As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who struggle with the listening section, particularly when it comes to understanding the nuances of spoken language. One common question I receive is, “What should I be listening for when it comes to the aims of activity organisers in the IELTS Listening test?” This is an excellent question, as understanding the motivations behind organised activities is key to correctly answering questions in this area.
Why is Understanding Organisers’ Aims Important?
In the IELTS Listening test, you will encounter a variety of scenarios, including those involving organised activities like tours, workshops, or club meetings. Identifying the aims of the people organising these activities is crucial for several reasons:
- Answering specific questions: The test may directly ask about the purpose of the activity or the organiser’s goals.
- Predicting information: Understanding the aim can help you anticipate what kind of information you might hear next, such as the target audience, the content of the activity, or potential challenges.
- Identifying opinions and attitudes: The way organisers describe their aims can reveal their underlying attitudes and opinions about the activity, which can be important for certain question types.
How to Identify the Aims of Activity Organisers
Here are some key strategies to effectively identify the aims of activity organisers in the IELTS Listening test:
1. Pay Close Attention to Introductory Information
The beginning of the audio clip is crucial. Listen for:
- Explicit statements of purpose: Organisers often state their aims directly using phrases like “The goal of this workshop is…” or “We aim to provide…”
- Keywords related to purpose: Be attentive to words like “educate,” “promote,” “raise awareness,” “develop skills,” “encourage,” or “celebrate,” which signal the underlying aim.
2. Listen for Benefits and Outcomes
Organisers often highlight the positive outcomes or benefits of participating in the activity. These can provide valuable clues about their aims. Listen for phrases like:
- “By the end of the tour, you will…”
- “Participants will gain…”
- “This workshop will help you to…”
3. Identify the Target Audience
Understanding who the activity is aimed at can also shed light on its purpose. For example, an activity designed for children will likely have different aims than one targeted at professionals.
4. Be Aware of Tone and Emphasis
The speaker’s tone of voice and the words they emphasize can also reveal their underlying aims. Pay attention to enthusiastic or passionate tones, as these can indicate a strong belief in the activity’s purpose.
Example from an IELTS Listening Test
Let’s look at an example:
Narrator: “Welcome to the annual City Festival! This year, we’re excited to showcase local artists and musicians in a vibrant celebration of our community.”
From this introduction, we can infer several aims of the organisers:
- Promote local talent: The emphasis on “local artists and musicians” suggests this as a key aim.
- Celebrate community: The phrase “vibrant celebration of our community” highlights this as another important goal.
- Provide entertainment: The overall tone and context suggest that entertainment is a likely aim of the festival.
City Festival
Tips for Success
- Practice active listening: Develop your ability to focus on the audio and identify key information while listening.
- Develop vocabulary: Expand your knowledge of words and phrases related to aims, purposes, and benefits.
- Familiarize yourself with different scenarios: Listen to a variety of IELTS Listening practice materials involving organised activities to build your understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering the skill of identifying the aims of activity organisers in the IELTS Listening test requires practice and attention to detail. By following these strategies and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to understand the motivations behind organised activities and confidently answer related questions on the test.