ISE I

Independent listening task 1 — Border Collie

Examiner rubric
You’re going to hear a talk about a type of dog. You will hear the talk twice. As you listen,
write down some notes about what you hear, if you want to. Then, I will ask you six
questions on some facts about this dog. Are you ready?

The task will play twice.

Now I will ask you some questions. You only need to answer in a few words.

Audio script

The Border Collie is a working and herding dog breed originally developed in
Scotland, more specifically on the border between Scotland and England, which is
where the name comes from.
It is known for its obedience and intelligence in its personality, and because they are
so intelligent, they often compete in dogs’ sports.
In general, Border Collies are medium-size dogs, and black and white is the most
common color pattern.
Because of their demanding personality, they can be unhappy in homes that do not
give them a lot of stimulation. So they are sometimes not the ideal pet for your typical
family. However, the use of Border Collies for managing sheep still makes good
economic sense for many farmers. They’re cheaper and more reliable than hiring
people or using machines. So, these dogs continue to have an important function in
modern society.

Questions and answers

If the candidate asks, the examiner may repeat the questions once.

Question Answer

1 Which type of dog is the speaker talking about? Border Collie

2 Where was this dog originally developed? Scotland

3 Why are they known for? Their obedience and

intelligence
4 Which size are usually Border Collies? Medium-size dogs

5 What happens to Border Collies in homes that do They can be unhappy

not give them a lot of stimulation?

6 Who uses Border Collies for managing sheep? Farmers

ISE I
Sample Independent listening task 2 — Giant pandas
Examiner rubric
You’re going to hear a short talk about a rare animal. Youwill hear the talk twice. The first time,just listen.Then I’ll
ask you totell me in a few wordswhat the speaker is talking about.Areyou ready?
The task will play once.
Now tell me in a few words what the talk is about.
Give the candidate some blank notepaper.
Now listen tothe talk again. Write down some notes about what you hear,if youwant to.Then I’ll ask you to tell me
six pieces of information about Giant pandas. Are you ready?
The task will play once.
Now tell me six pieces of information about Giant pandas.
When the candidate has finished, select four follow-up questions from the list below. Choose four questions which
correspond to facts not already reported by the candidate.

Audio script
Giants pandas are the largest pandas in the world. They mainly live in China and they are known for
their distinctive black and white fur.
They normally live in high mountainous or isolated regions where they can find food, their diet mainly
consists of bamboo sticks. Interestingly, giant pandas have an extra bone in their hand to be able to
grip the bamboo when they are eating it.
They have to spend a lot of time eating their vegetarian diet because the weight of an average adult
panda is between 75 to 160 kilos. Surprising they are good at climbing trees, and they will
sometimes eat fruits and leaves when they can’t find bamboo.
Nowadays many giant pandas live in captivity in places such as zoos or animal centres, this is because
they are an endangered species. 20 years ago they were hunted for their fur by international
hunters. Nowadays the situation has improved for pandas and some pandas can now live for up to 30
years in the wild.

Questions and answers

If the candidate asks, the examiner may repeat the questions once.
What the talk is about: Giant pandas, the largest pandas in the world (any broadly similar formulation is acceptable).

Fact from recording Follow-up question

1 They mainly live in China In which country do giant pandas mainly

2 They have black and white fur.
3 They live in high mountainous (or) /
isolated regions
4 They eat bamboo sticks
5 The weight of an average adult panda is
between 75 to 160 kilos
6 They are good at climbing trees
7 They will sometimes eat fruits and
leaves when they can’t find bamboo
8 Nowadays many giant pandas live in
places such as zoos or animal centres
9 20 years ago they were hunted for their
fur by international hunters.
10 Some pandas can now live for up to 30
years in the wild
live?
What colours is their fur?
Where do giant pandas live?
What does giant panda diet consist of?
How much does an average adult panda
weight?
What are giant pandas good at?
What do giant pandas eat when thay
cannot find bamboo?
Where do giant pandas live nowadays?
What happened to giant pandas 20 years
ago?
How long can giant panda live in the wild?