Question Focus: Identifying the specific role that provides language support under Academic Support Services
Correct Answer: international student advisor
Passage Reference: We also have an International Student Advisor who is there to help students from non-English speaking backgrounds, All of you have achieved the English requirements for entry to your particular courses, but it is possible at some stage that you will need language support. The International Student Advisor is there for that purpose.
Why this is correct: You hear the speaker clearly explain that the International Student Advisor helps students from non-English speaking backgrounds and provides language support. This matches the gap under Academic Support services.
Common Mistake: Some students write academic advisor because it sounds logical, but that role is never mentioned. This is a paraphrase trap.
Paraphrasing: Transcript: 'International Student Advisor ... language support' = Notes: 'language support'
Tips: Listen carefully for job titles when services are explained.
Key Vocabulary:
- advisor = helper
- entitled = allowed
Question Focus: Naming the third department within Library Services
Correct Answer: student IT department
Passage Reference: Library Services is made-up of three departments: Research and Resource, Study Skills and the Student IT Department.
Why this is correct: The speaker lists the three Library Services departments and the last one named is the Student IT Department. This directly fills the gap.
Common Mistake: Students sometimes write IT services because it sounds similar, but you must copy the exact words from the speaker. This is a synonym trap.
Paraphrasing: Transcript: 'Student IT Department' = Notes: missing department name
Tips: When the speaker says a number like 'three departments', expect a list and listen carefully.
Key Vocabulary:
- department = section
- arrange = organise
Question Focus: Understanding what the Study Skills Department helps arrange
Correct Answer: study groups
Passage Reference: The Study Skills Department is very active in promoting small learning and study groups. They will gladly help you to join one of these groups by matching your needs with other students.
Why this is correct: You hear that the Study Skills Department helps students join study groups by matching them with others. That is exactly what the notes describe.
Common Mistake: Some students write learning groups because the speaker also says 'learning and study groups'. Writing only learning is incomplete. This is a partial truth trap.
Paraphrasing: Transcript: 'learning and study groups' = Notes: 'arranging study groups'
Tips: If the speaker gives two similar options, choose the one that fits the grammar best.
Key Vocabulary:
- promoting = encouraging
- matching = pairing
Question Focus: Identifying who gives advice on independent accommodation
Correct Answer: housing officer
Passage Reference: but if you want to move into more independent-style accommodation, see the housing officer at the administration building. Don't be too optimistic, though. Good, cheap accommodation close to the university is in high demand. It can be found, but we advise you to see the accommodation officer early.
Why this is correct: The speaker explains that students wanting independent accommodation should see the housing officer, also called the accommodation officer. Both are accepted.
Common Mistake: Students sometimes write homestay officer, but that role is for family-style accommodation. This is a context shift trap.
Paraphrasing: Transcript: 'housing officer' = Notes: 'independent accommodation advice'
Tips: Pay attention when the speaker contrasts two services. They often test the difference.
Key Vocabulary:
- homestay = living with a family
- independent = living alone
Question Focus: Locating passport and visa inquiries
Correct Answer: international department
Passage Reference: The University Bookshop and most importantly our International Department is in the Administration Building, so make sure that you come and see us if you have any questions about your passports or visas.
Why this is correct: You hear that questions about passports or visas should be directed to the International Department. This matches the note exactly.
Common Mistake: Some students write administration building, which is only the location, not the service. This is a distractor trap.
Paraphrasing: Transcript: 'International Department' = Notes: 'inquiries re: passports and visas'
Tips: Do not confuse a place with the office that provides the service.
Key Vocabulary:
- inquiries = questions
- visas = entry permits
Question Focus: Understanding what type of problems student counselling covers
Correct Answer: personal or financial
Passage Reference: if you have any personal or financial problems while you're here, the Student Union offers a student counselling service.
Why this is correct: The speaker clearly says counselling is available for personal or financial problems. This completes the note under Student Union Services.
Common Mistake: Some students write only financial problems, missing half the answer. This is a partial truth trap.
Paraphrasing: Transcript: 'personal or financial problems' = Notes: 'counselling re: ___ problems'
Tips: Listen carefully for pairs joined by 'and' or 'or'. IELTS often tests both.
Key Vocabulary:
- counselling = professional help
- financial = money-related
General Tips:
- Note completion questions follow the order of the recording. Use the previous answer to know where you are.
- Always copy the exact words you hear. Do not change them to synonyms.
- Check grammar clues around the gap like verbs or plural nouns.
- Listen for signpost phrases like 'for example' or 'the next service is'.
- Stay within the word limit. Extra words make the answer wrong even if the idea is correct.