Conversation between a Student and a Saleswoman- IELTS Listening Sample

IELTS Listening section comprises four sections. There are four recordings based on academic and general contexts. IELTS listening sample - Conversation between a Student and a Saleswoman is part one. It contains a dialogue between a student and a salesman about finding accommodation. Candidates can practice all the sections from IELTS listening practice papers. This sample consists of three question types:

1. Choose the correct answer
2. No more than three words
3. Answer the questions

Section 1

You will hear a conversation between a student and a saleswoman. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 10.

Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 10.

Garcia: Hello, my name is Garcia. I phoned earlier about finding accommodation.
Saleswoman: Yes. Mr. Garcia. I took your call. Please take a seat. You said on the phone that you are studying at the University?
Garcia: That's right. I'm currently in University digs, but I have decided to move out.
Saleswoman: May I ask why?
Garcia: Well, the accommodation itself is fine. Very nice, in fact. But it's catered accommodation and I find having to have my meals at a fixed time somewhat restrictive. I tried to get into a self-catering accommodation, but there's very little of that available and as I will be a second-year student next academic year. I wasn't given a place.
Saleswoman: I see. We have many students coming to us who are in the same situation. Do you intend to live alone or share with someone?
Garcia: I have two friends from Spain and from Colombia who would like to share with me. We thought it would be a good idea to rent a small house together. Does that sound sensible to you?
Saleswoman: Sure. In fact, I recommend it. Where are you from Mr. Garcia?
Garcia: I'm from Mexico.
Saleswoman: Really? I went there on holiday last year. Lovely. So, you're looking for a three-bedroom house? How about a flat? Would that be okay?
Garcia: Yes, that would be fine too. But if the rents are roughly the same, we'd prefer a house with a small garden just somewhere where we can sit outside in the sunshine.
Saleswoman: Of course, we do have houses but more flats are available at the moment. Is there any particular area you'd like to live in?
Garcia: Obviously! I would like to be close to the University if possible but not too close. My experience is that people living in the proximity of the Uni tend to get a lot of people dropping in, we'd like to avoid that.
Saleswoman: I understand. Places further from the uni are also a little cheaper in general. Before we go on. Could I take down a few details.
Garcia: Of course. My full name is Manuel Garcia. I currently live at 35C campus Lane.
Saleswoman: Thank you and your telephone number and email address?
Garcia: My mobile number is 0 4 5 3 6 7 2 3 4 8. My email address is GarciaNuk@email.uk.
Saleswoman: How old are you and your future housemates?
Garcia: I'm 19. My friends are 19 and 20.
Saleswoman: And are you all male?
Garcia: Yes.
Saleswoman: Smokers?
Garcia: No.
Saleswoman: Okay, how much would you be prepared to pay all together?
Garcia: We heard 200 to 250 pounds a month would be possible.
Saleswoman: Yes, that's about right. Accommodation in this town is below the average for the country as a whole. I'd recommend something closer to 250 pounds since the lower paid accommodation can be rather poor quality.
Garcia: Yes. It's important to feel good in a home. We intend to move in at the beginning of July. We've all got placements over the summer holiday.
Saleswoman: That's good. A lot of landlords will offer a small discount if they know that you'll be there throughout the year. I think we'll find something decent for around 230 pounds a month. I should point out that utilities are not included.
Garcia: I understand. We expected that. By the way, we understand that you will charge us a fee for arranging accommodation. Is that correct?
Saleswoman: Yes it is. We charge you half a month's rent and the landlord half a month's rent. That includes the cost of drawing up an agreement. All our landlords require a deposit of a month's rent payable with the first month's rent upon signing the agreement.
Garcia: That's fine.
Saleswoman: Now, I'll just write down the kind of place you were looking for. I don't think that'll be a problem. Do you have any other requirements?
Garcia: Let me think for a minute. Of course. How can I forget? It must be furnished. We don't mind buying kitchen utensils. A TV. Yes. We'll need that. We don't need a video or DVD player. Oh, and a washing machine That's essential. As is an internet connection. I presume all the accommodation you offer has a cooker.
Saleswoman: Yes. You don't have to worry about that. Do you prefer a bath or shower?
Garcia: We'd prefer to have a shower, but we're not fussy about that.
Saleswoman: Right? Then. I'll send you the details of three or four of the most suitable properties later today by email. Then you can let me know whether you'd like to see any of the properties or whether you'd prefer to see details of some others, thank you for dropping by. Mr. Garcia.

Questions and Answers with Explanations:
Questions 1-10

Questions 1-4

Select the correct answer from the choices given.

Write A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet. Write answers next to 1-4 on your answer sheet.

1. Where is Mr. Garcia living?

1. Private accommodation.
2. With friends.
3. Self-catering university accommodation.
4. Catered university accommodation.

Answer:D

Explanation: In the above conversation, it is evident that Mr.Gracia is living in catered university accommodation.

2. Why doesn’t he like his accommodation?

1. The food is not good.
2. The meals are at inconvenient times.
3. He doesn’t like his cohabitants.
4. It’s on the university campus.

Answer: B

Explanation: Mr. Gracia clearly mentions that the accommodation is fine but the meals at a fixed time somewhat restrictive.

3. Where are Mr. Garcia and his friends from?

1. Costa Rica, Spain, Bolivia.
2. Ecuador, Spain, Mexico
3. Mexico, Columbia, Spain.
4. Spain, Brazil, Argentina.

Answer: C

Explanation: Mr. Gracia clearly mentions that his two friends from Spain and from Colombia

4. What kind of place are they hoping to find?

1. A house with a garden next to the university.
2. A flat or a house next to the university.
3. A house not too near to the university.
4. A flat or a house not too near to the university.

Answer: C

Explanation: Mr. Gracia was looking for a place that us not too near to the university.

Questions 5-7

Complete the details below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS.

Answer 5: 35c Campus lane

Explanation: In the starting of the conversation Mr.Gracia tells his address to be 35c campus lane.

Answer 6: GarciaNuk@email.uk.

Explanation: He mentions his email address as GarciaNuk@email.uk.

Answer 7: 200-250

Explanation: He also mentions about his budget to from 200 to 250

Questions 8-10
Select the correct answer from the choices given.
Write A, B, C or D on your answer sheet. Write answers next to next to 8-10 on your answer sheet.

8. Why can Mr. Garcia expect a small reduction in rent?

1. The salesman likes him.
2. There is no contract
3. July is a good month to move in.
4. He and his friends will stay all year.

Answer: D

Explanation: Mr.Garcia wanted his friends to stay with him, hence that will help in reduction of rent.

9. How much is the accommodation agency’s fee for Mr. Garcia?

1. 1/2 month’s rent.
2. 1 month’s rent.
3. 11/2 month’s rent.
4. There’s no fee.

Answer: A

Explanation: The accommodation agency asked ½ month’s rent.

10. Which items does Mr. Garcia consider necessary?

1. Kitchen utensils, washing machine, Internet connection.
2. Washing machine, Internet connection, TV.
3. DVD player, TV, Internet connection.
4. Shower, TV, washing machine.

Answer: B

Explanation: Mr. Garcia mentions washing machine, internet connection, and TV to be necessary commodities.