IELTS LISTENING – Notes on A Part-time Society S54T1

MAN: Oh hello, I’m just phoning you because I’m interested in becoming a member of your society and I was wondering if you could give me some more information.

MAN: Well first of all I’d like to know where you hold the _Q1 club meetings. As I’m not very mobile anymore and I’m looking for somewhere that’s within walking distance of my house. Are you still down at the old Boathouse?

WOMAN: No we moved away from there a while ago, meetings are now held at the clubhouse.

MAN: Oh brilliant that’s only five minutes from me. Do you require members to have any skills or experience?

WOMAN: No there was no experience required. We have plenty of female singers and actresses but we don’t have many men who can play them male roles we are looking to resolve this, and are especially interested in recruiting _Q2 male actors and singers.

MAN: I’ve never sung professionally but I’m very keen on it and I’ve been told that I’m talented so I think this would be a good fit. Do you organize coaches to transport members to practice at the theater?

WOMAN: Unfortunately the club does not have sufficient funds to organize transportation though this is something we are working towards we are currently looking for members who can _Q3 drive so that we can organize car sharing, members who are able to shuttle people in their cars will obviously be compensated for their petrol usage.

MAN: I don’t drive but I’ll be happy to contribute some money in order to use the shuttle services.

WOMAN: Yes that is no problem are you aware of when the meetings take place?

MAN: No I couldn’t find the meeting times on your website.

WOMAN: We hold meetings from 6 to 8 P.M every _Q4 Tuesday.

MAN: Ah that’s lucky, I go to a debating club every Wednesday so I’m glad that it’s on a different night so I can attend both. Do you operate year round?

WOMAN: We used to close during December for the Christmas period but we found that a lot of members wanted to continue their practices during this time. We operate for most of the year but we do however close for _Q5 August because the weather gets so hot that we are unable to practice comfortably. This may change when we have enough funds to operate the air conditioning.

MAN: Okay, I also wanted to ask how much the membership fee is and what is included with it.

WOMAN: Our membership fee is inexpensive and it includes many benefits that certainly make the costs worth it, for example we hold an annual event where members can meet each other and Converse about topics that they have in common. We find that this is very popular as the _Q6 dinner is truly superb and included with your membership fee.

MAN: Wow that sounds great. And how much does membership cost?

WOMAN: We have a couple of membership rates depending on your age and situation through employed members under the age of 30 the fee is 40 pounds while it costs 60 pounds for members aged between 30 and 60 which of these categories do you fit into.

MAN: Oh I don’t fit into either of those I’m 65 years old and retired so I’m no longer employed.

WOMAN: That’s no problem at all you qualify for the lowest price membership fee of _Q7 25 pounds which applies to those who are either unemployed or retired.

MAN: Wow that’s really affordable. I was thinking of bringing my grandson along to some of the practices so what would the membership cost for him, he’s 14.

WOMAN: I’m afraid that the club is for adults only that is to say we don’t allow members who are age _Q8 16 and under he is welcome to join in two years time they.

MAN: Ah that’s a shame. I guess I couldn’t wait and buy him a membership for his birthday present.

WOMAN: Yes what a good idea.

MAN: I was hoping I could bring him with me so I have someone there to talk to I’m worried that I won’t have anything in common with the other members.

WOMAN: I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine, all our members are very friendly and interested in culture and music most of the people involved are _Q9 modern authors looking for new experiences to write about in their books you could read some of their books so you have something to discuss with them.

MAN: That’s a good suggestion I’ll definitely do that. I’m really looking forward to attending the annual dinner so I can meet new people and hopefully make some friends.

WOMAN: Absolutely everyone has a great night and it’s all for charity as all of the money raised from this event is donated to the children’s _Q10 hospital so they can buy toys and clothes.

MAN: Wow what a great cause well I will definitely be popping in soon to arrange my membership thank you for all of your help.

WOMAN: No problem at all. Goodbye.

MAN: Bye.