IELTS Listening Part 4: Understanding Academic Monologues and Lectures

Welcome!

Welcome to IELTS Listening Part 4! In this section, you’ll listen to a monologue given by one speaker, typically a lecture or talk on an academic subject. There will be 10 questions, focusing on both the main ideas and specific details of the talk. You will hear the recording only once, so stay focused, take notes if necessary, and listen carefully to capture the key points.

Summary and Structure

Part 4: Monologue Questions 31 – 35

Instructions:
You will hear a talk on Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity. Complete the table below using one word only for each blank.

Questions 31–35

31. Climate change is mainly caused by human activities like deforestation and the burning of ________.

32. Polar bears are at risk of extinction because of the loss of their ________ habitat due to melting ice.

33. Changes in seasonal timing and food availability have affected ________ species.

34. Climate change encourages the spread of ________ species that outcompete native ones.

35. Coral reefs are vulnerable to rising sea temperatures, leading to ________ bleaching.

Part 4: Monologue Questions 36 – 40

Instructions:
Now, answer questions 36–40. Choose the correct letter (A, B, or C).

Questions 36–40

36. Major consequence of warming temperatures on biodiversity:
A) Species are migrating to cooler areas
B) Increased frequency of natural disasters
C) Disruption of migration patterns and reproductive cycles

37. Why are species in specific habitats vulnerable to climate change?
A) They cannot adapt to new environments
B) Their habitats are disappearing
C) They cannot survive in warmer climates

38. Invasive species and climate change:
A) They are spreading to new areas
B) They help native species
C) They cause a decrease in pollution

39. Impact of coral bleaching:
A) Increases coral population
B) Collapse of ecosystems
C) Helps coral adapt

40. What is necessary for conservation efforts to succeed?
A) Reducing pollution and deforestation only
B) Global cooperation and commitment
C) Creating more protected wildlife areas

🎧 Listen to Audio:

Solutions and Detailed Explanation

Solution and Explanation for Questions 31–35

31. Fossil fuels
The speaker explained that climate change is mainly caused by human activities like deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and gas. Fossil fuels release greenhouse gases, causing global warming. While listening, it’s important to note how the speaker emphasized “fossil fuels” as a key term for the cause of climate change.

32. Sea ice
For polar bears, the lecture mentioned that their survival is tied to hunting on sea ice, which is disappearing due to warming temperatures. This loss of habitat was clearly linked to the polar bears’ decline, making “sea ice” the correct and most specific answer.

33. Migratory bird
The speaker pointed out that changes in seasonal timing due to climate change have disrupted the life cycles of migratory bird species. They arrive too early or too late for food sources, affecting breeding and survival, hence “migratory bird” was the precise fit for this blank.

34. Invasive
In the talk, it was explained that climate change helps invasive species expand into areas where they couldn’t survive before. These invasive species outcompete native species, which disrupts local ecosystems. Listening carefully for this cause-and-effect relationship leads directly to the answer “invasive.”

35. Coral
The lecturer discussed how coral reefs are sensitive to rising sea temperatures, leading to bleaching — a process where corals lose their algae and die. The word “coral” is critical here, as it defines the type of bleaching being discussed.

Solution and Explanation for Questions 36–40

36. C — Disruption of migration patterns and reproductive cycles
The lecture focused on how climate change affects migration and reproduction patterns. Birds miss their breeding seasons or food availability because of changing seasons. This kind of ecological mismatch makes option C the most accurate answer.

37. B — Their habitats are disappearing
When discussing species like polar bears, the lecturer emphasized that warming temperatures are causing their specific habitats to vanish. They are not just failing to adapt but losing the essential conditions they need for survival, confirming that option B is correct.

38. A — They are spreading to new areas
As temperatures rise, invasive species can now thrive in places that were previously too cold for them. The lecture made it clear that climate change allows these species to invade new territories, meaning A is the correct answer.

39. B — It leads to the collapse of entire ecosystems
The speaker highlighted how coral bleaching affects not just individual corals but whole reef ecosystems. These ecosystems support a wide range of marine life, so bleaching leads to a complete ecosystem collapse. Therefore, B is the best choice.

40. B — Global cooperation and commitment to environmental protection
Finally, the lecturer stressed that tackling climate change requires not just isolated efforts but global cooperation and consistent commitment. Only through united action can conservation efforts succeed, which points clearly to option B.

Reflection Prompt

Think about this: Which part of the lecture was easiest to understand? Which strategies (note-taking, keyword listening, predicting answers) helped you most? How can you improve your accuracy next time?