IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST 2021 WITH ANSWERS | 04.08.2021

Summary

This video script covers a range of diverse topics. It begins with a travel booking interaction, where a customer plans a trip to Vancouver, discussing flight options, accommodation, and travel insurance. Next, a company introduction highlights Barkers Country Safaris, outlining its history and popular tours. The script then shifts to an interview with wildlife expert Alison Sharp, who discusses the history of bears, their endangered status, and conservation efforts. Finally, the script explores the future of home entertainment, focusing on advancements in 3D and holographic technology. A fascinating exploration of travel, wildlife, and future tech awaits.

Takeaways

• 😀 The customer is booking a budget-friendly holiday to Vancouver, Canada, with flexibility on dates between the 24th and 31st of the next month.
• 😀 The cheapest flight option available for Vancouver requires a layover in New York, costing £412 excluding airport taxes.
• 😀 The customer opts for a three-week stay, departing on the 25th and returning on the 14th, with flight booking finalized.
• 😀 The travel agency offers two types of travel insurance: Gold Star (£21) and Silver Star (£18), with the Gold Star covering extreme sports.
• 😀 The customer selects the Gold Star insurance for £21, totaling the cost to £433 for the flight and insurance.
• 😀 The travel agent suggests attractions in Vancouver, including a Shakespeare play and a city museum with a Japanese armor exhibition.
• 😀 Barkers Country Safaris was established 10 years ago by John and Nancy, initially as a hobby, to share their love for the countryside.
• 😀 The safari business offers various tours, including woodland and trail excursions, and now organizes activities for school groups during term time.
• 😀 The most popular tour is the woodland tour, typically sold out with 10 jeeps carrying eight people each, and tours run three times a day.
• 😀 The company has developed a special commission package and emphasizes the importance of both guiding and driving to ensure repeat customers.
• 😀 The interview with Alison Sharp highlights that there are eight species of bears today, with the sun bear and panda being endangered.
• 😀 Advances in 3D home entertainment technology will allow holographic images, such as floating 3D screens, which can be viewed from multiple angles, changing how we experience media.
• 😀 Future technology will allow home theaters with 3D screens, where viewers can experience films in holographic depth, with no need for special glasses.

Q & A

What is the main reason the traveler is interested in visiting North America?

The traveler is interested in visiting North America, specifically Canada, because they have relatives in Vancouver and would like to explore the region after having visited South Africa last year.

What option did the travel agent offer to help reduce the flight cost to Canada?

The travel agent suggested that the traveler could save money by choosing a flight with a stopover, rather than a direct flight, which would reduce the cost of the ticket.

How much does the flight from London to Vancouver cost, and what additional fee is not included?

The flight from London to Vancouver costs 412 pounds for a return ticket, excluding the airport tax.

What was the traveler's preferred return date from Vancouver?

The traveler preferred returning from Vancouver on the 14th of the month, after a 20-night stay.

What type of travel insurance did the traveler choose and why?

The traveler chose the 'Gold Star' travel insurance, which costs 21 pounds, because it provides more comprehensive coverage, including for extreme sports, which they felt was worth the additional cost.

What are some recommended activities in Vancouver according to the travel agent?

The travel agent recommended attending a Shakespeare play at the theater (though it is expensive) and visiting the City Museum, which has a special exhibition of Japanese armor. The museum’s entrance is free.

What is the history behind the creation of Barkers Country Safaris?

Barkers Country Safaris was founded 10 years ago by John and Nancy, who started it as a hobby to share their love of the countryside with visitors. The business grew after they began taking small groups on tours and eventually expanded into organizing activities for school groups.

What are the most popular tours offered by Barkers Country Safaris?

The most popular tours are the Woodland Tour and Trail, which often sell out, and the Family Exclusive Tour, which is a full-day excursion for one group, typically involving one or two jeeps.

What changes are expected in the future of home entertainment technology?

In the future, home entertainment will become more immersive with 3D holographic displays, where movies, TV shows, and games will be experienced in three dimensions, giving viewers a more realistic, interactive experience.

How does the technology behind 3D holographic screens work?

3D holographic screens use lenticular technology, where multiple images are interwoven in vertical stripes. Each eye sees a different set of stripes, creating a 3D effect. This technology prevents eye strain and headaches, offering a more seamless viewing experience.