An adult learner’s background and goals — REAL IELTS EXAM TEST 26 — IELTS Test

REAL IELTS EXAM TEST 26

An adult learner’s background and goals

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(0:00) Now turn to section 3. Section 3. You'll hear a conversation in a Continuing Education Institute's office. (0:14) First you have some time to look at questions 21 to 25. Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 25.

(0:43) Welcome, my name is Jeremy Holtz. (0:46) Hello Jeremy, I was told to come to this office and ask about your Continuing Education Programme. (0:51) I'm interested in taking classes and want to know more about the programme.

(0:56) Certainly. We have several different programmes depending on your education goals and on what you are doing now. (1:02) For example, we have Continuing Education Programmes for those who want to finish a degree or start a new one.

(1:09) And we also have a programme for working adults. (1:11) Well, I'm working part-time now and I'm interested in completing a degree in Business Administration. (1:16) I am working at a hospital, you see, but I want to change my job, either work in hospital management or have my own business.

(1:25) Okay, that sounds great. Many students in our programme want to advance in their current careers or even change them. (1:31) What kind of degree do you have now? (1:33) I am a registered nurse with a two-year degree.

(1:36) Great. First we have to figure out where you want to take classes. (1:40) We have satellite campuses all over the region.

(1:43) The ones at the city centre are accessible by public transportation but offer fewer course times. (1:49) A car is the best way to attend classes at our satellite campuses in the suburbs, but they have more classrooms and therefore more courses. (1:58) Well, I have been saving up for a car, but I don't have enough money to buy one yet.

I think the city centre campus will be better. (2:05) Okay, now we have to decide which programme you want to register for. (2:10) We have night courses where the classes generally run from 7pm to 10pm.

Classes during these hours are usually once a week. (2:19) There are also courses during the day that might work for you, depending on your work schedule. (2:24) Well, like I said, I'm working part-time and unfortunately I work during the evenings.

(2:29) You see, I'm living at my parents' house right now. My father is quite ill, actually, and since my mother works normal hours, (2:37) I take care of him during the day and my mom takes care of him in the evening when I work. (2:42) The city centre campus doesn't offer classes during the weekends? (2:46) No, the suburban one does, but unfortunately there are no classes during that time at the city centre campus.

(2:53) You know, maybe the online courses will be better for you. Do you have access to the internet? (2:58) Yes, I have a computer at home. (3:01) That might be the best way for you then.

It's still a new programme. We're still working out the bugs, (3:06) but it will allow you to work part-time, take care of your father and take classes. (3:12) The completion of your degree will probably take longer, however.

(3:17) Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 26 to 30. (3:42) Now listen and answer questions 26 to 30. (3:46) So, how exactly does this work? I'm slightly nervous about studying again.

It's been years since I've been a student. (3:54) Yes, it can be a bit daunting at times. Continuing your education and improving yourself are well worth the effort.

(4:01) Actually, before you start taking online classes, there are several refresher courses that you are required to take. (4:08) What kind of courses are those? (4:09) These are especially made for the returning adult student. (4:14) We understand that education is just one of a number of priorities for those that take classes with us.

(4:20) The refresher courses teach you how to manage time and juggle between different areas in your life. (4:26) Techniques like writing down your daily schedule and ways to avoid procrastinating are talked about. (4:32) Also, there is one course that reviews basic study skills, like the most efficient way to read the course text, (4:38) as well as basic academic writing.

(4:41) I think that would be really helpful for me. I enjoyed studying when I was going to school, (4:46) but I definitely need some tips on how to manage my classes along with the rest of my life. (4:52) Many students I've seen are in a similar position.

They have to balance both their work and family life with their education. (4:59) It's not easy, but it is very rewarding for the ones that finish their education all the way through. (5:04) Okay, so how do I register for the classes? (5:07) You need to go online to do that.

I will give you a brochure with the appropriate web address. (5:13) You can choose which course modules to take online. You can go through them as time allows.

(5:18) There is even a place to keep track of progress towards your degree. (5:22) Alright, can I ask then about the costs of the online courses? (5:26) They are cheaper than classes at either campus, of course. (5:29) Online, you'll see a number of different ways to pay.

(5:32) You can pay up front for each course module you take, or pay over a number of months. (5:36) The latter method of payment will probably be better for me. (5:40) Are the textbooks and other course materials expensive? (5:43) No, not at all, actually.

(5:46) With all online courses, the relevant materials are included free of charge. (5:50) They are available to download after you register. (5:52) That sounds great.

Thank you so much. (5:55) No problem. My contact information is also in the brochure.

(6:01) That is the end of Section 3. You now have half a minute to check your answers.

Part 3 of 4

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