Section 4 recording
History of the Bicycle
You will hear a university lecturer giving a presentation on the historical development of the bicycle.
One speaker · North American English · 3:23
In the real test you hear each recording once. Read the questions first, then play it through without pausing.
Go to the questions ↓Questions 1–6
Complete the table below. Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Word limit: ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER
Development of Early Bicycles
| Bicycle Type | Key Design Feature | Main Disadvantage or Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Running Machine | Crafted almost exclusively from 1 | Difficult to control and offered little help on hills |
| Velocipede | Sturdy frame manufactured from 2 | Produced severe 3 on rough cobblestones |
| High-Wheeler | Equipped with solid 4 tyres | Prone to accidents causing serious 5 |
| Safety Bicycle | Power delivered to back wheel via a 6 | Provided practical everyday transport for the general public |
Ready to answer these 6 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 Table 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