IELTS Listening · Multiple Choice

Wetland Bird Survey Project

Play the recording and read the 7 Multiple Choice questions below. To attempt the drill, log in free: it opens in the BandLadder test player with instant scoring.
  • 7 questions
  • Section 3 style
  • About 7 minutes
  • Free account

Section 3 recording

Wetland Bird Survey Project

You will hear two ecology students, Harriet and Zachary, discussing their field study on bird populations at a nature reserve.

2 speakers · British and North American English · 4:19

In the real test you hear each recording once. Read the questions first, then play it through without pausing.

Go to the questions ↓

Questions 1–7

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

  1. 1Why did Harriet and Zachary choose to survey birds at the inland freshwater pools?

    • AIt offered better sightlines than the alternative location suggested by staff.
    • BThe coastal mudflats were closed for scheduled maintenance work.
    • CThe reserve wardens advised them that water levels were ideal there.
  2. 2Which equipment issue caused Harriet the greatest concern?

    • AThe tripod mechanism jammed during early morning observations.
    • BThe digital camera failed to focus in low light levels.
    • CThe battery on the sound recorder stopped working.
  3. 3Harriet explains that the dunlin population was higher than expected because

    • Aredshanks had migrated away from the mudbanks earlier than usual.
    • Bweather conditions over the winter had been exceptionally mild.
    • Chabitat clearing on the northern bank had created new feeding areas.
  4. 4What was the main reason the students found the dawn surveys more successful than dusk surveys?

    • AThere was less noise disturbance from passing aircraft.
    • BThe lighting conditions made it easier to identify bird plumage.
    • CThe morning mist encouraged the birds to stay closer to the shore.
  5. 5What data entry mistake did Zachary identify in the mapping software?

    • AHe categorised young birds as adult breeding pairs.
    • BHe entered incorrect map coordinates for flock locations.
    • CHe accidentally deleted records from the previous survey.
  6. 6Harriet believes visitor disturbance is continuing mainly because

    • Awarning signs along the main track are poorly positioned.
    • Bthe boundary fence is too low to prevent people crossing it.
    • Cdog walkers are unaware of seasonal breeding restrictions.
  7. 7Which task do Harriet and Zachary need to finish before their meeting with Dr Henderson?

    • AWrite the draft of their background literature review.
    • BComplete the section explaining their survey methodology.
    • CProduce charts that illustrate seasonal population trends.

Ready to answer these 7 questions?

Log in to attempt this drill in the BandLadder test player, with instant scoring when you finish.

Ready for a full Listening test?

Four recordings, 40 questions of every type and the real timing, with your band score the moment you finish. Your free account also gets AI-scored Writing and Speaking.

Take a full timed test free →

Keep practising

More Multiple Choice drills

Get your band, not just a score

  • ✓Full timed Listening and Reading tests
  • ✓AI-scored Writing with band feedback
  • ✓AI-scored Speaking with an AI examiner
Take a full timed test free

Free account · no card

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Log in to attempt — free