Speaker A
You will hear a woman, Paula, phoning her friend Ralph about an application to the local council for money for their drama club.
Practice IELTS listening with a drama club funding application call and a vegetarianism interview, including answers and tips.
Key Takeaways
- Accurate and detailed information is crucial when applying for funding grants.
- Vegetarian diets can be healthy if vitamin B12 is supplemented and vegetables are properly cooked.
- Moderation in meat consumption, especially red meat, is recommended for a balanced diet.
- IELTS listening practice benefits from realistic dialogues and educational interviews.
- Understanding context and details improves listening comprehension and test performance.
Summary
- A woman named Paula discusses with Ralph the completion of a local council funding application for their drama club.
- They review details like contact information, group description, funding amount, project purpose, and crediting the grant provider.
- The dialogue emphasizes careful preparation and accurate information for successful grant applications.
- The second part features Helen Warner discussing vegetarianism, her reasons for becoming vegetarian, and nutritional considerations.
- Helen explains the importance of vitamin B12 supplementation for vegetarians and cooking methods to preserve vitamins.
- She highlights health benefits of vegetarian diets compared to high meat consumption, citing statistics on beef consumption.
- Helen describes a balanced diet pyramid, recommending moderation in red meat and potatoes, and emphasizing cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
- The video provides practical IELTS listening practice with real-life conversational contexts and educational content.
- Listeners are given time to review questions related to the audio segments, enhancing test-taking skills.
- The video is designed to improve comprehension and vocabulary for IELTS listening test takers.
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker B
Hello.
Speaker A
Ralph, it's Paula.
Speaker B
Hi.
Speaker A
You know I told you we could apply to the local council for money for our drama club. I've got the application form here, but we need to get it back to them by the end of the week. I could send it on to you, you really ought to fill it in as president of the club, but I don't know if it'll get to you in time.
Speaker B
Well, you're the secretary, so I expect it's okay if you fill it in.
Speaker A
Yeah, but I'd really like to check it together.
Speaker B
Right, that's fine.
Speaker A
Like the first part asks for the main contact person. Can I put you there?
Speaker B
Sure.
Speaker A
Right, so that's Ralph Pearson.
Speaker A
Oh, and then I need your contact address, so that's 203 South Road, isn't it?
Speaker B
No, 230.
Speaker A
Oh, sorry, I always get that wrong.
Speaker A
Then it's Drayton.
Speaker A
Oh, do you think they need a postcode?
Speaker B
Better put it, it's DR6 8AB.
Speaker A
Mhm, okay.
Speaker A
Telephone number.
Speaker A
That's 01453 586098, isn't it?
Speaker B
Yes.
Speaker A
Right. Now, in the next part of the form, I have to give information about our group.
Speaker A
So, name of group, that's easy.
Speaker A
We're the Community Youth Theatre Group.
Speaker A
But then I have to describe it.
Speaker A
So, what sort of information do you think they want?
Speaker B
Well, they need to know we're amateurs, not professional actors.
Speaker B
And how many members we've got.
Speaker B
What's that at present?
Speaker B
20?
Speaker A
18.
Speaker A
And should we put in the age range, that's 13 to 22?
Speaker B
No, I don't think we need to.
Speaker B
But we'd better put a bit about what we actually do.
Speaker B
Something like members take part in drama activities.
Speaker A
Activities and workshops?
Speaker B
Okay.
Speaker A
Right, that's all for that section, I think.
Speaker A
You now have some time to look at questions 4 to 10.
Speaker A
Now, the next bit is about the project itself, what we're applying for funding for.
Speaker A
So, first of all, they need to know how much money we want. The maximum's 500 pounds.
Speaker B
I think we agreed we'd ask for 250, didn't we?
Speaker A
Okay.
Speaker A
There's no point in asking for too much, we'll have less chance of getting it.
Speaker A
Then we need to say what the project, the activity is.
Speaker B
Right.
Speaker B
So we could write something like to produce a short play for young children.
Speaker A
Should we say it's interactive?
Speaker B
Yes, good idea.
Speaker A
Right, I've got that.
Speaker A
Then we have to say what we actually need the money for.
Speaker B
Isn't that it?
Speaker A
No, we have to give a breakdown of details, I think.
Speaker B
Well, there's the scenery.
Speaker A
But we're making that.
Speaker B
We need to buy the materials, though.
Speaker A
Oh, okay.
Speaker A
Then there's the costumes.
Speaker B
Right, that's going to be at least 50 pounds.
Speaker A
Okay.
Speaker A
And what else? Oh, I just found out we have to have insurance.
Speaker A
I don't think it'll cost much, but we need to get it organized.
Speaker B
Yes, I'd forgotten about that.
Speaker B
And we could be breaking the law if we don't have it.
Speaker B
Good thing we've already got curtains in the hall, at least we don't have to worry about that.
Speaker A
Hmm.
Speaker A
We'll need some money for publicity, otherwise no one will know what we're doing.
Speaker B
And then a bit of money for unexpected things that come up.
Speaker B
Just put sundries at the end of the list.
Speaker A
Okay, fine.
Speaker A
Now, the next thing they want to know is if they give us the grant, how they'll be credited.
Speaker B
What do they mean credited?
Speaker A
I think they mean how we'll let the public know that they funded us.
Speaker A
They want people to know they've supported us.
Speaker A
It looks good for them.
Speaker B
Hmm.
Speaker B
Well, we could say we'd announce it at the end of the play.
Speaker B
We could make a speech or something.
Speaker A
Uh.
Speaker A
They might prefer to see something in writing.
Speaker A
We'll be giving the audience a program, won't we?
Speaker A
So, we could put an acknowledgement in that.
Speaker B
Yeah.
Speaker B
That's a better idea.
Speaker A
Okay.
Speaker A
And the last thing they want to know is if we've approached any other organization for funding and what the outcome was.
Speaker B
Well, only National Youth Services, and they said that at present funds were not available for arts projects.
Speaker A
Right.
Speaker A
I'll put that.
Speaker A
And then I think that's it.
Speaker A
I'll get that in the post straight away.
Speaker A
I really hope we get the money.
Speaker B
I think we've got a pretty good chance.
Speaker B
Hope so anyway.
Speaker B
Thanks for doing all this, Paula.
Speaker A
That's okay.
Speaker A
See you soon.
Speaker A
Bye.
Speaker B
Bye.
Speaker A
I'm here today with Helen Warner, who has been a vegetarian for many years and is going to talk a little about vegetarianism.
Speaker A
Helen, the concept of vegetarianism seems to have interested a number of our listeners, who have sent in some questions.
Speaker A
To begin, what made you want to become a vegetarian?
Speaker B
Well, when I was 16, I had friends who were vegetarian and they introduced me to the idea. My parents were typical of their generation and ate meat at least three or four times a week, so I didn't really think about it too much until a few years later. It was while I was at university that I really thought about it and decided that it was unfair to eat meat when there are so many alternatives available.
Speaker A
Is there anything you miss about not eating meat?
Speaker B
Um, no, not really.
Speaker B
As I said, there are so many substitutes available these days.
Speaker B
Perhaps the most important of which comes from the soybean.
Speaker B
Soya is so versatile and is the staple substitute for most vegetarians.
Speaker A
So what about the nutritional value of vegetarian food? Isn't it true that there are some vitamins that you can't get from soya or vegetables alone?
Speaker A
Surely people need these vitamins.
Speaker B
Yes, that's correct.
Speaker B
But actually there is only one vital vitamin that is only present in meat, that's vitamin B12.
Speaker B
Most vegetarians are aware of the implication of this and actually take B12 supplement in the form of tablets.
Speaker B
Of course, the way you cook vegetables is also very important in preserving vitamins.
Speaker B
Many countries, particularly the UK, have a reputation for overcooking vegetables.
Speaker B
Water soluble vitamins, you know, where the vitamins are dissolved into the water, are often lost.
Speaker B
Vitamin C is a common example.
Speaker B
However, the loss of vitamins can be avoided by microwaving or steaming vegetables, which is what I do whenever I cook.
Speaker B
Some people don't want to change their cooking habits too much, so if you do boil them, simply cut down on the cooking time.
Speaker A
So a vegetarian diet is fairly healthy then?
Speaker B
Oh, yes.
Speaker B
A lot of people believe that vegetarianism is unhealthy, but that's actually not the case.
Speaker B
Vegetarians are actually considerably healthier than many meat eaters.
Speaker B
Consider for a minute the health aspects of the incredible amount of meat this country and others like it consume.
Speaker B
The statistics for beef eating, for example, are quite frightening.
Speaker B
The world figure for beef consumption is slightly less than 11 kg per person each year.
Speaker B
Yet in Europe, the average consumption is nearly double that at 21 kilos per person.
Speaker B
And in the USA, it is even worse, with the average person eating 44 kg of beef every year.
Speaker A
Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 17 to 20.
Speaker A
So are you suggesting that people stop eating meat altogether and everyone adopts a vegetarian lifestyle?
Speaker B
No, not at all.
Speaker B
Even in the healthiest diets, there is still a place for meat, but it should be eaten in moderation.
Speaker B
Many nutritionists think of foods in terms of a pyramid, with the foods we can eat relatively freely at the bottom and the foods we should carefully restrict at the top.
Speaker B
The majority of our diet should be composed of cereals, which would go on the bottom row of the pyramid.
Speaker B
In this category could also be included such things as rice and pasta.
Speaker B
Next, a good diet is followed by a roughly equal amount of vegetables and fruit.
Speaker B
I have at least two servings a day of fruit and vegetables whenever possible.
Speaker B
In decreasing quantities, you can then eat dairy foods, eggs, cheese, etc.
Speaker B
Almost at the top of the food pyramid comes fish, carefully prepared of course, not dripping in oil or batter.
Speaker B
And white meat.
Speaker B
Chicken, for example, is a comparatively healthy meat, but again, a lot of this comes down to preparation methods.
Speaker B
Right at the top of the pyramid come the ingredients of far too many Western meals, red meat and potatoes.
Speaker B
It is particularly in that area that I would suggest moderation.
Speaker A
Well, thank you very much, Helen.
Speaker A
I'm sure that a lot of listeners are interested in your views.
Speaker A
How could they find out more about the health benefits of vegetarian options?
Speaker B
Well, there are lots of websites and books on healthy eating and vegetarianism, but it is always important to remember to consult your doctor before making any radical changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Speaker A
Good evening, and welcome to the Miner Hotel.
Speaker A
We are pleased to have you as our guest.
Speaker A
I will give you a brief information session to tell you everything you need to know to make this a pleasant stay.
Speaker A
The Miner Hotel was built in the 1850s, during the Gold Rush period.
Speaker A
Also nicknaming our state, the Golden State.
Speaker A
People from all over the country and even from other countries came to seek their fortune here in these hills.
Speaker A
Creating cities overnight.
Speaker A
In this city, many Gold Rush hotels soon opened up.
Speaker A
This particular hotel was built in 1851, but was destroyed during an earthquake.
Speaker A
It was rebuilt in 1995 to recreate the feel of the Gold Rush, complete with articles and actual photographs from during the 1850s.
Speaker A
Our hotel is divided into two buildings, one called the Gold Tower and the other is named the Fortune Tower.
Speaker A
You will be staying in the Fortune Tower on the 25th floor, complete with great views of the city.
Speaker A
Your room is the best room in the hotel, complete with private living room and hot tub.
Speaker A
Here is your room card.
Speaker A
On the card it will say FT, meaning Fortune Tower.
Speaker A
On the bottom of the card it will say 2515.
Speaker A
The 25 stands for the 25th floor and the 15 stands for the 15 room on that particular floor.
Speaker A
There are emergency exits in both towers of the hotel.
Speaker A
They are located on the south side, opposite the elevators.
Speaker A
Please use these in case of a fire or other emergency.
Speaker A
We have some special events happening this week.
Speaker A
Our Miner's Diner is offering a special Miner's Buffet dinner this Friday and Saturday for only $20 per person.
Speaker A
This special includes all food, not including drinks and alcohol, and shows for the night.
Speaker A
The buffet will be available from 5:00 to midnight.
Speaker A
Because of the historical significance of our hotel, there are some special rules.
Speaker A
The first rule is that there is no smoking allowed anywhere in the building, not even in your own room.
Speaker A
This is not only to ensure the safety and health of our guests, but also the furniture and pictures can be easily damaged by smoke and other harsh treatment.
Speaker A
Please remember that there are items of furniture over 100 years old here, so respect the rules by not smoking.
Speaker A
Secondly, please do not take pictures using a flash of any of the drawings and paintings in the rooms or hallways, as they are old and fragile.
Speaker A
We are doing our best to preserve a national treasure, so please help us in doing so.
Speaker A
Lastly, you will only have one set of towels and bed sheets per three days.
Speaker A
This is to conserve the water supply, as there are frequent droughts this high up in the hills.
Speaker A
If there are any further questions, the staff of the hotel will be available to answer your questions.
Speaker A
In the event that no one is able to answer your questions, I will also be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day in the concierge.
Speaker A
I hope you enjoy your stay here with us.
Speaker A
Thank you very much.
Speaker A
Now, I'll start by explaining what homeless means, and it means a little more than simply sleeping out in the street.
Speaker A
The people you see in parks and gardens or bus stops and shop doorways are a small percentage of the people that we class as homeless.
Speaker A
People are homeless if they are sleeping on the floor or on the sofa at a friend's house.
Speaker A
They are homeless if they are sleeping in a hostel or shelter for homeless people.
Speaker A
They are homeless if they are sleeping in a car or any other vehicle.
Speaker A
We also class people as homeless if they are separated from family or other people that they would normally live with.
Speaker A
People are homeless if they live in conditions that are so bad that their health is affected.
Speaker A
And they are homeless if they are in danger of violence or physical abuse.
Speaker A
That means, as I said before, that homelessness is a much bigger issue than a few people sleeping in bus stops or shop doorways.
Speaker A
This is just what you see. So why do people become homeless? People do not choose to be homeless.
Speaker A
They are not sleeping rough because they have chosen to leave a safe home or families who love them.
Speaker A
They are homeless because there is no other option.
Speaker A
People become homeless because they are poor.
Speaker A
Because they cannot afford to pay rent.
Speaker A
Or sometimes because they cannot afford to pay the mortgage on a house or apartment that they have bought.
Speaker A
People become homeless because they lose their job or have never had a job.
Speaker A
There are related problems that often result in a person becoming homeless.
Speaker A
Many homeless people have a drug addiction.
Speaker A
They are either homeless because they spend their money on drugs, or they have become addicted to drugs because they are homeless.
Speaker A
A high percentage of homeless people have mental health problems.
Speaker A
And find it difficult to make the decisions about their lives that most people can make.
Speaker A
A number of homeless people are ex-prisoners.
Speaker A
When they are released from prison, it is very difficult to find a job and a place to live.
Speaker A
Many people become homeless because the owner of their home, a landlord or landlady, evicts them.
Speaker A
If people have lived in the same place for a long time and then suddenly lose it.
Speaker A
They can find it impossible to afford the increased rent for a new home.
Speaker A
Many people have to move out of the place they live because it is dangerous.
Speaker A
A young person may have a violent father, or a wife a violent husband.
Speaker A
These people are too afraid to stay in their home, and they risk making themselves homeless.
Speaker A
Finally, in many parts of the country.
Speaker A
There is just not enough housing.
Speaker A
Certainly not enough housing that poor people can afford.
Speaker A
The increase in the value of property has made life difficult for many people.
Speaker A
Not just homeless people.
Speaker A
I'm sure many of you will understand that.
Speaker A
So, how do we deal with a problem as big as this?
Speaker A
It isn't easy.
Speaker A
In this country, people with very poorly paid jobs or no jobs at all.
Speaker A
Receive some kind of financial support.
Speaker A
In some cases, all or part of their rent is paid by the government.
Speaker A
This helps to stop people becoming homeless.
Speaker A
But if you are already homeless, it doesn't help.
Speaker A
Most towns, like this one, have shelters for people who are temporarily homeless.
Speaker A
But they cannot stay at them permanently.
Speaker A
They have to move on after a certain period of time.
Speaker A
Some towns have food kitchens where homeless people can get a meal two or three times a week.
Speaker A
The problem is that shelters and food kitchens don't really deal with the cause of the problem.
Speaker A
They deal only with the effect.
Speaker A
People can stay in a shelter for a while.
Speaker A
But it will not help them to find a home of their own.
Speaker A
And that is what they need, of course.
Speaker A
Now, I'm going to go on in a moment to talk about some of the suggestions that have been made in terms of dealing with homelessness.
Speaker A
Ideas for dealing with the problem in a more permanent way.
Speaker A
I'll also talk about some of the programs that are in place and are in some cases very successful in other parts of the world.
Speaker A
Before that, does anyone have any questions about what I have said so far?
Topics:IELTS listening practicedrama club fundinglocal council grantvegetarianismvitamin B12healthy dietfood pyramidnutritionIELTS test 2026listening comprehension
