Keep answers concise and exactly match wording from the recording where possible (e.g., “7.30 am”, “farm office”).
(You would listen to this audio in a real exam. Use this to check your answers.)
Agent: Good morning, Green Valley Farm Recruitment. How can I help you?
Applicant: Hello. I saw your advertisement online for fruit picking jobs. I’m a university student looking for summer work.
Agent: Wonderful. We have plenty of positions available. I just need to take down some details if that’s alright?
Applicant: Sure.
Agent: First, could I get your full name?
Applicant: It’s Simon. My surname is Barnes. That’s B-A-R-N-E-S.
Agent: Barnes. Got it. And where are you currently living?
Applicant: I’m staying at my uncle’s place in Milton. The address is number 14, Meadow Street.
Agent: Meadow Street. That’s M-E-A-D-O-W, right?
Applicant: Yes, that’s correct.
Agent: And what is the best contact number for you?
Applicant: My mobile is 07854 623 911.
Agent: 07854 623 911. Perfect. And you mentioned you are a student? What is your major?
Applicant: Yes, I’m in my second year studying Economics.
Agent: Economics. Okay. Now, the work is available immediately, but when would you be able to start?
Applicant: I have some exams to finish, so I can start work on the 28th of June.
Agent: June 28th. Great. Now, the farm is a bit remote. Do you have your own transport?
Applicant: Yes, I have a driving license and I have a van. It’s old, but it runs well. fruit picking application ielts listening answers
Agent: A van is actually perfect because you can use it to transport the fruit crates. Have you done this type of work before?
Applicant: Yes, actually. Last year I spent 6 weeks working on a farm in Spain. It was during my gap year.
Agent: Spain. Lovely. And what sort of work did you do there?
Applicant: A bit of everything, really. I spent a lot of time pruning the orange trees, and then we picked strawberries for most of the summer.
Agent: Good, we have strawberries here too, so that experience is valuable. Let me tell you about the pay. For workers under 21, it’s $12.50 an hour. Over 21, it’s $14.50. How old are you?
Applicant: I’m 22, so the higher rate applies.
Agent: Excellent. We provide accommodation in shared cabins on-site, but I should mention you need to bring your own protective
Master the "Fruit Picking Application" IELTS Listening Task The "Fruit Picking Application" is a classic example of an IELTS Listening Section 1 task. These recordings typically involve a conversation between two people—usually a job seeker and an employer—filling out an application form. To score a band 7 or higher, you must master the art of extracting specific data like names, dates, and addresses under pressure.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the answers, common pitfalls, and strategies for this specific listening topic. Typical Answer Key: Fruit Picking Application
While specific versions of this test (such as those found in Cambridge IELTS practice books) may vary slightly, the following are the most frequent answers and data points required:
Surname: Thompson (Always double-check spelling provided by the speaker) Date of Birth: 17th July / 17/07 Address: 156 Sturt Street (Note the spelling of "Sturt") Postcode: 3102 Telephone Number: 0412 654 322 Preferred Work: Apple picking (or "Stone fruit") Availability: From 20th November Accommodation: Hostel / Campsite Transport: Shared car / Own vehicle Previous Experience: Hospitality / Farm work Crucial Skills for Section 1
To get these answers right, you need to navigate the common "traps" the IELTS examiners set for you. 1. The "Correction" Trap
In a fruit picking application dialogue, the speaker often changes their mind.
Example: "I’m available to start on the 10th... oh, wait, I forgot I have a doctor's appointment. Let's make it the 12th."
Strategy: Never write down the first number or date you hear. Wait for the speaker to confirm the final choice. 2. Spelling Names and Streets
In "Fruit Picking" tasks, you will almost certainly have to spell a name or a street.
Sturt Street is a common one where students often write "Stuart."
Strategy: Listen for the alphabet. IELTS speakers will often spell out tricky words letter by letter. Brush up on your pronunciation of "G," "J," "W," and "Y." 3. Number Formatting
Phone numbers and postcodes are standard for job applications. Zero can be pronounced as "zero" or "oh." Keep answers concise and exactly match wording from
Double numbers (e.g., 22) are often dictated as "double two." Vocabulary to Watch Out For
Understanding the context of a fruit farm is essential. Familiarize yourself with these terms: Orchard: The area where fruit trees are grown. Casual Work: Temporary or part-time labor. Manual Labor: Physical work, common in picking and packing.
Relevant Experience: Previous jobs that might help you get the current one.
Accommodation: Where you will stay (Hostels, caravans, or dormitories). Study Tips for Success
Read Ahead: You have 30-40 seconds before the recording starts. Use this to identify exactly what type of information is missing (e.g., Is it a number? A month? A street name?).
Check Your Word Count: If the instructions say "ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER," writing "The 12th of June" will be marked incorrect. Follow the limits strictly.
Listen for Synonyms: The form might say "Start Date," but the speaker might say "I can get there by..."
By practicing with these "Fruit Picking Application" themes, you’ll become faster at filtering out "white noise" and focusing on the data that matters for your answer sheet.
In the IELTS Listening test, "Fruit Picking Application" (often featuring Manor Farm Sophie Harries
) is a common Section 1 task where you must complete an employment form. Quick Answer Key: Manor Farm (Ben Miller) Based on popular IELTS practice materials
, the following are standard answers for this specific version of the test: Availability (to October) Source of info Busiest month Dates depend on Hourly pay Accommodation Required document Essential supply Detailed Breakdown of the Test Content 1. Personal & Visa Details
The recording typically starts with a candidate (like Ben Miller from the USA) providing basic info. The "Blue Card":
Many test-takers miss this because they expect a standard visa name; it refers to a specific work permit mentioned in the audio. Age Requirement: The farm usually only takes people over , but the pay rate often changes at 2. Work Conditions & Pay Variable Dates:
The farmer (often Mrs. Chandler) explains that exact picking dates cannot be guaranteed because they depend on the weather For those over 18, the rate is often cited as £5.60 per hour , while younger pickers might earn less (e.g., £4.50). 3. Logistics & Equipment Accommodation:
A critical "trick" in the audio is when the speaker says there is accommodation on the farm, but there is a nearby campsite Transportation:
The farm roads are narrow and buses are infrequent, so pickers are strongly advised to bring a Documentation:
is mandatory for proof of age; a driving license is specifically mentioned as not suitable Alternative Version: Sophie Harries actual test versions , the applicant is Sophie Harries in Sydney. Key answers for that version include: Current Address: Fruit Type: Health Issue: DOL Tự Học IELTS Listening Strategy Tips Check Word Count: Most "Fruit Picking" forms require NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER Listen for Synonyms:
The audio might say "short of hands," which means they need more "workers" or it's "busy". Watch for Distractors:
The speaker may mention several months (July, August, September) but only one is the "busiest" or the "start date". practice transcript for this recording to help with your dictation? How can I help you
The "Fruit Picking Application" is a frequent IELTS Listening Section 1 topic, usually featuring a telephone conversation between a job applicant and a farm owner. The scenario often requires filling in missing details regarding application forms for places like Manor Farm (e.g., Q1: Blue, Q6: £5.60) or specific locations in Australia (e.g., Q2: 19, Q6: mangoes). Key tips for success include paying close attention to currency formatting, singular/plural distinctions, and exact spelling. For full practice tests and answers, visit Tutor Listening
The "Fruit Picking Application" (often referred to as the "Manor Farm" application) is a staple IELTS Listening Section 1
practice test. It typically features a conversation between an applicant, such as Ben Miller, and a farm owner, focusing on a summer job application. Comprehensive Review of Questions & Answers
The following answers are based on the common version of this test found in actual past papers and practice books: Question # Contextual Key Details
Valid until November; essential for international applicants. Availability
Work usually starts from the middle of June, but this applicant specifies July.
Found the job online, noting it was easier than using an agency. Busiest Month The peak of the picking season for this specific farm.
Exact picking dates are highly dependent on environmental conditions. The hourly wage offered to pickers over the age of 18. Facilities
No housing on-site, but a nearby campsite is available for workers.
Pickers are strongly advised to use a bicycle to get around the area. Required ID
Essential proof of age and identity; a driving license is explicitly not accepted. Essentials
Pickers must bring their own lunch and a full day’s supply of water. Common Variants to Watch Out For
In some versions of this test (sometimes called the "Sophie Harries" application), the details vary slightly to test different vocabulary and numbers: Current Address: in a specific city like Sydney. Preferred Location: Might be specified as "near the " or "near the Medical Issues: Answers often include "problem with " or "problem with Type of Fruit: Common answers include Key Listening Strategies for This Section Distractors:
The speaker often mentions several months or dates. For example, Ben Miller mentions June and October, but the answer for his specific availability is Number Formatting:
Pay close attention to currency. If the "£" is already provided on the answer sheet, only write the number (
Proper nouns (names) and specific IDs (e.g., "Blue card") must be spelled correctly. Practice spelling days, months, and common job-related terms. IELTS Listening Answers: March 2025 | PDF - Scribd
If you are preparing for the IELTS Listening test, you have likely encountered a section about seasonal farm work. One of the most repeated scenarios in Section 1 or Section 2 of the IELTS Listening exam is the "Fruit Picking Application." This topic appears so frequently because it tests practical, real-world English—specifically, numbers, dates, personal information, and job-specific vocabulary.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly what to expect from a fruit picking application dialogue, the common answers that appear, the traps that examiners set, and proven strategies to ensure you never lose points on this topic again.