[Forecast Q1-2025] - Survey on social media IELTS Listening Answer Key & Explanations

[Forecast Q1-2025] - Survey on social media

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PROFESSOR: So Sarah, I understand you were not present at our last two classes.

SARAH: Yes, I've been unwell.

PROFESSOR: Well, sorry to hear that. I would like to ask you how your research project is going. Your topic is social media. You informed me you will formulate a questionnaire, and use it to survey people's social media habits. Is this correct?

SARAH: 1Yes. I've come up with several reasons people frequently use social media. While many people, especially the older generation, view this technology as encouraging egotism, there are many who use this media simply as a way to preserve precious memories through photographs.

PROFESSOR: Yes, it's true since it's always worthwhile to remember good times in some way. But nowadays, some people seem to pay more attention to material things. 2They buy something very expensive to demonstrate they have a higher social status than their peers. Usually, the latest computers and cell phones are good choices to do this.

SARAH: I agree that there is a materialistic side. But social media also has some other functions. 3For example, our personal tastes can be conveyed when we comment on a picture someone has uploaded or show our own pictures.

PROFESSOR: Yes, that's right. Compared with the real world, people feel freer on social media to display who they really are. 4So it seems to be a great medium for those who traditionally have been marginalized in society to be able to present their own identity as individuals. But unfortunately sometimes they tend to pay too much attention to other people's comments.

SARAH: Yes, that can be dangerous.

PROFESSOR: So, who have you chosen to take part in your survey? You will need a wide range of interviewees to get a rounded opinion of social media.

SARAH: 5I think that to get comprehensive opinions, I will need people who come from varying cultures. We have many overseas students here at the university, so I would like to include as many of them as I can. Oh, right, I also want to interview my friends.

PROFESSOR: If you do so, your results may be too narrow to be viable. The interview should include more people instead.

SARAH: Do they have to be of different genders?

PROFESSOR: Gender is usually an important factor, but in this case, the importance is not that obvious. 6You may have to include students who are interested in different fields. They usually have quite opposite ideas. On the contrary, people who take same subjects in general have similar opinions.

SARAH: That's true, so I won't include those who take the same courses.

PROFESSOR: I think so. Basically, you should open up the field of responses, so you can have a greater diversity in opinion reflected in your results. 7But all respondents will have one common theme though - they all should have begun studying this year.

SARAH: OK, I will remember that. How about those who still live in the same household with their parents? Should I include them?

PROFESSOR: I don't think they're the target interviewees. Anyway, it's good to have a common thread. It focuses the study down on a particular group. Do you have any questions? There are many ways this project could go.

SARAH: Initially, I was worried about what kind of questions I should be asking, and then when I'd come up with the questions, I wasn't sure of their relevance! But I seem to have ironed out those problems. 8I'm just concerned now how little time I have left to complete the project. Getting ill in the middle of it has delayed my progress.

PROFESSOR: You can always apply for an extension if you need it.

SARAH: Thanks! Do you have any suggestions on how I should begin this essay once I've compiled the results from the survey? Should I start with the point I wish to make throughout this essay?

PROFESSOR: Sometimes it's beneficial to start with the background. 9But I think since you rely so heavily on the results of your interviews to bring your point across, it would be good to begin by exploring the factors why you chose these people to interview. After that, don't forget to explain why you chose this topic, and what it means to you personally.

SARAH: Right. Last question, my classmate told me this assignment had to be finished by the end of April. I don't think I'll complete it by that date. I may not even be able to find enough people to survey by then!

PROFESSOR: The report doesn't need to be completed until the end of May, so you have a bit of time left. 10But you will need to get the interviews finished and compiled, as I wish to assess the progress of each student's research. That will need to be completed by the 30th of April.

SARAH: Ok, I'll get straight to work!

Answers For [Forecast Q1-2025] - Survey on social media

Answers and detail explain for [Forecast Q1-2025] - Survey on social media

Answer Table

Explain

[Forecast Q1-2025] - Survey on social media

Questions 1-4

Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Questions 5-7

Which THREE kinds of interviewees is Sara going to choose?

Questions 8-10

8What does Sarah worry about the project?

9What should the essay start with?

10What should be finished by the end of April?

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