21 Priya thinks the main issue at the start will be A choosing the right equipment B getting permission for certain areas C finding enough volunteers
22 Owen suggests making short audio recordings because it could A help confirm bird species later B replace written notes completely C make the survey more interesting
23 What do they decide about the survey timetable? A They will run two sessions at different times of day B They will only carry out the survey at weekends C They will avoid early mornings
24 They decide to measure habitat quality mainly by A counting insects B estimating ground cover C collecting soil samples
Questions 25–28
What problem do they associate with each campus location? Choose FOUR answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–F, next to Questions 25–28.
Problems A too noisy for audio recording B limited visibility C restricted access hours D disturbed by construction E safety risk near water F too few species present
29 Why does Priya want a short training session before the survey? A To ensure everyone records data in the same way B To attract more volunteers C To reduce time spent on site
30 They agree that their presentation should include A a map showing the survey routes B a list of academic references C national comparison data
Keys
21 B 22 A 23 A 24 B 25 E 26 A 27 B 28 D 29 A 30 A
Transcripts
Part 3 You will hear two students, Priya and Owen, discussing how to organise a biodiversity survey on their university campus.
Priya: Have you thought about how we will run the campus biodiversity survey? Owen: Yes, I have, but I keep thinking the hardest part will be identifying species correctly. Priya: That is definitely an issue, but I think permission comes first. Some areas are behind locked gates, and we cannot assume access.
Owen: True. The riverside path might also close early in the evening. Priya: Yes, access hours could be a problem there. We should check those details before we promise anything to volunteers.
Priya: We should probably write all of this down as we go along. Owen: Good idea. I will make a list so we do not miss anything important.
Owen: When it comes to recording data, should we rely mainly on photos? Priya: Photos work well for plants and insects, but birds move too fast most of the time. Owen: That is true. What if we record short audio clips of bird calls as well? We could listen to them later and check the species. Priya: That could work, but probably only in quieter areas of the campus.
Owen: The sports field edge will be noisy when training sessions are on. Priya: Yes, it will be far too noisy for audio recording. We can still count species there, but sound will not be reliable.
Owen: I think we are covering most of the key points now. Priya: Yes, the plan is starting to sound more organised.
Owen: What about the timetable for the survey? Early morning is usually best for birds. Priya: It is, but I am not sure many volunteers will turn up very early. Owen: What if we start at seven instead of six? Priya: Seven sounds more realistic. We should also have a late afternoon session to compare results.
Owen: So one early session and one later session on the same day? Priya: Yes, that would give us a better overall picture of activity levels.
Priya: We should also keep the plan as simple as possible. Owen: I agree. Clear instructions will make things easier for everyone involved.
Owen: And what about weekends? Priya: One weekend session would be useful. Sunday might suit most people better than Saturday.
Owen: We should also think about the weather. Priya: Yes, we will need a backup plan in case of heavy rain or strong wind.
Owen: Do you think we need to explain the aims of the survey clearly at the start? Priya: Yes, people tend to be more motivated when they understand why they are doing something.
Owen: How should we assess habitat quality across the campus? Should we take soil samples? Priya: That sounds scientific, but it would require extra permission and equipment. I think estimating ground cover and noting main features is more practical.
Owen: That makes sense, and it will also save time.
Priya: Let us talk about locations in more detail. The library garden looks promising, but the trees limit visibility. Owen: Yes, it might be difficult to see birds clearly there.
Priya: The engineering courtyard is another concern because of the building work. Owen: I thought that was finishing soon. Priya: They said next month, but that is still during our survey period.
Owen: Right, so that area will probably be disturbed.
Priya: The riverside path also has a safety risk near the water, especially around the bend. Owen: We will need to set a clear boundary line so people know where they can stand safely.
Priya: We should also think about how long each session will last. Owen: Yes, we do not want people to get tired or lose focus.
Priya: We can also ask volunteers for feedback after the survey. Owen: That would be useful, especially if we want to repeat the project in the future.
Priya: Before we start, I think we should run a short training session. Owen: Yes, that way everyone records information in the same way.
Priya: For the presentation, we should include a map showing our survey routes clearly. Owen: Definitely. That will make the results much easier to understand.
