Conversation between Mary and Mr. Hayes - IELTS Listening Sample Answer

IELTS Listening section comprises four sections - two conversations and two monologues. IELTS listening section tests a candidate’s ability to carefully listen to audios and answer a wide range of questions. This topic - A conversation between Mary and Mr. Hayes is IELTS listening part three. The candidate needs to answer the following IELTS listening question types:

• Fill in the blanks
• Multiple-choice questions

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Audio Transcript:

You are going to hear a conversation between Mary and Mr. Hayes, one of her former high school teachers. First, listen to the first part of the conversation and answer questions 21 to 25.

You now have some time to read questions 21 to 25.

Mary: Hi, Mr. Hayes. It’s so great to see you again!

Mr.Hayes: Mary, one of my most favorite students. So, how are you?

Mary: Well, to be honest. Mr. Hayes, not so good. That's why I wanted to see you. It's about University, so different from high school.

Mr.Hayes: Oh dear. Well, why don't we sit down over there? And you can tell me all about it. Let's see if I can be of any help to you.

Mary: Oh, dear, I feel so stupid now. I shouldn't have bothered you.

Mr.Hayes: Don't be silly Mary. We all need someone to speak to, sometimes, and since your mother and father are in New Zealand, you probably feel a bit lost now and then. But before you say anything else, why don't you tell me all the things that you like about your new life at University?

Mary: Gee? I don't know. I guess I like the city. Canterbury Cathedral is one of my favorite places. I often go there just to sit and think or just sit.

Mr.Hayes: Oh, I can quite understand that and you've got the sea. I love the sea and you are never more than a short cycle ride from the lovely Kent Countryside. And how are your teachers?

Mary: Oh, the profs are great. Not as good as you but really interesting and always ready to explain things after class, but I don't know. They're really good. But I just can't seem to feel enthusiastic about studying anymore.

Mr.Hayes: Mary, not a king student anymore, my dear. That's so hard to believe. You were always so energetic and interested in all your studies except German if I remember correctly, but you still did very well in it and you always wanted to major in biology which is what you're doing now. Do you still enjoy biology?

As the talk continues answer questions 26 to 30. You now have some time to read questions 26 to 30.

Mary: I don't know. I suppose so, but I kind of have to force myself to go to lectures and stuff. It all seems like, like a waste of time, pointless.

Mr.Hayes: Mary. I think I know you quite well, you're obviously not feeling yourself. Are you feeling sad or worried about something?

Mary: Not really sad, and I don't think I'm worried about anything in particular. It's just that nothing seems worth bothering with.

Mr.Hayes: Have you spoken with your mum or dad lately?

Mary: Not since Easter. I send them emails, but they hardly ever reply and they are never in when I try to phone them. Always out filming.

Mr.Hayes: Yes Mary. That is sometimes the problem with very successful parents. They get so wrapped up in their work that they neglect their kids . Not intentional, but it happens.

Mary: I guess but at least I could speak to them sometimes when they were here in London. But now well, I feel really alone at Canterbury.

Mr.Hayes: Have you made any friends there Mary? You were always such a popular person here. You seemed, you were in every club and sports team, president of the chess club. Have you joined any University clubs?

Mary: Not really. Suppose, I should. I'll check out the debating society once I get back.

Mr.Hayes: That's a good idea. Let me know how you get on.

Section 3

Question 21-30

Q.21-23

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer

21. What does Mary want to talk about with Mr. Hays? ____________

Answer: university

Explanation: Mary wanted to talk about university and how it is different from high school with Mr. Hayes.

Also check:

22. Where are Mary’s parents? ____________

Answer: New Zealand

Explanation: Mary’s parents are in New Zealand as evident from Mr. Hay’s response, and he thought that she might be feeling lost.

23. Name one of Mary’s favourite places in the city where she lives ____________

Answer: Canterbury Cathedral

Explanation: Mary often visits Canterbury Cathedral which is one of her favorite places. She visits the place to sit and think or just sit.

Q.24-25

Choose TWO correct answers A-E and write them next to 24-25 on your answer sheet

Which statements are correct?

1. Mary lives close to the countryside.
2. Mr. Hays lives far from the sea.
3. Mary is enthusiastic about her university studies.
4. Mary used to like German.
5. Mary was good at German.

Questions 24 and 25:

Answer: A and E

Explanation: Out of all these, two statements are correct - Mary lives close to the countryside and Mary was good at German.

Q.26-29

Write ONE WORD for each answer.

26. When did Mary last talk with her mother or father?

Answer: Easter

Explanation: Mary last had a talk with her parents at Easter. She did email them but they don’t respond regularly as they are out filming.

27. What industry do Mary’s parents work in?

Answer: Filming

Explanation: Mary’s parents are into filming, therefore, they are not always available for calls with Mary.

28. What city are Mary and Mr. Hays meeting in?.

Answer: London

Explanation: Mary and Mr. Hays were meeting in London.

29. What high school club was Mary the president of?

Answer: Chess

Explanation: Mary was a popular student and was also a member of all the clubs. She was the president of the Chess club in high school.

Q.30

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for your answer

30. Where will Mary go as soon as she returns to university? ____________

Answer: Debating society

Explanation: Mary told that she will be checking out the debating society once she gets back to university and join the same.