Unit 4: Exercise 1

In this unit, you will practise the skills you need to answer short-answer, five-
option multiple-choice and diagram labelling questions in the IELTS Listening
test.

Read the information. Then listen to three short recordings about a bank and
answer the questions. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

In short-answer questions, you answer questions, often in note form, using words from the
recording. It is important that you understand what the questions are asking. Look for wh-
question words to help you predict the answer, and read the whole question fully.

Hello, everyone. Before we start the meeting, I’d like to welcome you to the
bank and to our new location in the High Street. The facilities here are much
more modern than they were in Castle Road, and I’m sure you’ll all enjoy
working here.

OK, so let’s talk about products and services. Unfortunately, due to some
technical problems, we are unable to offer our online current account.
However, we did launch our savings account last week, and it’s already doing
well. We are still planning to offer customers monthly electronic statements,
but that won’t be until early next year.

Now, the children’s bond will, unfortunately, no longer be available for both
new and existing customers. It wasn’t very popular, I’m afraid. We are hoping
to replace it with something else eventually. In the meantime, it is still possible
to take out insurance cover, but only for those who already have an account
with us or use our services.

1. Where was the bank previously located? __Castle Road___________

2. What is the newest available product mentioned? ___Online
account__________
3. What is only available to existing customers? ___savings account__________

Unit 4: Exercise 2
Read the information. Then listen to the bank manager. Which products do the
questions describe? Write the correct letter, A–E, for each question.

You may be asked to choose correct answers from a box. You will hear the questions in the
correct order, but not the answers. Read the questions before you listen and the answers
while you listen.
A student account

B retirement account

C mobile phone insurance

D travel insurance

E pet insurance

Now, I want to talk about some more of our products in a bit more detail.
You’ll all be aware that we started offering our retirement account in
January last year, and it is proving to be very successful. Because it is
aimed at those over 65, we’ve decided not to offer it online – we felt that
many of our older clients prefer banking face-to-face. This isn’t the case for
the student account, however, which must be set up through the website.
It’s quite straightforward but for anyone having difficulties, the online help
desk is available and can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now,
we have had some problems with our travel insurance. It used to be
relatively easy to arrange, but due to the changes in the law, we’re now
asking customers for proof of name and address. You can accept a number
of documents, and these are listed in your company folder. The mobile
phone insurance has been updated and will be available to customers from
next month. We’ve decided to sell it on its own as we think it will be very
popular. This is not the case for the pet insurance, however, which can only
be added to a contents insurance policy as an extra benefit. It just isn’t cost-
effective for the bank otherwise, I’m afraid.

1. can only be arranged online __A___

2. must provide identification __D___
3. cannot be bought on its own__E___

Unit 4: Exercise 3
Read the information. Then listen to a description of a process and put the
instructions in the correct order.

When you are listening to a description of a process, sequencing language helps you know
when the correct answer is coming. Examples of sequencing language include first, once,
after, next, finally, etc.

Here is a guide on how to safely use a cash machine, or ATM. First, make
sure it is safe by checking the ATM is clean and in a well-lit place. Next,
insert your card into the machine. You might have to push the card in. Once
the card has been inserted correctly, follow the on-screen instructions. Be
 sure to cover the keypad when asked to enter your PIN, because thieves can
install devices to steal your card number. You can do this by covering the
keypad with your free hand.

After your identity is confirmed, you may proceed with the transaction.
You’ll get a list of choices and can usually complete several transactions in
one session. Before the transaction is complete, you should be informed of
any fees and can cancel the transaction if you decide you don’t want to pay
them. After the transaction is complete, you’ll be asked to remove your card
and take your money. Make sure you do this as soon as you’re asked, as the
machine may swallow your card if you take too long. Finally, before you
move away from the machine, put your card and your money away quickly
and carefully.

put your card and money away cover the keypad enter your PIN

follow the on-screen instructions insert your card into the machine

1. insert your card into the machine

2. follow the on-screen instructions
3. Cover the keypad
4. Enter your pin
5. Put your card and money away

Unit 4: Exercise 4
Read the information. Then listen to the description of the process again.
Complete the sentences from the description with the words in the box.

In the IELTS Listening test, use your knowledge of sequencing language to help you know
when the correct answer is coming.

Here is a guide on how to safely use a cash machine, or ATM. First, make sure
it is safe by checking the ATM is clean and in a well-lit place. Next, insert your
card into the machine. You might have to push the card in. Once the card has
been inserted correctly, follow the on-screen instructions. Be sure to cover the
keypad when asked to enter your PIN, because thieves can install devices to
steal your card number. You can do this by covering the keypad with your free
hand.
 After your identity is confirmed, you may proceed with the transaction. You’ll
get a list of choices and can usually complete several transactions in one
session. Before the transaction is complete, you should be informed of any fees
and can cancel the transaction if you decide you don’t want to pay them. After
the transaction is complete, you’ll be asked to remove your card and take your
money. Make sure you do this as soon as you’re asked, as the machine may
swallow your card if you take too long. Finally, before you move away from
the machine, put your card and your money away quickly and carefully.

After as soon as before finally next once when

1. ___Next_____________ , insert your card into the machine.

2. ___once____________ the card has been inserted correctly, follow the on-screen
instructions.
3. Be sure to cover the keypad ______when________ asked to enter your PIN.
4. __after_____________ your identity is confirmed, you may proceed with the
transaction.
5. ___before____________ the transaction is complete, you should be informed of any
fees.
6. Make sure you do this __as soon as_______________ you’re asked.
7. _Finally______________ , before you move away from the machine, put your card
and your money away.

Unit 4: Exercise 5
Listen and complete the diagram. Write the correct letters, A–F, for answers 1–
4.
 Hello, I’ve come along today to tell you how credit card transactions are
processed. Although the entire cycle only takes about two or three minutes,
it’s quite a complex process. Let me talk you through the first two stages
using this simple diagram. OK, so first, we have the authorisation stage. This
is when the consumer presents their card to the shop assistant for payment of
goods or services. After swiping the card at the point-of-sale terminal, the
credit card details are sent to the shop’s bank using an internet connection or
telephone line. After payment has been cleared, the request is received by the
issuing bank and then sent for authorisation. Now comes the next part of the
process. As soon as the credit card number, billing address and available
funds have been checked, a payment authorisation request is received from
the credit card network and, as soon as this is received, a hold for the amount
of the purchase is placed on the card, and the customer is provided with a
small piece of paper to show proof of purchase. At this point, the customer
may leave the store with the goods they have purchased.

A receipt

B retailer’s bank

C telephone line

D retailer

E issuing bank
F credit card network

1. ___A____
2. __F_____
3. __C_____
4. ___B____

Unit 4: Exercise 6
Listen and answer questions 5–7. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for
each answer.

Now, let’s look at security. Criminal gangs are constantly inventing new ways
to steal your money, and there are many ways you can protect yourself against
fraud and scams. First, think before you respond. Treat all phone calls, emails
and texts that you have not asked for with suspicion. Criminals use many
tactics to try to get you to share your personal and financial information, so
don’t feel under pressure to answer any questions. Make sure the phone line is
clear and, if you have any doubts about who is calling you, hang up. Your
bank would never ask you to reveal your password in full or give them your
PIN number. Next, ensure you keep your computer and laptop safe by
installing anti-virus software – and keep this up to date. Finally, create strong
passwords. Always use a mixture of letters and numbers, and never use
information which could be guessed or easily discovered, such as your name
or date of birth.

5. How should you behave if you receive an unexpected phone call?

_____think___________
6. What should you do if you are not sure about a caller? ___hang up_____________
7. What can you use to protect your electronic devices? ___strong
passwords_____________

Unit 4: Exercise 7
Listen and complete sentences 8–10. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
for each answer.

OK, so now I’d like to talk to you about how to safely use social media. First
and foremost, never leave your personal details on social media sites such as
Twitter or Facebook. Why? Well, it increases your risk of being targeted for
ID theft – this is when thieves steal your identity and use it to get loans or
other forms of credit. Next, only accept friend requests from people you know,
never from strangers. I realise the idea of having lots of virtual friends is
appealing, but keeping your details safe is far more important than having a
few more friends! Always check your security settings carefully. You
wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked and open, would you? So only share
your personal profile with those you have complete trust in. Remember, just
because you’re online doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions to protect
yourself.

8. Always remove _____personal details___________ from social media sites.

9. Don’t accept friend requests from ____strangers______________ .
10. Only share information about your life, work and interests with people you _____trust
in______________ .