space program functioned. But of course, this is only one small satellite. For a fuller picture, researchers need more orbital artifacts. But the hard part is tracking them.

Orbital research used to require huge radar dishes to find debris. But in the second half of the 20th century, various types of optical telescopes were developed. Some were controlled from an observatory on the ground, but others were automated, meaning they didn't need to be operated by a person.

These Automated Telescopes, or ATs, are used to create maps of the sky. To navigate, they use sensors, such as star trackers and GPS. Until relatively recently, the technology was very expensive and the units were so heavy that they had to be mounted on a large concrete base with a dome to protect them.

But the latest ATs are much easier to deploy. They can be installed on a rooftop or even a small trailer. And they're much cheaper, which makes them more accessible to research teams. They are also very sophisticated. They can communicate with each other and work out the most efficient way to scan a sector of the sky.

Field tests show the approach can work. For example, in a trial in 2018, three ATs searched for debris at geosynchronous orbit. The site is the final resting place of an ancient communications satellite which failed in the 1990s while relaying television signals for the broadcast of a global event. The ATs mapped the area in detail, proving they could identify specific fragments.

However, creating a network for ATs to communicate is no easy matter. Wi-Fi networks on land use short-range signals, but in space, these will only travel a few metres before interference occurs. Instead, a more complex mix of technologies is required. For short distances, ATs can share data using lasers, while radio waves are used to communicate over long distances.

More creative solutions are also being developed. For instance, an AT working on a mountaintop might offload data to a second AT, which then beams the data home using a fibre optic cable. There's also a system that enables ATs to share information from sky scans. If an AT surveying the sky finds an intriguing object, it can share the coordinates with a nearby AT that carries superior lenses and arrange for that AT to make a closer inspection.

Space archaeologists are excited about the huge potential of these ATs. One site where they're likely to be deployed is the orbital graveyard above the Pacific Ocean. In 2001, a massive space station was deorbited here. When it fell, it was carrying scientific experiments in pressurised modules. Its debris gives us insight into the research available all those years ago, including samples that are thought to have been frozen to form a biological record for the future.

Other space stations went down nearby. Some held huge tanks made of titanium. Some were used for transporting crews of astronauts, and others held fuel. In many cases, it's only these containers that survive re-entry, while the lighter structures have been vaporised in the atmosphere. But finding the containers that held fuel is particularly important for understanding environmental risks.

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