Collins IELTS 1 Listening Test 3
4 parts · 40 questions · 30 minutes
Arranging car insurance
Questions 1–4
Complete the form below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND / OR A NUMBER for each answer.
| Example | Answer |
|---|---|
| Model | Ford Fiesta |
| Registration | 3R1 (1) ………………………… |
| Current mileage | (2) ………………………… miles |
| Estimated yearly mileage | 6,000 a year |
| Overnight parking | (3) ………………………… |
| Cover | Third party (4) ………………………… |
| No claims bonus | 6 years |
Questions 5–7
Choose THREE letters, A–G.
5. Which additional cover does Liam want?
A Legal
B 14-day cover courtesy car
C Driver injury
D Protected no claims bonus
E Breakdown
F Lost car key
G Windscreen
6. Which additional cover does Liam want?
A Legal
B 14-day cover courtesy car
C Driver injury
D Protected no claims bonus
E Breakdown
F Lost car key
G Windscreen
7. Which additional cover does Liam want?
A Legal
B 14-day cover courtesy car
C Driver injury
D Protected no claims bonus
E Breakdown
F Lost car key
G Windscreen
Questions 8–10
Complete the form below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Name: Liam Byrd
Address: 35 Bottiville Crescent, Birmingham
Postcode: (8) …………………………
Date of birth: 11/11/1969
Telephone: 0121 677 9887
Payment by: (9) …………………………
Card number: **** **** **** 1551
Security number: ***
How did the customer hear about Hartline? (10) …………………………
Climbing Mont Blanc
Questions 11–14
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
• Every year more than (11) ………………………… people try to climb Mont Blanc.
• Approximately (12) ………………………… reach the top every day in the summer months.
• In July 2007 there were 30 fatalities, chiefly due to (13) …………………………
• One danger is (14) ………………………… caused by other climbers.
Questions 15–17
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
15. How did Katherine do her most recent climb?
A in a group
B with a guide
C on her own
16. Why did Katherine find her first climb of Mont Blanc difficult?
A because of poor weather conditions
B because of the time she was climbing
C because the route was crowded
17. What did Katherine do on her second climb that made it easier?
A She spent a few days in Chamonix beforehand.
B She did the climb over two days.
C She climbed smaller peaks for training.
Questions 18–20
Choose THREE letters, A–F.
18. What has experience taught Katherine about climbing Mont Blanc?
A Be in good physical condition.
B Have the right climbing equipment.
C Wear several layers of clothing.
D Protect yourself from the sun.
E Climb with others.
F Acclimatise yourself to the altitude first.
19. What has experience taught Katherine about climbing Mont Blanc?
A Be in good physical condition.
B Have the right climbing equipment.
C Wear several layers of clothing.
D Protect yourself from the sun.
E Climb with others.
F Acclimatise yourself to the altitude first.
20. What has experience taught Katherine about climbing Mont Blanc?
A Be in good physical condition.
B Have the right climbing equipment.
C Wear several layers of clothing.
D Protect yourself from the sun.
E Climb with others.
F Acclimatise yourself to the altitude first.
Planning exam revision
Questions 21–23
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
When do Elaine and Adam decide to meet for revision? (21) …………………………
What item does Adam think will help them work independently on revision? (22) …………………………
How does Elaine suggest they spend their revision time between meetings? (23) …………………………
Questions 24–28
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
• It's best to avoid taking notes (24) ………………………….
• Relate (25) ………………………… to key theories and arguments.
• Using diagrams can help keep a lot of information (26) ………………………….
• Bullet points can enable you to highlight (27) ………………………….
• Keep a record of your sources, such as the (28) ………………………….
Questions 29–30
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
29. In future revision sessions Adam suggests using past papers
A to try to predict future exam questions.
B to encourage group discussion.
C to test their knowledge.
30. Elaine suggests
A adding essay practice to the timetable.
B doing essays under exam conditions.
C asking a tutor to mark their essays.
Shared space research project
Questions 31–33
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
31. According to the text, shared space
A is very popular in the Netherlands.
B reduces the number of cars in an area.
C improves the dynamic between drivers and pedestrians.
32. Shared space design results in
A fewer road signs.
B stronger boundaries between pedestrians and motorists.
C increased local employment.
33. Supporters of shared space argue that it
A leads to new businesses opening.
B makes people happier to shop in the area.
C encourages wildlife.
Questions 34–37
Match the groups A–D with their concerns about shared space 34–37.
Groups
A Motorists
B Blind people
C Cyclists
D Supporters of shared space
34. Insufficient experience amongst planners
35. A lack of important signage
36. Intimidation by motorists
37. The loss of familiar street furniture
Questions 38–39
Choose TWO letters, A–D.
38. People will be able to answer the questions
A on the Internet.
B at the local library.
C at the proposed site.
D at home.
39. People will be able to answer the questions
A on the Internet.
B at the local library.
C at the proposed site.
D at home.
Question 40
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
40. Questions must be designed so that they
A do not reflect the views of the campaign group.
B do not require an understanding of shared space.
C are easy to answer.
Answers
1. JTW
2. 90,000
3. on the road
4. fire and theft
5. 14-day cover courtesy car
6. Protected no claims bonus
7. Windscreen
8. B56 1ED
9. debit card
10. on the Internet
11. 30,000
12. 200
13. bad weather conditions
14. falling rocks
15. on her own
16. because of poor weather conditions
17. She spent a few days in Chamonix beforehand.
18. Wear several layers of clothing.
19. Protect yourself from the sun.
20. Acclimatise yourself to the altitude first.
21. Monday and Thursday
22. timetable
23. arranging materials
24. word for word
25. facts
26. organised
27. key points
28. author and publisher
29. to test their knowledge.
30. doing essays under exam conditions.
31. improves the dynamic between drivers and pedestrians.
32. fewer road signs.
33. makes people happier to shop in the area.
34. D
35. A
36. C
37. B
38. on the Internet.
39. at the proposed site.
40. do not reflect the views of the campaign group.
Explanations
- 1. JTW
- Liam reads the registration out: 'it's 3R1 JTW'. The first part, 3R1, is already printed on the form, so the answer is the remaining letters, JTW.Common trap: Letter-dictation trap – the letters are said quickly as a single unit, and the printed 3R1 has to be discounted.
- 2. 90,000
- Asked for the current mileage, Liam answers 'Very high unfortunately! 90,000 miles.'Common trap: Number-distractor trap – 6,000 is the estimated yearly mileage, already printed on the next line of the form.
- 3. on the road
- Asked where the car will be kept overnight, Liam says 'I don't have a garage or a driveway so it'll be on the road.'Common trap: Negation trap – garage and driveway are both named, but only to rule them out.
- 4. fire and theft
- Offered a choice between fully comprehensive and third party fire and theft, Liam picks the latter: 'Just third party fire and theft.' 'Third party' is already printed.Common trap: Choice trap – both cover types are said in the operator's question; only Liam's reply confirms which one applies.
- 5. 14-day cover courtesy car
- Liam asks for three extras: the 14-day courtesy car (B), protection of his no claims bonus (D) and windscreen cover (G). Debbie then reads all three back to confirm. He refuses legal cover and driver injury, already has breakdown cover with another company, and has a spare set of keys.Common trap: Offer-versus-acceptance trap – every one of the seven options is named aloud; four are named only to be turned down, two of them because Liam is already covered elsewhere.
- 6. Protected no claims bonus
- Liam asks for three extras: the 14-day courtesy car (B), protection of his no claims bonus (D) and windscreen cover (G). Debbie then reads all three back to confirm. He refuses legal cover and driver injury, already has breakdown cover with another company, and has a spare set of keys.Common trap: Offer-versus-acceptance trap – every one of the seven options is named aloud; four are named only to be turned down, two of them because Liam is already covered elsewhere.
- 7. Windscreen
- Liam asks for three extras: the 14-day courtesy car (B), protection of his no claims bonus (D) and windscreen cover (G). Debbie then reads all three back to confirm. He refuses legal cover and driver injury, already has breakdown cover with another company, and has a spare set of keys.Common trap: Offer-versus-acceptance trap – every one of the seven options is named aloud; four are named only to be turned down, two of them because Liam is already covered elsewhere.
- 8. B56 1ED
- Liam gives his full address including the postcode: '35 Bottiville Crescent, Birmingham, B56 1ED.'Common trap: Run-on trap – the postcode is tacked onto the end of the address in one breath, with no pause to signal it.
- 9. debit card
- Debbie asks whether he is paying by credit card and Liam corrects her: 'By debit card if that's OK.' He then specifies 'It's a Visa card.'Common trap: Correction trap – 'credit card' is proposed first and rejected.
- 10. on the Internet
- Asked how he heard about the company, Liam says 'I found you on the Internet.'Common trap: Near-synonym trap – 'website' is mentioned twice elsewhere in the call, but the question is about how he first heard of the company.
- 11. 30,000
- 'I've read somewhere over 30,000 people attempt the climb each year' – 'over' matches 'more than', and 'attempt the climb' matches 'try to climb'.Common trap: Number-cluster trap – 30,000, 200 and 30 all appear within two sentences.
- 12. 200
- 'Around 200 people a day summit during the summer season' – 'summit' means reach the top.Common trap: Vocabulary trap – 'summit' is used as a verb, so the sentence has to be decoded before the number can be attached to it.
- 13. bad weather conditions
- 'In July 2007 ... the death toll reached 30, mainly due to bad weather conditions.' 'Chiefly' paraphrases 'mainly' and 'fatalities' paraphrases 'death toll'.Common trap: Adjacent-cause trap – falling rocks are named as a danger in the very next sentence, but they are not the cause of the 2007 deaths.
- 14. falling rocks
- 'The sheer number of people can cause falling rocks, which only adds to the danger' – the other climbers are the 'sheer number of people'.Common trap: Paraphrase trap – 'other climbers' in the question stands for 'the sheer number of people' in the talk.
- 15. on her own
- 'This year I decided to go solo with just one overnight stop' – the most recent climb was alone. The group climb was the first one, in 2007.Common trap: Which-climb trap – two climbs are described in the same answer, and all three options are named aloud at some point.
- 16. because of poor weather conditions
- 'The first climb was quite difficult as the weather was very changeable and we found ourselves climbing in very cold, windy conditions.'Common trap: Wrong-section trap – crowding and timing are both real topics in this talk, but neither is given as the reason the first climb was hard.
- 17. She spent a few days in Chamonix beforehand.
- 'I also spent a few days beforehand in Chamonix and acclimatised myself more to the altitude - this certainly made it easier.'Common trap: Alternative-not-taken trap – the smaller peaks are offered as an equally good method, immediately after the correct answer, but she did not use it.
- 18. Wear several layers of clothing.
- Katherine's three pieces of advice are: wear enough layers against the cold and wind (C), be fully protected from the midday sun (D), and get used to the altitude (F). Physical condition and the right equipment she explicitly sets aside as things that 'go without saying', and whether you climb alone or with others she says depends on your own experience.Common trap: Explicitly-excluded trap – fitness and equipment are named in one sentence and then set aside as too obvious to count as advice, and climbing with others is left to personal preference.
- 19. Protect yourself from the sun.
- Katherine's three pieces of advice are: wear enough layers against the cold and wind (C), be fully protected from the midday sun (D), and get used to the altitude (F). Physical condition and the right equipment she explicitly sets aside as things that 'go without saying', and whether you climb alone or with others she says depends on your own experience.Common trap: Explicitly-excluded trap – fitness and equipment are named in one sentence and then set aside as too obvious to count as advice, and climbing with others is left to personal preference.
- 20. Acclimatise yourself to the altitude first.
- Katherine's three pieces of advice are: wear enough layers against the cold and wind (C), be fully protected from the midday sun (D), and get used to the altitude (F). Physical condition and the right equipment she explicitly sets aside as things that 'go without saying', and whether you climb alone or with others she says depends on your own experience.Common trap: Explicitly-excluded trap – fitness and equipment are named in one sentence and then set aside as too obvious to count as advice, and climbing with others is left to personal preference.
- 21. Monday and Thursday
- Elaine first proposes Tuesday and Thursday, then remembers a late seminar on Tuesday and offers 'Monday and Thursday? What about that?', which Adam accepts.Common trap: Self-correction trap – Tuesday is proposed and withdrawn in the same turn, so only the second pair of days is agreed.
- 22. timetable
- Adam responds to the tutor's advice with 'Then we can use the timetable to work independently ... We can make that the first thing to do in our first session - write up a timetable.'Common trap: Same-word trap – the exam timetable on the noticeboard opens the conversation; the answer is the revision timetable they will write themselves.
- 23. arranging materials
- 'The kinds of things we can do on our own in between meetings are things like arranging our materials - lecture and seminars notes, handouts, feedback from our tutors.'Common trap: List trap – the specific items (notes, handouts, feedback) follow the answer, and it is the general activity that is required.
- 24. word for word
- 'They reckon you shouldn't copy word for word' – 'shouldn't' matches 'it's best to avoid'.Common trap: Positive/negative trap – the recommended technique (paraphrasing) follows immediately after the one to avoid.
- 25. facts
- 'Don't just copy loads of facts either ... try to get a feel for the main arguments or theories and match any facts to these' – 'match ... to these' is 'relate ... to'.Common trap: Reversed-order trap – the theories and arguments are said before the facts, so the sentence has to be rebuilt in the note's order.
- 26. organised
- Of mind maps and spidergrams, Elaine says 'you can put down a lot of information but so that it's nicely organised'.Common trap: Paraphrase trap – 'diagrams' in the note stands for the 'mind maps or spidergrams' named in the conversation.
- 27. key points
- 'And bullet points ... they really help you focus on main points rather than trying to link them together in sentences.'Common trap: Repeated-phrase trap – 'main points' was used earlier about paraphrasing, so it has to be picked up again in the right place.
- 28. author and publisher
- 'We also need to remember to make a note of where the information comes from - the author, publisher that kind of thing.'Common trap: Word-limit trap – 'that kind of thing' trails the answer, so only the two named items belong in the gap.
- 29. to test their knowledge.
- Adam revises his earlier idea of testing each other into 'a kind of discussion between ourselves', using 'the questions in the past papers to base the discussion on' – the papers are used to work through what they know.Common trap: Two-person trap – 'discussion' is the word Adam himself uses, but it is a discussion between the two of them, not a group activity.
- 30. doing essays under exam conditions.
- 'After each session we could go away and do a timed essay on the subject maybe swap and mark each other's essays' – a timed essay is one done under exam conditions.Common trap: Who-marks trap – marking is mentioned, but they do it themselves; the tutor is only quoted earlier for revision advice.
- 31. improves the dynamic between drivers and pedestrians.
- Monderman 'believed that by sharing the space available drivers become more aware of pedestrians and drive more carefully. Pedestrians are able to move more freely' – the relationship between the two groups changes for the better.Common trap: Near-miss trap – 'Dutch' and 'reducing the dominance of motor vehicles' both appear, matching the wording of the two wrong options without matching their meaning.
- 32. fewer road signs.
- Demarcations 'being reduced or removed altogether ... includes features like kerbs, road surface markings and traffic signs' – so there are fewer road signs.Common trap: Direction trap – option B uses the passage's own word 'boundaries' but reverses what happens to them.
- 33. makes people happier to shop in the area.
- 'With these urban centres easier to get around in, supporters claim that people are more inclined to shop there.'Common trap: Consequence trap – 'businesses' and 'trees' both appear nearby, tempting A and C, but only the shopping claim is made directly.
- 34. D
- 'Supporters of shared space themselves also point out that a lack of experience and understanding of shared space by planners can lead to negative experiences for all these groups.'Common trap: Unexpected-source trap – the concern comes from the scheme's own supporters, not from one of the opposing groups.
- 35. A
- 'Some motorist organisations claim that the system means drivers lose important information through the reduction of signage.'Common trap: Shared-detail trap – the removal of signs is also listed as a benefit by supporters, so the complaint has to be tied to the motorists.
- 36. C
- 'Cyclist representatives have also criticised some aspects of the scheme arguing that despite benefits some cyclists feel more bullied by motorists and consequently less safe.'Common trap: Named-group trap – motorists are named inside the cyclists' complaint, so the concern is easily filed under A.
- 37. B
- 'Those representing blind people argue that removing features such as kerbs, railings and barriers between pavements and roads takes away familiar support.'Common trap: Term-echo trap – 'street furniture' is the supporters' phrase for what is removed as a benefit; the blind people's objection uses different words for the same thing.
- 38. on the Internet.
- Two channels are confirmed: an online survey (A) and face-to-face interviews with pedestrians 'in the area itself', i.e. at the proposed site (C). Paper questionnaires in the library are 'still under discussion', and delivering questionnaires to residents' homes 'was dropped' for lack of resources.Common trap: Plan-versus-decision trap – all four options are raised, but the library is undecided and the home delivery has been abandoned.
- 39. at the proposed site.
- Two channels are confirmed: an online survey (A) and face-to-face interviews with pedestrians 'in the area itself', i.e. at the proposed site (C). Paper questionnaires in the library are 'still under discussion', and delivering questionnaires to residents' homes 'was dropped' for lack of resources.Common trap: Plan-versus-decision trap – all four options are raised, but the library is undecided and the home delivery has been abandoned.
- 40. do not reflect the views of the campaign group.
- 'The questions must be totally unbiased and not in any way loaded to encourage participants to give the preferred answer' – the 'preferred' answer is the campaign group's own view, which the questions must not push people towards.Common trap: Reversal trap – the very next sentence is about participants' understanding of shared space, but it argues for giving them information, not for avoiding the topic.
Audio transcripts
Part 1 — Arranging car insurance
Debbie: Good afternoon, Hartline Car Insurance. How can I help you? Liam: Hello. I'd like to speak to someone about car insurance. Debbie: Certainly sir. Can I take your name please? Liam: It's Liam. Liam Byrd. Debbie: Okay Mr Byrd. Is the policy for you? Liam: Yes, I bought the car last night. It's still with the original owner though ... until I get the insurance sorted out. Will I be able to do this over the phone now? Debbie: Of course sir. If you have all the information we need to process the application, we should be able to sort it out for you immediately. Could you tell me the make and model Mr Byrd. Liam: Yes, it's a Ford Fiesta. Debbie: And can I have the registration number please? Liam: Yes, it's 3R1 JTW. Debbie: Okay ... I can see it's a 2002 model, is that right? Liam: That's right, yes. Debbie: And what's the current mileage Mr Byrd? Liam: Very high unfortunately! 90,000 miles. Debbie: Okay. It's obviously very reliable! Liam: Hopefully, yes. Debbie: And how many miles will you be driving per year? Liam: Erm, probably about 6,000 a year. Debbie: Okay. And where will the car be kept overnight? Liam: Well, I don't have a garage or a driveway so it'll be on the road. Debbie: Okay, nearly there. When would you like the policy to be effective from? Immediately I suppose? Liam: Yes. I'm hoping to drive the car home this evening so could I be covered from today? Debbie: Yes, that's fine. Now, do you want fully comprehensive cover or third party fire and theft? Liam: Just third party fire and theft. It's only an old car. Debbie: And how much no claims bonus have you got, sir? Liam: 6 years. Debbie: Okay. Have you decided to take up any of our additional cover options? We have legal cover, for a small fee each month. And we can offer a very competitive rate for driver injury insurance or Liam: No, no thanks ... Sorry but I've already looked through what's available on your website and how much it all costs. I've got breakdown cover with another company and the car comes with a spare set of keys so I should be okay there. I'd like to take out the 14-day courtesy car though, and keep my no claims bonus ... so I'll protect that and I'd like to have the windscreen cover as well. Debbie: Okay Mr Byrd. So that's third party fire and theft, with additional cover for a courtesy car, protected no claims bonus and windscreen cover. That comes to 425. We'll need to see proof of your no claims bonus. Can you send this to us? Liam: Yes, no problem at all. Debbie: Okay, I just need your payment details and I can process this for you. So can I have your full name please? Liam: It's Liam Byrd. That's B-Y-R-D. Debbie: And your address? Liam: 35 Bottiville Crescent, Birmingham, B56 1ED. Debbie: And your date of birth? Liam: The 11th of November 1969. Debbie: And your telephone number Mr Byrd? Liam: 0121 677 9887. Debbie: How will you be paying Mr Byrd? By credit card? Liam: By debit card if that's OK. Debbie: Yes, that's fine. What kind of card is it? Liam: It's a Visa card. Debbie: Okay. Can you give me the full number that runs across the centre of the card? Liam: Yes, it's 2337 4006 2005 1551. Debbie: And the three-digit security number on the reverse of the card? Liam: Okay ... hang on ... Yes, it's 426. Debbie: Thank you. Finally, can I just ask how you got to hear about our company? Liam: Yes, sure. I found you on the Internet. Debbie: Thanks. Okay, your payment has been processed successfully. You're now covered Mr Byrd. Would you like us to send your documents to you or are you happy to download them from the website? Liam: Would you mind posting them to me please? I'd like a paper copy and my printer's not working. Debbie: No problem Mr Byrd.
Part 2 — Climbing Mont Blanc
Presenter: Welcome back to B.U.R.S., your independent student union radio station. We're looking at some of the incredible feats one or two of you have been up to during your summer break. I'm with Katherine who's going to tell us about her successful climb of one of the most iconic mountains in the world - Mont Blanc. Katherine, tell us a little about your achievement. Katherine: Well, actually it was the second time I've reached the summit - the first was in 2007, the year before I came to university. People are often surprised to hear how popular the mountain is with climbers - I've read somewhere over 30,000 people attempt the climb each year and around 200 people a day summit during the summer season so it's very crowded up there. Unfortunately it's also potentially very dangerous. In July 2007, the month before I did my first climb, the death toll reached 30, mainly due to bad weather conditions. The sheer number of people can cause falling rocks, which only adds to the danger. Presenter: So why did you do the same climb twice? And was it easier the second time around? Katherine: In many ways they were totally different experiences. The first time I went as part of an organised group. There were about 20 of us and we took four days to summit. It was much more of a sociable experience compared to the second climb. This year I decided to go solo with just one overnight stop. I felt more confident having already summited once and I wanted to face the challenge of being in control. Actually, you're never really alone - there are other climbers and groups around all the time but I suppose being alone made me feel more intrepid. The first climb was quite difficult as the weather was very changeable and we found ourselves climbing in very cold, windy conditions. We were in a group so we offered each other encouragement but it was still very difficult. The weather this time was wonderful. Plus I also spent a few days beforehand in Chamonix and acclimatised myself more to the altitude - this certainly made it easier. You can achieve the same thing by climbing some of the smaller peaks in the area first but I wanted a more leisurely start. It was fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Presenter: Did your experiences on the first climb help you the second time around? I'm wondering if you have any useful advice for others planning on doing something similar. Katherine: Well, because the climb's becoming so popular I think people don't always give it the respect it deserves. And I'm not talking here about the physical condition you need to be in to take on a challenge like this or having the right equipment. That goes without saying. I think what took me by surprise more than anything else was the extreme weather conditions, even in the summer. For those who want to summit in a single day or two the climb will often start early in the morning so you'll need to make sure you're wearing enough layers to protect yourself from the cold and wind. You'll be glad of this when you hit queues and find yourself standing around waiting to move on. Then at the other extreme around midday you must make sure you're fully protected from the sun or you're likely to get very badly burnt. Whether you climb alone, in a group or a with a guide, that will depend on your own experience but however you decide to go it's essential that you take your time and get used to the altitude. Presenter: Okay, many thanks for taking the time to come in and tell us all about it!
Part 3 — Planning exam revision
Adam: Elaine. Have you seen the exam timetable? They've just put it up on the department noticeboard. Elaine: Yeah, I've just come from there. I must be honest, I'd put the thought of exams to the back of my mind. Now the dates are there it all seems a little scary. Have you been revising much? Adam: No, not really. We've got a month so I'm going to really get going on it now. Why don't we try and work together? Elaine: Yes, let's meet a few times a week. I don't like working on my own; I never seem to be able to focus properly. What about Tuesday and Thursday? Oh no ... I have a late seminar on Tuesday. Monday and Thursday? What about that? Adam: Yes, that'll be okay. How do you go about revising? Have you got any tips? Elaine: Well, our tutor said we shouldn't start background reading or writing notes until we're clear in our mind what we need to revise. He said start with a revision timetable so we know what to revise and when. Adam: That sounds sensible. Then we can use the timetable to work independently ... It'll help us to make sure we're both working on the same subjects ... We can make that the first thing to do in our first session - write up a timetable. Elaine: Okay. I reckon the kinds of things we can do on our own in between meetings are things like arranging our materials - lecture and seminars notes, handouts, feedback from our tutors, that kind of thing. If we arrange all these by subject, according to the timetable, it will help us get organised. Adam: Good idea. Once we have all the content I suppose we could make notes based on past exam papers. We had a talk about note taking in one of the seminars. They reckon you shouldn't copy word for word. It helps to learn things if you paraphrase main points. And don't just copy loads of facts either ... try to get a feel for the main arguments or theories and match any facts to these. Elaine: I also like using mind maps or spidergrams when I make notes. It means you can put down a lot of information but so that it's nicely organised. It also means you can add new notes after. And bullet points ... they really help you focus on main points rather than trying to link them together in sentences. Adam: We also need to remember to make a note of where the information comes from - the author, publisher that kind of thing. Elaine: That's really important ... otherwise when you're writing the assignment you can never remember where you got a particular quote from. Adam: I know I said earlier about testing each other when we get together but, now I think about it, do you think it would be a better idea to talk through our notes on a particular subject, have a kind of discussion between ourselves? We could use the questions in the past papers to base the discussion on. Elaine: Yes, that would be really useful. Then after each session we could go away and do a timed essay on the subject maybe swap and mark each other's essays. That's a good way to learn, I think; critique each other's work. Adam: Great idea. So we'll start next Monday with the timetable ...
Part 4 — Shared space research project
Tutor: Okay everyone. This week it's the turn of Carol to talk about the progress of her research project. Over to you Carol. Carol: Thanks. Yes, hello everybody. I'm going to talk about something called 'shared space' and the research I'm in the process of carrying out into people's attitudes to this as it might affect them in their local community. First I'd best explain what shared space is. In essence, shared space is an approach to urban design that attempts to open up main street junctions more to pedestrians by reducing the dominance of motor vehicles. It's a form of planning associated with a Dutch road traffic engineer called Hans Monderman, who believed that by sharing the space available drivers become more aware of pedestrians and drive more carefully. Pedestrians are able to move more freely in this shared space and the number of accidents is reduced. Shared space design is usually employed in urban centres where pedestrians congregate, such as in shopping areas. It usually results in demarcations between vehicle traffic and pedestrians being reduced or removed altogether. This includes features like kerbs, road surface markings and traffic signs. There are many examples of shared space in operation abroad and in the UK, for example in Kensington High Street in London and Giles Circus in Ipswich. In addition to a decline in accidents, those in favour of shared space also claim additional benefits such as a reduction in unsightly street furniture like signs and metal guard rails, which can be replaced with more trees, planters, seating areas, and other aesthetic improvements determined by local people. With these urban centres easier to get around in, supporters claim that people are more inclined to shop there and as a consequence the centre can become a more thriving area for local people and businesses. Here are some before-and-after photographs of shared space developments to give you an idea of what it looks like ... Despite all its advantages, shared space is opposed by various interest groups. Some motorist organisations claim that the system means drivers lose important information through the reduction of signage. Those representing blind people argue that removing features such as kerbs, railings and barriers between pavements and roads takes away familiar support and means this group of people cannot negotiate their way as easily as other road users. Cyclist representatives have also criticised some aspects of the scheme arguing that despite benefits some cyclists feel more bullied by motorists and consequently less safe. Supporters of shared space themselves also point out that a lack of experience and understanding of shared space by planners can lead to negative experiences for all these groups. To carry out my research I approached a local campaigning group in my area who are interested in adopting shared space in our local shopping centre. I discovered that they were very keen to get feedback from local residents on shared space and because of the experience I'd gained in research methods they were keen for me to construct a questionnaire for them. The focus group have a website and an active social media presence and they decided that the questionnaire will be available as an online survey. Hard-copy questionnaires will also be used for face-to-face interviews. There were plans to leave paper questionnaires in the local library but this is still under discussion. Interviews using the questionnaires will be carried out with pedestrians in the area itself. The group don't have the resources to deliver additional questionnaires to the homes of local residents so this option was dropped. We have met on several occasions to agree on the data the focus group need. I've pointed out that, if they want valid results, the questions must be totally unbiased and not in any way loaded to encourage participants to give the 'preferred' answer. Also we mustn't assume that participants have sufficient information to answer these questions. We're currently looking into how we can best present the concept of shared space during interviews. I've designed some of the questionnaire and I'd just like to spend a few minutes going through it with you. I'd be grateful for any feedback you have ...
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