All answers on this page include the question number, correct answer and a brief explanation of where to find it in the passage or audio. Use these alongside the original Cambridge IELTS books for the best practice experience.
Test 3 Listening Answers with Clear Explanations
Find all 40 Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 3 Listening answers with evidence-based explanations. The recording, questions and answer key are the same for Academic and General Training, so every answer link on this page supports both routes.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 3 Listening Answer Key
Use the key for quick marking, then read the explanations below. A slash separates accepted alternative forms. Where two letters are required, enter both letters across the two question numbers, in either order.
Part 1: Junior Cycle Camp
Questions 1 to 10Part 2: Jobs in agriculture and horticulture
Questions 11 to 20Part 3: Food science presentation
Questions 21 to 30Part 4: Hand knitting
Questions 31 to 40Part 1: Junior Cycle Camp
Questions 1-10. A parent asks about a junior cycle camp, its instructors, classes and first-day arrangements.
1First of all, children at this level are taken to practise in a ____.
Answer: park
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as park. In the relevant exchange, before he’s safe to go on the road. He’d probably be best in Level 5. They start off practising on the site here, and we aim to get them riding.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
2Instructors wear ____ shirts.
Answer: blue
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as blue. In the relevant exchange, well, all our staff wear different coloured shirts. So, we have three supervisors, and they have red shirts. They support the instructors, and they also stand in for me if.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
3A ____ is required and training is given.
Answer: reference
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as reference. In the relevant exchange, of these is responsible for each class. In order to be accepted, all our instructors have to submit a reference from someone who’s seen them work with children - like.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
4There are quiet times during the morning for a ____ or a game.
Answer: story
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as story. In the relevant exchange, right. And tell me a bit about the classes. What size will Charlie’s class be? We have a limit of eight children in each class, so their instructor really gets.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
5Classes are held even if there is ____.
Answer: rain
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as rain. In the relevant exchange, too, where their instructor might tell them a story that’s got something to do with cycling, or get them to play a game together. It’s a lot of fun. It.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
6What to bring: a change of clothing; a ____; shoes, not sandals.
Answer: snack
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as snack. In the relevant exchange, and is there anything special Charlie should bring along with him? Well, maybe some spare clothes, especially if the weather’s not so good. And a_snack for break time. How about.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
7What to bring: Charlie’s ____.
Answer: medication
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as medication. In the relevant exchange, how about a drink? No, we'll provide that. And make sure he has shoes, not sandals. Sure. And just at present Charlie has to take medication every few hours, so.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
8Before the class, his ____ will be checked.
Answer: helmet
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as helmet. In the relevant exchange, get Charlie here by 9.20. The finishing time will be 12.30 as usual. We need the additional time because there are a few extra things to do. The most important.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
9He should then go to the ____ to meet his class instructor.
Answer: tent
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as tent. In the relevant exchange, must wear it all the time he’s on the bike. Of course. Then after that, all the instructors will be waiting to meet their classes, and they'll meet up in.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
10The course costs $____ per week.
Answer: 199
Where to Listen: Part 1, questions 1 - 10
The recording gives the detail as 199. In the relevant exchange, now can you tell me how much the camp costs a week?. This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
Part 2: Jobs in agriculture and horticulture
Questions 11-20. Megan describes advantages, disadvantages and opportunities in agriculture and horticulture.
11According to Megan, what are the TWO main advantages of working in the agriculture and horticulture sectors?
Answer: A + C (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 11 and 12
The speakers identify the two required points as the active lifestyle / the flexible working opportunities. The key exchange - horticulture sectors, so that’s fresh food production, garden and park maintenance and so on. And these sectors do provide some very special career opportunities. For a start, they often offer... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
12According to Megan, what are the TWO main advantages of working in the agriculture and horticulture sectors?
Answer: A + C (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 11 and 12
The speakers identify the two required points as the flexible working opportunities / the active lifestyle. The key exchange - horticulture sectors, so that’s fresh food production, garden and park maintenance and so on. And these sectors do provide some very special career opportunities. For a start, they often offer... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
13Which TWO of the following are likely to be disadvantages for people working outdoors?
Answer: B + C (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 13 and 14
The speakers identify the two required points as being in a very quiet location / difficult weather conditions at times. The key exchange - may have the opportunity in some types of jobs for travel overseas, although that obviously depends on the job, and not everyone is keen to do it. Of course, working... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
14Which TWO of the following are likely to be disadvantages for people working outdoors?
Answer: B + C (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 13 and 14
The speakers identify the two required points as difficult weather conditions at times / being in a very quiet location. The key exchange - may have the opportunity in some types of jobs for travel overseas, although that obviously depends on the job, and not everyone is keen to do it. Of course, working... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
15Fresh food commercial manager
Answer: D - intensive work but also fun
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 15 - 20
The speaker's final point is now let me tell you about some of the exciting jobs that we have on our books right now. One is for a fresh food commercial manager. Our client here.... That meaning matches intensive work but also fun; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
16Agronomist
Answer: F - chance for rapid promotion
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 15 - 20
The speaker's final point is perks of the job include the possibility of renting a small cottage on the estate, and the chance to earn a competitive salary. That meaning matches chance for rapid promotion; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
17Fresh produce buyer
Answer: A - not a permanent job
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 15 - 20
The speaker's final point is perks of the job include the possibility of renting a small cottage on the estate, and the chance to earn a competitive salary. That meaning matches not a permanent job; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
18Garden centre sales manager
Answer: H - local travel involved
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 15 - 20
The speaker's final point is and you may have the opportunity in some types of jobs for travel overseas, although that obviously depends on the job, and not everyone is keen to do it. That meaning matches local travel involved; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
19Tree technician
Answer: C - experience not essential
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 15 - 20
The speaker's final point is there is also a vacancy for a tree technician to carry out tree cutting, forestry and conservation work. Candidates must have a clean driving licence and have training in safety.... That meaning matches experience not essential; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
20Farm worker
Answer: G - accommodation available
Where to Listen: Part 2, questions 15 - 20
The speaker's final point is a leading supermarket is looking for a fresh produce buyer who is available for a 12-month maternity cover contract. That meaning matches accommodation available; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
Part 3: Food science presentation
Questions 21-30. Two students discuss experiments involving artificial sweeteners, nuts, obesity and exercise.
21Which TWO points does Adam make about his experiment on artificial sweeteners?
Answer: C + D (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 21 and 22
The speakers identify the two required points as A large sample of people was tested. / The subjects were unaware of what they were drinking.. The key exchange - had to say which they thought it was? Yeah. It took me ages to decide exactly how I'd organise it, especially how I could make sure that people didn’t know... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
22Which TWO points does Adam make about his experiment on artificial sweeteners?
Answer: C + D (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 21 and 22
The speakers identify the two required points as The subjects were unaware of what they were drinking. / A large sample of people was tested.. The key exchange - had to say which they thought it was? Yeah. It took me ages to decide exactly how I'd organise it, especially how I could make sure that people didn’t know... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
23Which TWO problems did Rosie have when measuring the fat content of nuts?
Answer: C + E (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 23 and 24
The speakers identify the two required points as She did not grind the nuts finely enough. / The weighing scales may have been unsuitable.. The key exchange - Yes. My results were a bit problematic - the fat content for that type of nut seemed much lower than it said on the package. But I reckon the package... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
24Which TWO problems did Rosie have when measuring the fat content of nuts?
Answer: C + E (Either Order)
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 23 and 24
The speakers identify the two required points as The weighing scales may have been unsuitable. / She did not grind the nuts finely enough.. The key exchange - Yes. My results were a bit problematic - the fat content for that type of nut seemed much lower than it said on the package. But I reckon the package... - confirms both selections, while the other options are rejected, corrected or not stated. Enter the two letters in either order.
25Adam suggests that restaurants could reduce obesity if their menus
Answer: C - were organised in a particular way.
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 25 - 30
The speaker's final point is there’s a lot we could say about what restaurants could do to reduce obesity. That meaning matches were organised in a particular way.; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
26The students agree that food manufacturers deliberately
Answer: A - make calorie counts hard to understand.
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 25 - 30
The speaker's final point is i think food manufacturers could do more to encourage healthy eating. How? Well, when manufacturers put calorie counts of a food on the label, they're sometimes really confusing and I.... That meaning matches make calorie counts hard to understand.; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
27What does Rosie say about levels of exercise in England?
Answer: B - Most people overestimate how much they do.
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 25 - 30
The speaker's final point is i suppose another approach to this problem is to get people to exercise more. Right. In England, the current guidelines are for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking, five.... That meaning matches Most people overestimate how much they do.; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
28Adam refers to the location and width of stairs in a train station to illustrate
Answer: A - practical changes that can influence people’s behaviour.
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 25 - 30
The speaker's final point is mm, so you can see why obesity is growing. So how can people be encouraged to take more exercise? Well, for example, think of the location of stairs in a.... That meaning matches practical changes that can influence people’s behaviour.; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
29What do the students agree about including reference to exercise in their presentation?
Answer: A - They should probably leave it out.
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 25 - 30
The speaker's final point is influenced by minor modifications in their environment. Right. And it might not be a big change, but if it happens every day, it all adds up. Yes. But actually, I’m.... That meaning matches They should probably leave it out.; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
30What are the students going to do next for their presentation?
Answer: C - decide on its content and organisation
Where to Listen: Part 3, questions 25 - 30
The speaker's final point is simpler. So what shall we do now? We've still got half an hour before our next lecture. Let's think about what we're going to include and what will go where.... That meaning matches decide on its content and organisation; nearby alternatives are examples, earlier ideas or distractors.
Part 4: Hand knitting
Questions 31-40. A lecture discusses interest in knitting, its benefits and its early history.
31We imagine someone like a ____ knitting.
Answer: grandmother
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as grandmother. In the relevant exchange, that’s hand knitting. Ancient knitted garments have been found in many different countries, showing that knitting is a global activity with a long history. When someone says the word ‘knitting’.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
32A ____ ago, knitting was expected to disappear.
Answer: decade
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as decade. In the relevant exchange, grandmother perhaps - sitting by the fire knitting garments for themselves or other members of the family. It's a homely image, but one that may lead you to feel that.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
33People are buying more ____ for knitting nowadays.
Answer: equipment
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as equipment. In the relevant exchange, generation to another. However, that’s all changing and interest in knitting classes in many countries is actually rising, as more and more people are seeking formal instruction in the skill.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
34Knitting gives support in times of ____ difficulty.
Answer: economic
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as economic. In the relevant exchange, for them? The answer is that knitting, as a handicraft, has numerous benefits for those doing it. Let's consider what some of these might be. While many people knitted garments.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
35Knitting requires only ____ skills and little money to start.
Answer: basic
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as basic. In the relevant exchange, winter clothes, knitting may save you a lot of money. And the results of knitting your own clothes can be very rewarding, even though the skills you need to get.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
36Findings show early knitted items to be ____ in shape.
Answer: round
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as round. In the relevant exchange, began, but archaeological remains have disclosed plenty of information for us to think about. One of the interesting things about knitting is that the earliest pieces of clothing that have.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
37The first needles were made of natural materials such as wood and ____.
Answer: bone
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as bone. In the relevant exchange, needed to keep hands and feet warm, were knitted in one piece using four or five needles. That's very different from most knitting patterns today, which only require two. What's.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
38Early yarns felt ____ to touch.
Answer: rough
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as rough. In the relevant exchange, materials, like bone, whereas today’s needles are largely made of steel or plastic and make that characteristic clicking sound when someone's using them. Ancient people knitted using yarns made from.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
39Geographical areas had their own ____ of knitting.
Answer: style
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as style. In the relevant exchange, its warmth. Another interesting fact about knitting is that because it was practised in so many parts of the world for so many purposes, regional differences in style developed. This.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
40Everyday tasks like looking after ____ were done while knitting.
Answer: sheep
Where to Listen: Part 4, questions 31 - 40
The recording gives the detail as sheep. In the relevant exchange, as I've mentioned, knitting offered people from poor communities a way of making extra money while doing other tasks. For many centuries, it seems, men, women and children took every.... This supplies the exact word or number required by the gap.
Academic and General Training Listening Answers
Are the Academic and GT Test 3 Listening Answers the Same?
Yes. Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 3 uses the same Listening questions, recording and answers for both routes. This single guide supports Academic and General Training candidates.
Which Practice Link Should I Use?
Choose the Academic or GT button for your test pathway. Both lead to the same Listening content. Reading and Writing are different, so choose the correct route for those skills.
How Do I Mark Two-Answer Questions?
Enter both required letters, one per question number. Either order is accepted. Repeating one correct letter does not supply the second required answer.
What to Do After Marking
Group your errors by misunderstanding, distractors, spelling and instructions. Review the difficult section, then try another complete test to check whether your accuracy improves.