Part 4

Part 4: Listening and Responding for Main Idea and Meaning (12 minutes)

Rationale – Part 4 exposes the candidate to the use of Plain English in context of aviation related materials.
                  The candidate has to identify the main idea presented in the text and show an understanding of linguistic and cultural subtleties in the
use of the English language.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. You will hear a recording of THREE texts.
  2. Each recording will be played twice.
  3. After each recording two questions will be asked.
  4. Give your oral responses to the questions asked.
  5. You may make notes as you listen.
TEXT 1 ( Audio File )

TEXT 1

QUESTION   1. In your own words, state the main message of the text.

EXPECTED ANSWER      

Ace International had started/launched a scheme/program that made its (single-engine piston) planes more affordable to its buyers/purchasers. 

QUESTION    2. Explain the meaning of “fill and fly” as a promotional strategy by the company. 

EXPECTED ANSWER    

The phrase means that the owner of the new plane just has to pay for the cost of petrol for flying as payment of the plane for the first three years/initial payment for the first three years of ownership.

TEXT 2 ( Audio File )

TEXT 2

QUESTION   1.In your own words, state the main idea of the text.           

EXPECTED ANSWER      

It is extremely important that a pilot communicates very clearly so as not to be misunderstood as this may lead to unnecessary accidents. / Pilots must be very careful with their use of language in order to avoid accidents.

QUESTION    2. What should the ATC have said to prevent the Eastern Airlines a  accident?

EXPECTED ANSWER      

ATC should have said, ‘Are you facing altitude problems?’/ ‘Is there a reason why you are changing your altitude?’

TEXT 3 ( Audio File )

TEXT 3

QUESTION   1. In your own words, state what the text is mainly about.

EXPECTED ANSWER   

A pilot must have experience and good judgment which is a result of training and accumulated experience (years of service).

QUESTION   2. Explain the meaning of ‘start banking experience’. 

EXPECTED ANSWER     

It means to begin to accumulate/gather know-how/practice.