Tier 1 -- Foundation (Band 4.5-5.5) · Listening

Joining a Community Gym

Passage / Prompt

LISTENING PRACTICE (transcript). Cover the transcript, ask someone to read it aloud to you once -- or read it once quickly -- then answer the questions. In the real test you hear the recording only ONCE. RECEPTIONIST: Good morning, Riverside Community Gym. How can I help? CALLER: Hi, I'd like to join the gym, please. RECEPTIONIST: Sure. Can I take your name? CALLER: It's Daniela Kowalski. RECEPTIONIST: Could you spell your surname? CALLER: K-O-W-A-L-S-K-I. RECEPTIONIST: Thanks. And your address? CALLER: 42 Hannan Street. RECEPTIONIST: Is that Hannan with two Ns in the middle? CALLER: Yes, H-A-N-N-A-N. RECEPTIONIST: Great. We have two memberships -- the standard one at 15 dollars a week, or off-peak at 11 dollars, which is weekdays before 4 pm only. CALLER: I work during the day, so I'll need the standard one. RECEPTIONIST: No problem. And when would you like to start? CALLER: Could I start on Monday? Oh, actually, no -- Monday is a public holiday. Let's say Tuesday. RECEPTIONIST: Tuesday the 3rd, then. Please bring a towel and a padlock for the lockers. CALLER: Will do. Thanks!

Practice Questions

1. Surname: ______

Correct answer: Kowalski

Spelling is tested often in Part 1. Practise the English alphabet, especially letters that sound alike (A/E/I, G/J). A misspelt answer is marked wrong.

2. Address: 42 ______ Street

Correct answer: Hannan

The receptionist checks 'two Ns in the middle'. Listen for corrections and confirmations -- they often give the exact spelling.

3. Weekly cost of chosen membership: $______

Correct answer: 15

Two prices are mentioned: 15 and 11. The caller works in the day, so she can't use off-peak (before 4 pm). This is a classic distractor -- the speaker mentions two options and you must choose the one that is selected.

4. Start day: ______

Correct answer: Tuesday

She first says Monday, then changes her mind ('Oh, actually, no'). Words like 'actually', 'sorry' and 'I mean' signal that the first answer is about to change.

5. What two things should she bring?

  • A. A towel and a water bottle
  • B. A padlock and photo ID
  • C. A towel and a padlock
  • D. Photo ID and a towel

Correct answer: C. A towel and a padlock

The final line: 'Please bring a towel and a padlock for the lockers.' Answers in IELTS Listening come in the same order as the questions, so the last question is usually near the end.