A Conversation On Time Management - IELTS Listening Sample Answer

IELTS Listening section tests the candidate’s listening skills through four sections containing forty questions in total. Candidates need to listen to the audio and answer all the questions. This topic is section three of IELTS Listening. Section three is based on an academic conversation that may include up to four people. IELTS listening practice papers are helpful preparation materials for candidates. This section contains different question types:

1. Short answer questions
2. Sentence completion
3. Multiple-choice questions

Section 3

You will hear a conversation. First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 30.

Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 30.

Professor: Hello Dunash, come in. You said on the phone that you had a few problems to discuss with me. Tell me what they are and I'll see what I can do to help?

Student: Thank you very much Professor. I've been having some problems at that thing, to the style of learning at a British University and was hoping you could give me some advice.

Professor: I'll do my best. You won't be the first overseas student to have problems. What's your first problem?

Student: Well, my first problem is organizing my time. I mean after I’ve worked out my timetable for lectures, seminars and tutorials, I was surprised to find that I had quite a lot of free time. However, that's how it looked on paper and not as it is turned out in reality.

Professor: I see. Take control of this time and organize it carefully. Time that is not organized can disappear very quickly, leaving you rushing to catch up on your work or even running out of time all together. Learn the essentials of time management. First, make weekly or monthly plans that set out your study targets for the week or month ahead. Schedule time for reading and work out roughly how much you want to read in each session. Plan time to research and write your essays or prepare projects, so that you do not have to stay up late doing them at the last minute. Have you made such a plan?

Student: No, I haven't. That’s obviously something I should do. I can easily fill that free time with extra studies.

Professor: No, No. That’s not what I mean. Don’t plan to spend all your extra time studying. Remember to leave some time free for hobbies, sports, seeing friends or simply relaxing. If you do not take time to enjoy yourself your work will suffer and you will miss out on many other worthwhile experiences. Make a timetable for your free time, if you like. Plan when to see your friends, play your favorite sport or just hang out. Don't forget to revise your plans If you need to. As you progress through your course, you will get a better idea of how much time you need for different activities. Adjust your schedules and keep them realistic.

Student: So you're saying that I need to keep a balance between work and play and keep an eye on things to make sure that I'm not doing too much or too little.

Professor: That's right. Feel free to show me your plan when you've made one.

Student: Thank you. My next problem is coping with my course. Living abroad in a new environment makes studying more challenging than usual. I'm worried about my progress and about how I will cope with examinations.

Professor: These concerns are natural but do not let them overwhelm you. Here are two simple ways, you can stay in control of your studies. First, ask for regular meetings with your tutor. In your case, ask me to review your progress and discuss any problems. You're doing that now, so you've taken the first step. Let me know, if you are having any language difficulties, though in your case, that seems doubtful. As you are probably aware, there is a language center here where all students can use language learning materials but is probably not of much use to you. Second, why not try to form a mutual support group with other International students to discuss common challenges and to share useful ideas. This can be particularly helpful if you find the teaching methods very different from those you have experienced before. Another type of support group could be other students in your subject area. Get together with students on similar courses to discuss the issues. Swap ideas and give each other support.

Student: Yes. The second idea is particularly good. As you know, there are not so many overseas students on this course, but I know some other students from my country on other courses here. I think that I feel overwhelmed because I have set myself unrealistic goals. Just talking to you has made me realize that I need to take a more realistic approach and put my problems into perspective.

Professor: Just remember that whatever concerns you may have about new learning methods, managing your time or handling your workload, there is someone here who can help. I'm happy to be that person. All you have to do is ask. Hopefully, I can offer you a practical solution.

Student: Thank you very much. There is one other thing. When we had the orientation, the international student advisor mentioned a book that's available from the campus bookshop. It's not specifically for overseas students, but she said it was useful. I didn't write it down. You wouldn't happen to know the book. I mean, would you?

Professor: I know it. I recommend it. It's called “Learn how to learn” by David Warner. I'm hopping over to the bookshop myself now, perhaps we could go together.

Questions 21-30

17. 21-23

Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

21. What was the student surprised to discover he had a lot of? ____________

Answer: free time

Explanation: The student thought before starting with the classes that he would not be getting a lot of free time. But after organizing the timetables for lectures, tutorials, and seminars, the student is surprised to see he had a lot of free time.

Also check:

22. What does the student need to learn the fundamentals of? ____________

Answer: time management

Explanation: The student needs to learn the fundamentals of time management. The professor told that the student needs to learn to manage their time by studying, working on their hobbies, meeting friends, and more.

23. On what basis should the student prepare his schedules? ____________

Answer: weekly or monthly

Explanation: The professor advised that the student should prepare the schedules based on weeks and months. The professor has asked to make the plans focusing on study targets.

17. 24-26

Complete the following notes using only ONE word for each gap. Professor’s suggestions:

• make a plan for your studies
• make a plan for your free time
• 24 ____________ plans if necessary
• see how much time you need for activities as you 25____________with your studies
• keep schedules balanced and 26____________

Question 24:

Answer: revise

Explanation: The professor asked the student to revise their plans in case it needs modifications. It is advised that candidates revise their study plans as it will help them know how much time they have in their hands.

Question 25:

Answer: progress

Explanation: Revising the timetables will help candidates understand how much time they have in their hands. They can track their signs of progress based on the timetables.

Question 26:

Answer: realistic

Explanation: The professor advised that the timetables should be realistic. This means the student should have time not only for study but also for their hobbies, and extracurricular activities.

17. 27-30

Choose the correct answers A-C and write them next to 27-30 on your answer sheet.

27. The professor points out that the university language centre ____________

1. would certainly be useful for the student.
2. is likely to be useful for the student.
3. is available for students.
4. has a wide range of materials.

Answer: C

Explanation: The professor when discussing language deficiency stated that the university’s language center is available for students and is quite helpful.

28. The professor suggests that the student ____________

1. join the support group for students on his course.
2. join the support group for students from his country.
3. identify problems that people from his country have in Britain.
4. create a support group.

Answer: D

Explanation: After listening to the queries, the professor said that the student can make support groups based on the common concerts they are having.

29. The student says that ____________

1. he doesn’t know anyone on his course.
2. he doesn’t know the overseas students on his course.
3. there are no people from his country on his course.
4. there are few overseas students on his course.

Answer: D

Explanation: The student when talking stated that in his course there are few overseas students on his course and few students from his country are studying different courses.

30. The International Student Advisor recommended a book ____________

1. but didn’t say the title clearly.
2. but couldn’t remember the title.
3. for all students.
4. for overseas students.

Answer: C

Explanation: The student talked about a book that was recommended by the internationals student advisor which is applicable for all the students.