IELTS 2026 Listening Section 3 — Interactive Tapescript

Click any WORD to play from that word · 17 lines · 350 words · 2 min

Opening & Administration

Task 3

00:00.08
narrator_m
Right, let's talk about your group project on coastal erosion. I've read your outline and it's coming along well. Just a few points before you start the fieldwork.
00:10.04
female
Thank you, Dr Payne. We wanted to check the data collection methods with you. We're planning to use drone photography and sediment samples.
00:18.29
narrator_m
The drone photography is a good idea, but remember you'll need permission from the council for that part of the beach. It's a protected site.
00:27.25
male
Oh, we didn't know that. Can we just apply online?
00:30.95
narrator_m
There's a form on the council website. You'll need to submit it at least ten working days before the fieldwork date. I'd do that this week, if I were you.
00:41.38
female
Will do. How many sediment samples do you think we need for a reliable result?
00:46.68
narrator_m
At least thirty, taken at regular intervals along the beach. If you only take samples from one spot, the data will be skewed, and you'll get lower marks for methodology.
00:57.70
male
Right. And what about the timing of the samples? Should we collect them at high tide or low tide?
01:03.52
narrator_m
That's a really important point. You should collect them at the same time each day, just after low tide, so the samples are comparable. Tides affect the sediment composition, so consistency matters more than the exact time.
01:17.52
female
OK. And the presentation: is the poster format okay, or would you prefer a slide deck?
01:24.78
narrator_m
Either is fine, but I'd suggest the poster, because it forces you to be concise. Ten minutes of speaking, and then five minutes for questions from the class.
01:35.34
male
Should we mention our limitations in the poster?
01:38.16
narrator_m
Absolutely. The examiners love to see that you're aware of the limitations of your own research. Put a small section on that in the bottom corner.
01:47.97
female
Great. One last thing: do we need to reference the council reports in our bibliography?
01:53.54
narrator_m
Yes, and the local newspaper archives from the past decade would strengthen your literature review considerably. The library has them on microfilm.
02:04.17
male
Perfect. Thanks for your time, Dr Payne.
02:07.18
narrator_m
No problem. I'll see you at the interim meeting next Tuesday.