Questions

This listening test contains 10 questions.
To make it more authentic, download the test and do it with pen and paper.

 

You will hear a conversation between a customer and sales representative at a company specializing in educational software.

Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

1) For which subject does Mr Burrows need a software program?

2) Where does Mr Burrows work?

3) Which exam are his students studying for?

4) Why is Mr Burrows offering this class?

5) How many modules does the course have?

6) What will Rose post to Mr Burrows?

7) How many days will it take to arrive?

8) On what street does Mr Burrows live?

9) What is Mr Burrow’s post code?

10) What is Rose’s extension number?

Answers

1) Mathematics

2) A secondary school

3) College entrace exam

4) Extra practice

5) 8

6) A catalogue

7) Two to three

8) Macquarie Place

9) NSW 2000

10) 367

Audioscript

SR: Good afternoon. Learning Software.  This is Rose speaking, how can I help you?

C:  Hello Rose, my name is Michael Burrows, I wrote you an email the other day about software for our school.

SR: Ah yes, good afternoon Mr Burrows.  Now, as I remember, you are looking for some computer software to use in after-school tutorials for your students?

C: Yes, that’s right.  I’m a teacher at a secondary school, and I’m starting up a program to help some of the kids improve their maths scores.

SR: Ok, great.  I should let you know that we have two pricing schemes – one is for personal use, and the other is for use at educational institutions.  The prices for institutional use are higher, of course, but it means that any student at your school will be able to use the software.

C: Yes, I understand.  I’d be interested in that one then.  Now, what kinds of programs would you recommend?

SR: Well, first of all, tell me something about your students and their learning needs.

C: Ah, of course.  Well, they are all in their last year of school, 16-17 years old, and are worried about the college entrance examinations that they will have to take at the end of this year.  It’s not that they are doing poorly in maths; it’s more that they want extra practice.  We are thinking of spending about three hours a week in the afternoon, for about, erm, four or five months. 

SR: I think we have just the thing.  It’s a program which is specially designed for the type of questions students are likely to face in university entrance examinations.  There are many different subjects, including one focusing on mathematics.  It’s called the College Prep series.

C: Sounds good.

SR: The course itself is divided into 8 modules, and each module has 5 lessons.  Each lesson takes about an hour to complete, so that means a total of 40 hours of instruction.  Now, if you are planning to do three hours over four or five months… that should be just right. 

C: Ok, so with this kind of software, what do I do to get it started?  I mean, we have a computer lab at the school, so the computers are there… but …

SR:  Oh, you needn’t worry about that.  We have a team of computer specialists who will come by your school, set everything up, and make sure you understand how everything works. 

C: Great. 

SR: Now, before you make a final decision, I’d like to send you our catalogue so that you can compare prices and have a look at some of our other software.  I want you to be sure that you are buying the product that’s best for your students. 

C: Thanks.  Have you got my address?

SR: Only your email address.  Can you give me your mailing address?

C:  Sure, it’s 115 (one one five) Macquarie Place. 

SR: Ok, One Fifteen … Can you spell the name of the street please?

C: Yes, Macquarie - M A C Q U A R I E – Place – P L A C E.

SR: Macquarie Place.  Ok.  That’s Sydney, correct?

C: Yes, post code NSW 2000 (Two thousand)

SR: NSW 2000 (Two triple oh).

C: Yes, that’s it. 

SR: Ok, Mr Burrows.  So you’ll receive our full catalogue in the next two or three days.  Have a look through and see if there are any other programs which you think you might like.  Then give me a call again, and we can have you come to the office for a demonstration of the software and discuss pricing.

C: Perfect.  Thank you for all your help, Rose. I’ll speak to you again soon. 

SR: Great, you have our number, but let me give you my extension number so you can reach me directly.  It’s 367 (three sixty seven).

C: Extension 367 (three six seven).  Ok, thanks again!

SR: It’s my pleasure.

Advice / Hints

Have a quick look at the questions first and highlight the keywords.

The questions require you to write no more than three words but you might not know what words to write when you are listening to the audio. So try to write down the important words on the question paper while listening. Then think about the appropriate phrase to use for each answer afterwards.

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Educational Software test

Answer sheet