Source: ielts.org
1 = motivation
2 = time(-)management
3 = modules
4 = summer school(s)
Two friends, Rachel and Paul, are discussing studying with the Open University. Rachel has already done a course at the university, but Paul has not.
Paul: The other thing I wanted to ask you was, did you find it hard, studying with the Open University?
Rachel: You mean, because you’re studying on your own, most of the time?
Paul: Mm…
Rachel Well it took me a while to get used to it. 1 I found I needed to maintain a high level of motivation, because it’s so different from school. There’s no-one saying, ‘Why haven’t you written your assignment yet?’ and that sort of thing.
Paul: Oh dear.
Rachel: You’ll learn it, Paul. 2 Another thing was that I got very good at time-management because I had to fit time for studying round a full-time job.
Paul: Well I’m hoping to change to working part-time, so that’ll help.
Rachel: 3 What makes it easier is that the degree is made up of modules, so you can take time off between them if you need to. It isn’t like a traditional three-or four-year course, where you’ve got to do the whole thing of it in one go.
Paul: That’s good, because I’d like to spend six months travelling next year.
Rachel: Huh, it’s all right for some. Then even though you’re mostly studying at home, 4 remember you’ve got tutors to help you, and from time to time there are summer schools. They usually last a week. They’re great, because you meet all the other people struggling with the same things as you. I’ve made some really good friends that way.
Paul: Sounds good. So, how do I apply?
2 = time(-)management
3 = modules
4 = summer school(s)
Two friends, Rachel and Paul, are discussing studying with the Open University. Rachel has already done a course at the university, but Paul has not.
Paul: The other thing I wanted to ask you was, did you find it hard, studying with the Open University?
Rachel: You mean, because you’re studying on your own, most of the time?
Paul: Mm…
Rachel Well it took me a while to get used to it. 1 I found I needed to maintain a high level of motivation, because it’s so different from school. There’s no-one saying, ‘Why haven’t you written your assignment yet?’ and that sort of thing.
Paul: Oh dear.
Rachel: You’ll learn it, Paul. 2 Another thing was that I got very good at time-management because I had to fit time for studying round a full-time job.
Paul: Well I’m hoping to change to working part-time, so that’ll help.
Rachel: 3 What makes it easier is that the degree is made up of modules, so you can take time off between them if you need to. It isn’t like a traditional three-or four-year course, where you’ve got to do the whole thing of it in one go.
Paul: That’s good, because I’d like to spend six months travelling next year.
Rachel: Huh, it’s all right for some. Then even though you’re mostly studying at home, 4 remember you’ve got tutors to help you, and from time to time there are summer schools. They usually last a week. They’re great, because you meet all the other people struggling with the same things as you. I’ve made some really good friends that way.
Paul: Sounds good. So, how do I apply?
It is important that you follow the recording. If you focus too much on hearing particular words, you will miss answers. For example, the answer to question 4 (summer schools) comes before the voice talks about ‘meeting other students’. Remember, you only get to listen to each recording once.