Cambridge 20 Test 4 Listening Answers & Explanations

This post provides complete answers and clear explanations for Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Listening Test 4.

Each answer includes:

• Strategy
• Keywords
• Exact transcript location
• Explanation
• Correct answer

> Location note: Each answer includes the relevant Listening Part, transcript page and exact line range so you can quickly locate the evidence.

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How This Guide Is Structured

Strategy

The strategy explains the best approach for solving each IELTS Listening question type.

Keywords

Keywords are the important words and phrases you should identify before the recording starts.

Exact Transcript Location

Each answer identifies the Listening Part, transcript page and relevant lines.

Explanation

The explanation shows how the recording matches or paraphrases the question and points out important distractors.

Correct Answer

The final answer appears after the explanation.

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Listening Part 1

Advice on a Family Visit

Questions 1–10: Note Completion

Strategy

For note-completion questions:

1. Read all the notes before listening.
2. Predict whether each blank requires a name, number, transport type or noun.
3. Follow the conversation in order.
4. Listen carefully for alternatives that are rejected.
5. Pay attention to dates, times and prices.
6. Follow the word limit exactly.

The instruction says:

Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

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Question 1

______ Hotel on George Street

Keywords

hotel, George Street, accommodation

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 176–182

Explanation

The woman recommends the King's Hotel, which is located on George Street near Murray Station.

So, the answer is: King's / Kings

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Question 2

Approximate cost of a family room per night: £______

Keywords

family room, cost, per night

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 184–186

Explanation

The woman says a family room costs approximately £125 per night.

The £95 figure refers to each of two double rooms and is therefore a distractor.

So, the answer is: 125

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Question 3

A ______ tour of the city centre

Keywords

tour, city centre, Carlton Square

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 189–193

Explanation

The man initially suggests a bus tour.

The woman says bus tours are expensive and recommends a walking tour instead.

So, the answer is: walking

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Question 4

A trip by ______ to the old fort

Keywords

old fort, transport, weather

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 195–196

Explanation

The woman suggests visiting the old fort and says they can travel there by boat.

So, the answer is: boat

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Question 5

Best day to visit the Science Museum: ______

Keywords

Science Museum, closed Monday, Saturday crowded

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript pages 10–11, lines 197–205

Explanation

The museum is closed on Mondays.

Saturday is described as extremely crowded.

Since the family will still be there on Tuesday, the man decides that Tuesday would be the best day.

So, the answer is: Tuesday

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Question 6

See the exhibition about ______ which opens soon.

Keywords

Science Museum, new exhibition, opens soon

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 11, lines 203–208

Explanation

The old-computers exhibition has finished.

A new exhibition about space is opening soon.

So, the answer is: space

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Question 7

Clacton Market is good for ______ food.

Keywords

Clacton Market, cousin, food

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 11, lines 210–213

Explanation

The man's cousin is vegetarian, and he says Clacton Market is one of the best places for that type of food.

So, the answer is: vegetarian

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Question 8

Need to have lunch before ______ p.m.

Keywords

lunch, weekend, stop serving

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 11, lines 213–214

Explanation

At weekends, most food stalls stop serving lunch at 2.30 p.m.

So, the answer is: 2.30 / 2:30

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Question 9

Save up to ______% on theatre ticket prices.

Keywords

tickets, online, discount

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 11, lines 215–219

Explanation

The woman says some seats can be booked online with a discount of up to 75%.

So, the answer is: 75

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Question 10

Climb Telegraph Hill to see a view of the ______.

Keywords

Telegraph Hill, view, huge

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 11, lines 222–229

Explanation

From Telegraph Hill, visitors can look down over the port.

So, the answer is: port

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Listening Part 2

City Football Club Stadium Tour

Questions 11–12: Choose TWO Answers

Strategy

For questions requiring two answers:

1. Read all five options before listening.
2. Listen for two points directly supported by the speaker.
3. Be careful with ideas that sound similar but are not exactly stated.
4. Select exactly two answers.

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Questions 11–12

Which TWO things does the speaker say about visiting the stadium with children?

Keywords

children, parents, competition, stadium

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 236–245

Explanation

The speaker tells parents not to allow children to wander off alone because parts of the stadium are dark and there are many stairs.

The speaker also explains that children can enter a football-drawing competition, with the best drawing receiving a prize.

Therefore:

• B — There is a competition for children today.
• C — Parents must stay with their children at all times.

So, the answers are: B and C

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Questions 13–14: Choose TWO Answers

Questions 13–14

Which TWO stadium-tour features are new this year?

Keywords

new, introduced, VIP, audio guide

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 246–253

Explanation

The 360-degree cinema and dressing-room visit are already established parts of the tour.

Two features are specifically described as newly introduced:

• the self-guided audio guide;
• the VIP tour.

So, the answers are: A and C

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Questions 15–20: Matching Events with Years

Strategy

For matching years:

1. Use the dates as anchors.
2. Write a short keyword beside each year.
3. Listen for the specific change associated with that date.
4. Do not confuse neighbouring dates.

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Question 15 — 1870

Keywords

1870, player, guard goal

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 255–260

Explanation

In 1870, football teams began including a player whose specific role was to guard the goal.

This was the introduction of goalkeepers.

So, the answer is: D — the introduction of goalkeepers

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Question 16 — 1874

Keywords

1874, referees, send off, swap ends

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 261–262

Explanation

Two changes occurred in 1874:

• referees could send players off;
• teams had to change ends at half-time.

So, the answer is: F — two changes to the rules of the game

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Question 17 — 1875

Keywords

1875, tape, crossbar, goal

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 263–265

Explanation

The tape joining the two goal posts was replaced by a solid crossbar.

This changed the design of the goal.

So, the answer is: B — a change to the design of the goal

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Question 18 — 1877

Keywords

1877, 90 minutes, match

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 265–269

Explanation

Football clubs agreed that a match should have a fixed maximum duration of 90 minutes.

So, the answer is: H — an agreement on the length of a game

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Question 19 — 1878

Keywords

1878, electric lamps, evening games

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 269–271

Explanation

Electric lamps were installed on some football pitches, allowing matches to be played in the evenings.

So, the answer is: C — the first use of lights for matches

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Question 20 — 1880

Keywords

1880, fans, admission

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 12, lines 271–273

Explanation

In 1880, clubs began charging spectators to enter football matches.

So, the answer is: G — the introduction of a fee for spectators

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Listening Part 3

Handwriting and Children

Questions 21–22: Choose TWO Answers

Strategy

When the question asks what both students found surprising, listen for expressions such as:

• “That had never occurred to me.”
• “Same here.”
• “I never associated...”

These indicate shared surprise.

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Questions 21–22

Which TWO benefits of handwriting did both students find surprising?

Keywords

surprising, handwriting, benefits

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 283–296

Explanation

The students already expected handwriting to improve memory and fine motor skills.

They also expected a link with imagination.

However, both were surprised by its effect on:

• concentration;
• spatial awareness.

So, the answers are: C and E

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Questions 23–24: Choose TWO Answers

Questions 23–24

For children with dyspraxia, which TWO handwriting problems are easiest to correct?

Keywords

dyspraxia, simple solution, grid paper, pen

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 297–307

Explanation

The students describe two problems with relatively simple solutions.

A pen that lights up when pressed too hard can help with excessive pressure.

Grid paper can help children space their letters correctly.

Therefore:

• A — not spacing letters correctly
• C — applying too much pressure when writing

So, the answers are: A and C

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Questions 25–30: Multiple Choice

Question 25

What does the woman say about using laptops for children with dyslexia?

Keywords

dyslexia, laptop, mistakes, frustrating

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 309–312

Explanation

The woman says children are less frustrated when they make mistakes on a keyboard and are more willing to keep trying.

She specifically says fluency does not develop faster.

So, the answer is: C — Children react more positively if they make a mistake.

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Question 26

When discussing cursive and print writing, the woman thinks ______.

Keywords

cursive, learning difficulties, challenging

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 14, lines 318–320

Explanation

The woman says cursive writing is particularly difficult for children with learning difficulties because joining letters is challenging.

So, the answer is: A — cursive writing disadvantages a certain group of children

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Question 27

What impact does poor handwriting have on exam performance?

Keywords

exam results, research, marks

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 14, lines 321–325

Explanation

The man says he was concerned that his poor handwriting affected his exam results, and research now supports this concern.

The woman adds that marks are affected when examiners cannot read the script.

So, the answer is: A — There is evidence to suggest grades are affected by poor handwriting.

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Question 28

What prediction does the man make about the future of handwriting?

Keywords

future, handwriting, life skill

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 14, lines 326–328

Explanation

The man believes handwriting will remain important because teachers understand its value and it remains a basic life skill.

So, the answer is: B — Children will continue to learn to write by hand.

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Question 29

The woman is concerned that relying on digital devices has made it difficult for her to ______.

Keywords

digital devices, lack of practice, spelling, punctuation

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 14, lines 329–333

Explanation

The woman says her spelling has become poor and her punctuation inconsistent because she rarely writes by hand.

So, the answer is: B — spell and punctuate

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Question 30

How do both students feel about their own handwriting?

Keywords

hardly write, used to, shame, diary

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 14, lines 334–338

Explanation

Both students say they hardly write by hand anymore.

They miss the habit and feel that losing it is a shame.

So, the answer is: C — regretful that they have lost the habit

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Listening Part 4

Research Around the Chembe Bird Sanctuary

Questions 31–40: Note Completion

Strategy

For Part 4 note completion:

1. Read the headings before listening.
2. Predict the type of answer required.
3. Follow the lecture in order.
4. Listen for cause-and-effect relationships.
5. Pay attention to examples.
6. Write ONE WORD ONLY.

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Question 31

Birds of prey destroy ______ and other rodents.

Keywords

crops, rodents, farmers

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 345–347

Explanation

The speaker says rodents such as rats damage crops unless birds of prey hunt and kill them.

So, the answer is: rats

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Question 32

They help prevent farmers from being bitten by ______.

Keywords

farmers, bite, dangerous, predators

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 348–350

Explanation

Snakes are described as a major danger to rural workers.

Birds of prey help control their population.

So, the answer is: snakes

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Question 33

Birds of prey support the local economy by encouraging ______.

Keywords

economy, revenue, sanctuary

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 351–354

Explanation

The sanctuary attracts visitors, and tourism has become an important source of revenue for the local community.

So, the answer is: tourism

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Question 34

Birds may be accidentally killed by ______ when hunting or sleeping.

Keywords

roads, hunting, sleeping, killed

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript pages 14–15, lines 355–360

Explanation

Birds sometimes land on roads while hunting or sleeping and are struck by fast-moving vehicles.

The transcript refers to fast-moving traffic.

So, the answer is: traffic

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Question 35

Electrocution is especially dangerous during periods of heavy ______.

Keywords

power lines, electrocution, weather

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 15, lines 360–362

Explanation

The danger of electrocution from power lines becomes greater during periods of heavy rain.

So, the answer is: rain

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Question 36

Farmers may illegally shoot birds of prey or ______ them.

Keywords

farmers, illegal, shoot

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 15, lines 363–366

Explanation

Some farmers may shoot the birds or use poison against them.

So, the answer is: poison

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Question 37

Providing a ______ for chickens is expensive.

Keywords

chickens, inside, predators, expensive

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 15, lines 367–371

Explanation

One possible solution is to keep chickens permanently inside a building.

However, this option is described as too expensive.

So, the answer is: building

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Question 38

Birds of prey can be frightened away by keeping a ______.

Keywords

farmers, scare away, animal

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 15, lines 372–374

Explanation

Most farmers keep at least one dog and say it helps scare birds of prey away.

So, the answer is: dog

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Question 39

Birds can also be frightened by making a ______.

Keywords

metal objects, pans, spoon, frightening

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 15, lines 374–377

Explanation

Children hit pans with metal spoons to create a loud noise that scares the birds away.

So, the answer is: noise

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Question 40

A ______ of methods is usually most effective.

Keywords

methods, not 100% effective, several together

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 15, lines 377–379

Explanation

No single method works perfectly.

Farmers therefore have to use several methods together.

So, the answer is: combination

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Cambridge 20 Test 4 Listening Answer Key

Listening Part 1

1. King's / Kings
2. 125
3. walking
4. boat
5. Tuesday
6. space
7. vegetarian
8. 2.30 / 2:30
9. 75
10. port

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Listening Part 2

11–12. B and C 13–14. A and C 15. D 16. F 17. B 18. H 19. C 20. G

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Listening Part 3

21–22. C and E 23–24. A and C 25. C 26. A 27. A 28. B 29. B 30. C

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Listening Part 4

31. rats
32. snakes
33. tourism
34. traffic
35. rain
36. poison
37. building
38. dog
39. noise
40. combination

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Bonus IELTS Listening Tips

Follow the Word Limit

Always check whether the instruction says:

• ONE WORD ONLY
• ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER
• NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER

For example:

• Correct: walking
• Incorrect: walking tour

when the question already includes the word tour.

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Watch for Distractors

Question 2 includes two prices:

• £125 for a family room;
• £95 for each double room.

The question asks about the family room.

Therefore: 125

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Listen for Recommendations That Replace Earlier Ideas

Question 3 is a good example.

The man first suggests:

bus tour

The woman then recommends:

walking tour

The final recommendation is what you need.

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Pay Attention to Closed Days and Crowded Days

For Question 5:

• Monday = closed;
• Saturday = crowded;
• Tuesday = best.

IELTS often gives several dates or days before the final answer.

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Listen for Paraphrases

Question wording	Recording wording
family room cost	about £125 per night
city-centre tour	walking tour
trip to the fort	get there by boat
exhibition opens soon	another one starting soon
discount	75% off
stay with children	don't let them wander off
competition	football drawing
new tour feature	only just introduced
goalkeeper	player whose role was to guard the goal
match duration	limit of 90 minutes
admission fee	charge fans for admission
improved concentration	sit still and focus
spatial awareness	space words correctly
too much pressure	pen lights up
poor exam results	marks affected
tourism	source of revenue
traffic	hit on roads
poison	illegally kill birds
scare predators	dog / noise
several methods	combination

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Look for Words Showing Something Is New

Useful signals include:

• only just introduced
• only just started
• starting soon
• new

For Questions 13–14, these signals identify the audio guide and VIP tours.

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Use Dates as Anchors

Questions 15–20 become easier if you write one keyword next to every year:

• 1870 → goalkeeper
• 1874 → rules
• 1875 → crossbar
• 1877 → 90 minutes
• 1878 → lights
• 1880 → admission fee

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Listen for Shared Opinions

For Questions 21–22, both speakers must find the benefit surprising.

One person being surprised is not enough.

Useful agreement signals include:

• “Same here.”
• “I thought that too.”
• “That had never occurred to me.”

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Separate Easy Problems from Difficult Ones

For Questions 23–24, several handwriting problems are mentioned.

But only two are described as having simple solutions:

• pressure → special pen;
• spacing → grid paper.

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Be Careful with Negative Information

Question 25 includes a strong distractor.

The woman says using laptops can be less frustrating.

She then says fluency isn't any faster.

Therefore, option B is wrong even though speed is discussed.

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Predict Grammar Before Listening

For example:

> They help prevent farmers from being bitten by ______.

You need a plural noun referring to something that bites.

Answer: snakes

Another example:

> A ______ of methods

You need a singular noun.

Answer: combination

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Review Every Wrong Answer

After completing the listening test, identify why each mistake happened.

Common causes include:

• choosing the first option mentioned;
• missing a correction;
• confusing two similar dates;
• failing to identify shared opinions;
• ignoring the word limit;
• missing singular/plural forms;
• overlooking distractors;
• spelling the answer incorrectly.