Challenge your listening skills with advanced IELTS-style academic talks and lectures. This quiz simulates real test conditions, focusing on comprehension, note completion, and detail recognition in scholarly audio contexts.
In a lecture about renewable energy, the speaker mainly aims to explain the long-term benefits of solar power for urban areas. Which of the following best identifies the speaker's main purpose?
Explanation: The speaker’s main goal is to talk about the benefits of solar power in urban areas, making the first option correct. The second option misinterprets the purpose as critique rather than explanation. The third focuses on wind energy, which is outside the given scope. The fourth only looks at costs, not overall benefits.
During a university seminar, it was stated that ‘over 70% of the students participated in the optional end-of-term workshop on research skills.’ What is the correct conclusion from this information?
Explanation: The phrase 'over 70%' indicates that the number is greater than 70%, making option one correct. 'Exactly 70%' is wrong as it does not include numbers greater than 70. 'Less than 70%' and 'Only a few' are incorrect because the statistic describes a significant majority.
In a recorded academic discussion about deforestation, the speaker stresses ‘the urgent need for international cooperation.’ What is the speaker’s attitude towards current efforts?
Explanation: The phrase 'urgent need' suggests the speaker feels current efforts are insufficient, justifying option one. The second option is incorrect as satisfaction is not expressed. Indifference and opposition are not indicated; the speaker wants more action, not less.
In a lecture, the presenter says, ‘While the new drug shows promise, further trials are necessary before approval.’ What does this imply about the new drug?
Explanation: The need for further trials implies uncertainty about the drug's safety and effectiveness. If it was approved or had no need for research, more trials wouldn't be necessary, making options two and three incorrect. The fourth option is also too strong—the drug is not 'definitely unsafe,' just not fully proven.
A lecturer mentions, ‘The experiment will last for six weeks, starting on September 1st.’ When does the experiment begin?
Explanation: The lecturer directly states that the experiment starts on September 1st, making this the correct answer. 'Six weeks from now' is a misunderstanding, and 'December' or 'end of September' do not match the stated information.
According to a lecture excerpt: ‘The main causes of noise pollution include traffic congestion, construction activities, and industrial machinery.’ Which is NOT mentioned as a cause?
Explanation: Traffic congestion, construction activities, and industrial machinery are explicitly listed. Airplane takeoff is not mentioned in the excerpt, making it the correct answer. The other options are all explicitly stated.
In a university lecture, the speaker uses ‘building bridges in flood-prone areas’ as an example of adaptive infrastructure. What is the function of this example?
Explanation: The speaker uses the example to clarify what adaptive infrastructure means—adapting construction for specific challenges. The second option misinterprets the intent. The third offers a overly narrow focus, and the fourth is not supported, as the intention is illustration, not warning.
In an academic lecture, the speaker asserts that ‘contrary to popular belief, honeybees do not die after every sting.’ What does this statement do?
Explanation: The phrase ‘contrary to popular belief’ signals that the speaker is correcting a misunderstanding. The second option is incorrect as it is the opposite. The remaining options are not supported by the content, which is about correcting a belief.
A lecturer concludes a section by saying, ‘Given these consistent findings, we expect similar results in future studies.’ What does the speaker predict?
Explanation: The lecturer’s statement anticipates that future outcomes will match previous ones. The idea that all studies will be identical is impossibly strong. Option three is also incorrect, as the speaker expects research to continue, and option four contradicts the prediction.
During an academic panel, one expert claims, ‘Genetic modification is vital for crop improvement,’ while another says, ‘Organic methods are safer and sustainable.’ What is shown here?
Explanation: The two experts present opposing views, making contrast of opinions accurate. There is no unanimous agreement, and this is not a summary or technique list. The options misrepresent the disagreement shown.
In an academic talk, the lecturer says, ‘There are three key factors: cost, accessibility, and sustainability.’ How should this guide your note-taking?
Explanation: When the lecturer enumerates key factors, it signals students to note all of them. Ignoring such cues or noting only one would miss important information. Listing in reverse isn't necessary or helpful.
A student listening to a lecture hears, ‘First, we will discuss definitions; next, we'll focus on applications; finally, we will examine case studies.’ What does this indicate about the lecture?
Explanation: The lecturer outlines a clear organizational plan with three main segments. The other options ignore the logical structure introduced or are incorrect based on the outline given.
In an academic listening passage, the speaker states, ‘These results, as shown in Table 2, confirm our hypothesis.’ What does ‘these results’ refer to?
Explanation: ‘These results’ references the specific data just identified as being in Table 2. It does not refer to past studies, future research, or unrelated sources, making those distractors inaccurate.
A speaker states, ‘Due to the increased rainfall this year, river levels have risen significantly, causing local flooding.’ What is the cause of the flooding?
Explanation: The speaker directly links increased rainfall with rising river levels and flooding. The other options might be plausible in broader contexts, but only the first is directly stated as the cause in this example.
At the end of her talk, the lecturer says, ‘I recommend that all students consult the library’s online resources before next week’s seminar.’ What does she suggest?
Explanation: The lecturer specifically advises students to refer to online resources before a certain date, making option one correct. The other choices are unrelated to her recommendation and do not match the provided advice.
During a science lecture, the speaker notes, ‘Unlike mammals, reptiles regulate body temperature externally.’ What is the main comparison being made?
Explanation: The speaker uses 'unlike' to highlight how reptiles and mammals differ in controlling body temperature. The other options do not relate to the comparison stated; they introduce irrelevant or unmentioned aspects.