Cambridge 21 Test 1 Listening Answers & Explanations

6 August 2026

22 min read538 views

Cambridge 21 Test 1 Listening Answers & Explanations

This post provides complete answers and clear explanations for Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic Listening Test 1.

Want to test yourself?

Take the real test with a timer and see your actual band score.

Each answer includes:

Strategy
Keywords
Exact transcript location
Explanation
Correct answer

> Location note: Each location identifies the listening part, transcript page and relevant source line range. A short dialogue or lecture cue is also included to help you find the answer quickly.

How This Guide Is Structured

Strategy

The strategy explains the best method for answering each IELTS Listening question type.

Keywords

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

Exact Transcript Location

The location identifies the listening part, transcript page and exact section containing the answer.

Explanation

The explanation shows how the recording paraphrases the question and highlights important distractors or corrections.

Correct Answer

The correct answer appears only after the location and explanation.

Listening Part 1

Sailing Courses at Oyster Bay Sailing Club

Questions 1–6: Table Completion

Strategy

For table-completion questions:

Read the headings and incomplete notes before listening.
Predict whether each blank requires a number, noun or adjective.
Follow the order of the conversation.
Listen carefully for corrections and comparisons.
Do not repeat words already printed in the table.
Follow the word limit exactly.

The instruction says:

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

Question 1

Small groups with a maximum of ______ people

Keywords

small groups, maximum, people, Taster Day

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 9, lines 195–196

Explanation

The speaker says the groups normally contain around eight people but never more than ten.

Here:

usually about eight = typical group size
no more than ten = maximum number

The question asks for the maximum, not the usual number.

So, the answer is: 10 / ten

Question 2

Understanding the ______ and tides

Keywords

basic theory, understanding, tides

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 9, lines 201–203

Explanation

The Level 1 course teaches basic theory, including the weather and the tides.

Here:

things like the weather = the missing subject
weather and tides are taught together as part of the theory section

So, the answer is: weather

Question 3

Basic sailing skills, including ______ information

Keywords

basic sailing skills, information, instructor

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 9, lines 203–204

Explanation

Students go into the harbour in training boats with an instructor. The instructor ensures that they understand everything necessary about safety.

Here:

everything you need to know about safety = safety information

So, the answer is: safety

Question 4

A ______ is available for club members

Keywords

£200, available, club members, cheaper

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 9, lines 207–209

Explanation

The standard course costs £200. However, it is cheaper for people who join the club because members receive a discount.

Here:

a bit cheaper = reduced price
for members = available to club members

So, the answer is: discount

Question 5

All inclusive, plus a useful ______

Keywords

all inclusive, useful, sailing terminology

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 214–217

Explanation

The course price includes everything. Participants also receive a dictionary explaining sailing terminology.

The speaker adds that it contains pictures and is helpful for beginners.

So, the answer is: dictionary

Question 6

A ______ at the end of the course for all participants

Keywords

end of course, all participants, completion

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 215–218

Explanation

The speaker says that participants receive a certificate after completing the course.

Here:

on completion of the course = at the end of the course
get a certificate = receive the required item

So, the answer is: certificate

Questions 7–10: Note Completion

Strategy

For note-completion questions:

Read the heading and surrounding information.
Predict the type of word required.
Listen for suggestions, facilities and items to bring.
Separate what the club provides from what the participant must bring.
Check whether the answer should be singular or plural.

The instruction says:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Question 7

Bring suitable clothing, a ______ and toiletries

Keywords

bring, clothing, toiletries, shampoo

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 223–226

Explanation

The club provides wetsuits and life jackets. The participant must bring swimming clothes, old trainers and a towel.

The man specifically asks whether he should bring a towel, and the woman confirms that he definitely should.

So, the answer is: towel

Question 8

There is a ______ at the club

Keywords

food, drink, club, sandwiches, snacks

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 227–228

Explanation

The man asks whether he needs to bring food or whether there is a café at the club.

The woman confirms that food such as sandwiches, cakes and snacks is available there.

So, the answer is: café / cafe

Question 9

Online training ______ are recommended

Keywords

online training, recommended, prepare

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 229–232

Explanation

The participant asks how he can prepare before the course.

The woman recommends watching training videos available online and offers to send him the link.

So, the answer is: videos

Question 10

______ are available for course participants

Keywords

available, valuables, changing rooms

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 1, transcript page 10, lines 233–235

Explanation

The man asks whether there is somewhere secure to store his valuables.

The woman confirms that plenty of lockers are available in the changing rooms.

The answer must be plural because the notes use are available.

So, the answer is: lockers

Listening Part 2

Becoming a Makeup Artist in the Film Industry

Questions 11–16: Multiple Choice

Strategy

For multiple-choice questions:

Read the question and all three options before listening.
Identify exactly what the question asks.
Listen for contrasts such as but, however and instead.
Do not choose an option merely because it is mentioned.
Select the option that matches the speaker’s final meaning.

Question 11

What should trainees always expect to get when working on low-budget short films?

Keywords

trainees, always expect, low-budget films

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 10, lines 241–245

Explanation

The speaker says trainees may work without wages and are unlikely to receive food.

However, she advises them to ensure that their transportation costs are covered.

Option Analysis

A — Travel expenses: Correct.
B — A minimum wage: They may work for free.
C — Meals: Catering is unlikely to be provided.

So, the answer is: A — travel expenses

Question 12

On big-budget films, trainees may gain experience of ______

Keywords

big-budget films, experience, opportunity

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 249–253

Explanation

On large productions, makeup and hairstyling are separate departments.

Trainees may work with people from different age groups and ethnic backgrounds. However, special-effects makeup is too specialised for trainees.

Option Analysis

A: Special-effects makeup is unlikely.
B: Correct — they may work with different ethnicities.
C: Hair styling belongs to a separate department.

So, the answer is: B — working with different ethnicities

Question 13

The speaker says a problem for makeup artists is ______

Keywords

problem, makeup artists, high-pressure environment

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 254–257

Explanation

The workplace can be stressful because directors may be impatient or dissatisfied with the makeup work.

The speaker advises trainees to remain calm and follow their supervisor’s example.

Option Analysis

A: Correct — dealing with difficult or impatient directors.
B: Supervisors shouting is not mentioned.
C: The speaker says there is rarely nothing to do.

So, the answer is: A — dealing with difficult directors

Question 14

How did the speaker feel when she first met famous actors?

Keywords

first time, famous actors, feeling

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 258–261

Explanation

The speaker says she initially found the experience overwhelming and could hardly speak because she was in awe.

This means she was extremely shy or nervous.

So, the answer is: A — very shy

Question 15

What advice does the speaker give about makeup kits?

Keywords

advice, makeup kit, essentials, all times

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 262–265

Explanation

Every trainee must keep a makeup kit with them at all times.

The kit only needs basic essential items because trainees will not initially perform complicated tasks.

Option Analysis

A: Correct — always carry a basic kit.
B: The most expensive products are unnecessary.
C: Looking at other kits may help, but asking others to check the kit is not the main advice.

So, the answer is: A — Always carry a basic kit with you.

Question 16

What advice does the speaker give about creating a portfolio?

Keywords

portfolio, photos, approval, permission

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 266–269

Explanation

Trainees should photograph their work and show different stages of makeup application.

However, they must first receive approval from the makeup designer responsible for the department.

Option Analysis

A: Printed photographs are unnecessary.
B: The speaker does not advise including only a few photos.
C: Correct — permission is needed before using the photographs.

So, the answer is: C — Get permission to use photos.

Questions 17–20: Matching Abilities

Strategy

For matching questions:

Read the three abilities before listening.
Identify the central requirement of each duty.
Match the meaning rather than looking for identical words.
Remember that the same letter may be used more than once.

List of Abilities

A — Being well-organised
B — Being flexible
C — Working quickly

Question 17

Prepping an actor

Keywords

prep actor, without wasting time, schedule

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 273–275

Explanation

A trainee may need to cleanse and moisturise an actor’s skin.

This must be completed without wasting time; otherwise, the makeup artist may fall behind schedule.

So, the answer is: C — working quickly

Question 18

Continuity

Keywords

continuity, photographs, files, good order

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 276–278

Explanation

Trainees must photograph the makeup, save the images digitally and place printed copies in the actor’s file.

The information must be kept in good order so the same makeup can be recreated months later.

So, the answer is: A — being well-organised

Question 19

General duties

Keywords

general duties, anything, positive attitude

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 279–280

Explanation

General duties may include making drinks, doing laundry or completing any other task requested.

Trainees need to be willing to handle different responsibilities.

So, the answer is: B — being flexible

Question 20

Applying makeup

Keywords

applying makeup, extras, swift pace

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 2, transcript page 11, lines 281–283

Explanation

Trainees may apply makeup to a large number of extras.

They must maintain a fast pace and avoid spending too much time on each individual.

So, the answer is: C — working quickly

Listening Part 3

Ocean Biodiversity

Questions 21–22: Choose Two Answers

Strategy

For questions requiring two answers:

Read all five options before listening.
Identify the ideas that both students say impressed them.
Listen for direct agreement such as me too or that impressed me.
Select exactly two letters.
Do not choose an option simply because it appears in the discussion.

Questions 21–22

Which TWO features of the lecture had the greatest impact on the students?

Keywords

lecture, greatest impact, students, impressed

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 12, lines 290–300

Explanation

Lucy particularly appreciated the focus on long-term issues that are not currently receiving much attention but may become important later.

The students were also impressed by the global range of examples, which showed how widespread the threats to ocean biodiversity are.

Option Analysis

B — The broad focus of the examples: The examples were global and wide-ranging.
D — The type of issues discussed: The lecture focused on long-term future issues.
Policy changes were mentioned, but only at a national level.
The lecture did not provide many practical solutions.

So, the answers are: B and D

Questions 23–24: Choose Two Answers

Strategy

Listen for the specific features of the research project that both students describe as impressive.

Be careful with details that are mentioned but then dismissed as ordinary or unimportant.

Questions 23–24

Which TWO details about the research project particularly impressed the students?

Keywords

research project, impressed, specialists, technology

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 12, lines 301–315

Explanation

The students were impressed by the large number of experts from different professional backgrounds.

They were also interested in improved tracking systems and the use of robotics to investigate threats to biodiversity.

Option Analysis

C — The use of new technology: Tracking systems and robotics.
E — The large range of specialists involved: Many experts from different backgrounds.
The international scale was considered normal because remote cooperation is common.
The lecturer did not overwhelm them with statistical data.

So, the answers are: C and E

Questions 25–30: Matching Resources with Opinions

Strategy

For resource-matching questions:

Read all resources and opinion options before listening.
Identify the main criticism or praise for each resource.
Ignore minor details that do not represent the students’ final view.
Use each selected letter only once.

Question 25

Article on invasive lionfish

Keywords

lionfish article, claims, evidence

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 12, lines 318–322

Explanation

The article repeatedly claimed that lionfish were environmentally dangerous.

However, it did not provide enough supporting information to explain why the claims were true.

So, the answer is: G — This gives insufficient evidence for its claims.

Question 26

Documentary on microplastics

Keywords

documentary, microplastics, ten years old

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 326–329

Explanation

The documentary was made ten years earlier.

Both students agree that it now appears old because public knowledge of microplastics has changed considerably.

So, the answer is: B — This is now rather outdated.

Question 27

Podcast on ocean pollution

Keywords

podcast, obvious, pesticides, plastic

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 330–333

Explanation

The podcast discussed pesticides, plastic and their harmful effects.

However, the students felt it only repeated information that most people already know.

So, the answer is: F — This is too predictable to be useful.

Question 28

Book on coastal ecosystems

Keywords

coastal ecosystems, details, understanding, diagrams

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 334–337

Explanation

Although the book was difficult at first, it helped the students develop a much clearer understanding of offshore wind farms, fish farms and related issues.

The diagrams also made the explanations easier to follow.

So, the answer is: H — This gives a clear explanation of the problems.

Question 29

Article on metal toxicity

Keywords

metal toxicity, difficult, could not follow

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 338–340

Explanation

The students found the article far too difficult.

They could not understand its technical explanation of how industrial metals react in the ocean.

So, the answer is: A — This is aimed at a very specialist audience.

Question 30

Podcast on floating marine cities

Keywords

floating cities, one-sided, benefits, environment

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 3, transcript page 13, lines 341–343

Explanation

The podcast discussed the benefits of floating cities for people but ignored their possible environmental effects.

The students therefore considered the discussion one-sided.

So, the answer is: E — This does not give a balanced account.

Listening Part 4

Sources of Rubber

Questions 31–40: Note Completion

Strategy

For lecture note-completion questions:

Read the complete notes before listening.
Predict the type of word needed in each blank.
Follow the order of the lecture.
Listen for definitions, causes, problems and comparisons.
Copy the exact word used by the speaker.
Check spelling and grammatical fit.

The instruction says:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Question 31

Three resources essential for industrial civilisation: ______, fossil fuels and rubber

Keywords

three resources, industry, machines, transportation

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 13, lines 346–350

Explanation

The lecturer identifies three resources that modern industry requires.

The first is metal, which is necessary for machines and transportation. The others are fossil fuels and rubber.

So, the answer is: metal / metals

Question 32

The growth of the rubber tree is ______

Keywords

growth, tree, eight to ten years

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 13, lines 356–357

Explanation

A rubber tree can take between eight and ten years before it begins producing rubber.

The lecturer therefore describes its cultivation as a slow process.

So, the answer is: slow

Question 33

Production cannot easily be adjusted because of increasing or decreasing ______

Keywords

production, adjusted, rising, falling

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 13, lines 357–360

Explanation

Farmers growing ordinary crops can change how much they produce when customer demand rises or falls.

Rubber producers cannot respond quickly because the trees require many years to mature.

So, the answer is: demand

Question 34

The tree only grows near the ______

Keywords

tree grows, location, globe

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript pages 13–14, lines 360–365

Explanation

Rubber trees require particular temperatures, rainfall levels and altitude.

As a result, they cannot grow in the northern or southern regions of the world and are limited to areas around the equator.

So, the answer is: equator

Question 35

It is very difficult to ______ rubber after production

Keywords

difficult, after production, water, glass

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 366–371

Explanation

Resources such as water and glass can be reused after their original purpose is complete.

Although the same process is technically possible with rubber, it is much more difficult.

So, the answer is: recycle

Question 36

Danger of disease caused by a ______

Keywords

genetic diversity, disease, danger

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 372–376

Explanation

Most rubber trees in Southeast Asia came from a small number of original seeds, so there is little genetic diversity.

This makes the trees vulnerable to a fungus that previously destroyed many rubber trees in Brazil.

So, the answer is: fungus

Question 37

Extreme ______ events

Keywords

extreme events, Southeast Asia, recent years

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 377–380

Explanation

Southeast Asia has repeatedly experienced extreme types of weather.

The lecturer predicts that these conditions are likely to continue.

So, the answer is: weather

Question 38

Synthetic rubber is less ______ than natural rubber

Keywords

synthetic rubber, compared with, natural rubber

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 381–385

Explanation

Synthetic rubber works for certain products, including engine components and cooking equipment.

However, it is not as strong as natural rubber and cannot be used for demanding applications such as aircraft tyres.

So, the answer is: strong

Question 39

A type of dandelion has rubber in its ______

Keywords

wild flower, dandelion, contains rubber

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 386–389

Explanation

The lecturer describes a wild yellow plant generally regarded as a weed.

When the plant is pulled from the ground and cut open, rubber is found inside its roots.

So, the answer is: roots

Question 40

It can grow in many locations and does not require good ______

Keywords

many locations, does not require, rich

Exact Transcript Location

Listening Part 4, transcript page 14, lines 390–392

Explanation

Unlike rubber trees, dandelions are highly adaptable and grow in many different places.

They also do not require rich soil.

Here:

rich soil = good-quality soil

So, the answer is: soil

Cambridge 21 Test 1 Listening Answer Key

Listening Part 1

10 / ten
weather
safety
discount
dictionary
certificate
towel
café / cafe
videos
lockers

Listening Part 2

Listening Part 3

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

Listening Part 4

metal / metals
slow
demand
equator
recycle
fungus
weather
strong
roots
soil

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

Writing extra words can make a correct answer wrong.

For example:

Correct: certificate
Incorrect: a certificate

Expect Distractors

Speakers often mention an incorrect possibility before giving the answer.

Examples from this test:

The sailing group normally has eight people, but the maximum is ten.
The club provides wetsuits, but participants must bring a towel.
Makeup trainees may work for free, but their travel expenses should be covered.
Special-effects makeup is mentioned, but trainees are unlikely to receive experience in it.

Listen for Contrasts

Words such as the following often introduce important information:

but
however
although
instead
only
unlike
rather than

For example:

> The documentary contained useful information, but it was ten years old.

The contrast shows that the students considered it outdated.

Identify Paraphrases

IELTS Listening questions rarely repeat the recording exactly.

Question wording	Recording wording
maximum	no more than
available for members	discount for members
at the end of the course	on completion
recommended	I recommend
working quickly	without wasting any time
being flexible	willing to do whatever is asked
broad focus	global and wide-ranging examples
insufficient evidence	did not provide much information
outdated	showing its age
specialist audience	way above my head
increasing or decreasing	rising or falling
near the equator	only around the equator
less strong	not anything like as strong

Check Singular and Plural Forms

Use the grammar around the blank to determine the correct form.

Examples:

a discount
a certificate
online training videos
lockers are available
a fungus
the plant’s roots

Do Not Choose an Option Just Because It Is Mentioned

In multiple-choice questions, several options may appear in the recording.

For Question 12:

Special-effects makeup is mentioned.
Hairstyling is mentioned.
Different ethnicities are mentioned.

However, the speaker says trainees are likely to work with different ethnicities, so B is correct.

Listen for Agreement

For questions requiring two answers, listen for phrases showing that both speakers share the same opinion:

“Me too.”
“I agree.”
“That impressed me too.”
“Yes, exactly.”

These phrases help confirm the final answers.

Use Grammar to Predict the Answer

Before listening, examine the words before and after each blank.

For example:

> The growth of the tree is ______.

An adjective is required, so slow fits.

Another example:

> Disease caused by a ______.

A singular countable noun is required, so fungus fits.

Check Spelling Carefully

Review difficult words such as:

certificate
dictionary
continuity
biodiversity
equator
recycle
fungus

A correct idea with incorrect spelling may be marked wrong.

Review Every Incorrect Answer

After completing the test, identify why each mistake occurred.

Common causes include:

missing a distractor;
exceeding the word limit;
selecting an option because it was mentioned;
failing to notice a contrast;
confusing a typical number with a maximum;
choosing the wrong singular or plural form;
spelling the answer incorrectly.

Want to test yourself?

Take the real test with a timer and see your actual band score.