IELTS Listening · Lesson 10 of 13
Matching
Match each item to an option such as “He’ll definitely do it” or “He won’t do it”. Learn the language speakers use to show certainty and doubt.
In this lesson you will
- work out the context and which speaker will give the answers
- learn a step-by-step strategy for matching questions
- recognise the language of certainty and uncertainty
- complete a Part 3 matching task
The question type
What is matching?
You match a numbered list of items from the recording to a set of options (A, B, C…). The options are often opinions or decisions, so you must listen for the meaning of what is said, not the exact words. Read the instructions carefully: sometimes you may use an option more than once.
Questions 21–25. You will hear a Communication Studies student talking to his tutor about optional courses for the next semester.
What does Jack tell his tutor about each of the following course options?
- A He'll definitely do it.
- B He may or may not do it.
- C He won't do it.
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to questions 21–25. You may choose any letter more than once.
21 Media Studies · 22 Women and Power · 23 Culture and Society · 24 Identity and Popular Culture · 25 Introduction to Cultural Theory
Understand the context
- How many people will be speaking?
- What are they discussing?
- How many courses can Jack choose from?
- Who is most likely to give the information that answers the questions?
Only Jack can say whether he will do a course, so focus on his responses. The tutor describes each course, but her opinion is not the answer. Notice the voices too: this helps you follow who is speaking.
Put the strategy in order
- Listen carefully for the first item (e.g. Media Studies) and focus on the speaker who is most likely to give the answer.
- Then look at the questions (21–25). Remember that you will hear them in order.
- Note the answer on the question paper, or in the answer box on screen.
- Read the options (A, B, C) and underline the key words. Think of other ways they might be expressed.
- Use the time at the end to transfer (paper) or check (computer) your answers.
- Before the recording starts, read the instructions: can you use an option more than once? Think about the context, the speakers and their roles.
Key language
Certainty and uncertainty
Jack won't say “I'll definitely do it” or “I won't do it”. He'll use other expressions. Which option does each one mean?
Classify the expressions
- I'll sign up for that.
- Can I think about it?
- I think I'll give that a miss.
- Put me down for that.
- It depends on the course teacher.
- That's not really relevant for me.
- That's the one for me.
- I'm not sure. I'll sleep on it.
- I'd rather not take that.
- That would fit in really well.
- It sounds interesting, but I'm worried it might be difficult.
- I don't think I like the sound of that.
- Can't make up my mind.
- Certainly not!
Careful with It sounds interesting, but…: a positive start does not mean a definite yes. Listen to the end of what the speaker says.
Choosing course options
You will hear a Communication Studies student, Jack, talking to his tutor about optional courses for the next semester.
Official sample recording. You can also use the computer voice below.
Transcript (check it after you answer)
Dr RayCome in. Oh, hello Jack. Have a seat. Right ... you said you wanted to see me to talk about your options next semester?
JackThat's right. We have to decide by the end of next week. Really, I'd like to do all five options, but we have to choose two, don't we?
Dr RayYes, but the choice depends on your major to some extent. You're majoring in Communication Studies, aren't you?
JackThat's right.
Dr RaySo, for example, the Media Studies option will cover quite a lot of the same area you did in the core module on mass communications this semester: the development of the media through the last two centuries, in relation to political and social issues.
JackMm. Well, that was interesting, but I've decided I'd rather do something completely new. There's a Women's Studies option, isn't there?
Dr RayYes, Women and Power. Again it has a historical focus. It aims to put women's studies in context by looking at the legal and social situation in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
JackSo it would be useful if I intended to specialise in women's studies ... but I'm not sure I do, actually.
Dr RayWell, it might still be useful to give you an idea of the issues involved. It's taught by Dr Steed.
JackOh, really? I'll sign up for that, then. What about the option on Culture and Society?
Dr RayThat addresses the historical debate on the place of culture since the Industrial Revolution in Britain.
JackSo, a historical focus again ...
Dr RayDo I get the message you're not so keen on history?
JackWell, it's just that we seem to have done quite a lot this semester ... anyway, I'll think about that one.
Dr RayIf you're interested in a course focusing on current issues, there's the option on Identity and Popular Culture. That approaches the subject through things like contemporary film, adverts, soap operas and so on.
JackOh? That sounds interesting. Can you tell me who runs it?
Dr RayWell, it's normally Dr Stevens, but he's on sabbatical next semester, so I'm not sure who'll be running it. It should be decided by next week, though.
JackRight, well, I might wait until then to decide ... And the last option is Introduction to Cultural Theory, isn't it? I'm quite interested in that too. I was talking to one of the second-year students, and she said it was really useful. It made a lot of things fall into place.
Dr RayYes, but in fact in your major you'll have covered a lot of that already in Communications 102, so that might be less useful than some of the others.
JackOh, I'll forget about that one, then.
Dr RayNow, while you're here, we could also discuss how you're getting on with your core module assignment ...
Questions 21–25
A He'll definitely do it. · B He may or may not do it. · C He won't do it.
- 21 Media Studies
- 22 Women and Power
- 23 Culture and Society
- 24 Identity and Popular Culture
- 25 Introduction to Cultural Theory
- 21 C “That was interesting, but I've decided I'd rather do something completely new.”
- 22 A “I'll sign up for that, then.” He wasn't sure at first, then changed his mind when he heard who teaches it.
- 23 B “…anyway, I'll think about that one.”
- 24 B “That sounds interesting…” then “I might wait until then to decide.”
- 25 C “I'm quite interested in that too…” then “Oh, I'll forget about that one, then.”
In 22, 24 and 25 Jack's first reaction was not his final answer. Always wait for the speaker's final decision.
Activities adapted from Cambridge English IELTS teaching activities (© UCLES 2009) and British Council IELTS teaching materials.