Section 4 recording
The History of Public Parks
You will hear a university lecturer giving a talk on the history and development of municipal public parks in nineteenth-century Britain.
One speaker · Australian English · 3:30
In the real test you hear each recording once. Read the questions first, then play it through without pausing.
Go to the questions ↓Questions 1–8
Complete the summary below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Word limit: ONE WORD ONLY
The Development of Victorian Public Parks
During the nineteenth century, reformers promoted public parks as a way to reduce 1 among city workers. The park created in Blackwood in 1847 was originally expected to be financed by a local 2, but public money was used instead. The new park was designed with a large 3 as its central attraction. Park visitors were expected to follow strict regulations, such as not picking blooms, and the grounds were monitored by 4. In the 1860s, the opening of a 5 line made the park much easier for factory workers to reach. In later decades, the park introduced sports facilities, with 6 becoming the most widely attended activity. Archival records confirmed that access to the park led to a noticeable drop in 7 among residents. In recent times, park authorities have focused on providing habitats to protect urban 8.
Ready to answer these 8 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 Summary Completion 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
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