Selecting from a list- IELTS

Sometimes, you need to choose an answer from a longer list. All of the ideas in the list will be mentioned, but only two or three options are correct. To help you concentrate, it can help to underline key words before you listen. Key words are important words in the question (or the words or phrases in an option that make it different to the others).

3.1. Look at the question and list of possible answers. Before you listen, underline the key ideas you need to listen for.

What TWO disadvantages of the new mobile phone does the speaker mention?

A it isn´t very user-friendly

B it is very expensive

C it can´t take photographs

D it has a short battery life

E it is quite big

3.2. To help practise scanning a list, listen and put options A-E in the order they are mentioned. Don´t answer the question yet. Remember, the ideas will be paraphrased, so you may not hear the same words you see in the options.

A it isn´t very user-friendly

B it is very expensive

C it can´t take photographs

D it has a short battery life

E it is quite big

3.3. Listen again and put a ✓ or a X next to each option A-E, depending on whether or not it matches the information in the recording. Which TWO options are correct?

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ANSWERS

3.1. 

TWO disadvantages

isn´t user-friendly

very expensive

can´t take photographs

short battery life

quite big

3.2.

1. E

2. C

3. D

4. A

5. B

3.3

A it isn´t very user-friendly X

B it is very expensive  ✓

C it can´t take photographs X

D it has a short battery life  ✓

E it is quite big   X

SCRIPT

Recording 15

In today´s show I´m going to be looking at what´s new in technology this week. And I´d like to start by looking at the much-awaited OP56 mobile phone from technology giants Optiware. It has some amazing features. The first thing you notice is how much slimmer and lighter it is compared to the heavier older models. It´s incredible considering that they have actually increased the screen size on this one, though it still fits neatly into your pocket. They´ve also improved the camera and you´ll find you can take much better quality photos on this model. This has an impact on the battery though, as it takes a lot of power and I found it didn´t run for very long before needing to be recharged. Despite all its amazing features, it´s extremely easy to use, but I do have to say that it is overpriced, and will be beyond the budget of most people shopping for a new phone.