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Current issues:
sample listening and responding answers
Item 1
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the issues raised | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issues raised | 2 marks |
| Lists an issue that is raised | 1 mark |
Sample Answer: There are two issues raised in this item -
- In most households, there is only one line which is used for both telephones and the internet. This can create problems, in that only one of these can be used at the one time.
- Many people's main form of communication is via email and, in fact, they become "email friends" (merutomo). This can be a good thing but also can be seen as a potential danger, in that inappropriate friendships may occur.
Both of these issues highlight the increased dependence that we have on the internet.
Item 2
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the issue | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of the issue | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issue | 1 mark |
Sample answer: As they are taking a shortcut through the underground area in Tokyo, they see homeless people who live in the big city. The issue is not only that these people are there but also whose responsibility it is to care for them.
Item 3
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the issue | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issue | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issue | 1 mark |
Sample answer: The boy stayed up late surfing the internet last night. This is a common problem amongst young people, who spend hours in front of the computer but are then too tired to go to school or neglect to do their homework. Also, relationships with other people can deteriorate due to the amount of time spent on the computer.
Item 4
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the issues | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issues | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issues | 1 mark |
Sample answer: Both speakers are shocked that someone they know committed suicide. The reasons for the suicide are unclear but the person in question was unemployed for a long period of time. The female speaker clearly identifies with this problem, as well as an additional area of concern: her relationship with her parents. Thus, the item raises issues of young people's stress due to unemployment and deteriorating relations with other people.
Item 5
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the issue | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of the issue | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the issue | 1 mark |
Sample answer: An Australian home stay student would not be surprised that rubbish must be separated into different piles, as newspapers and glass bottles are recycled in Australia too. However, they would be surprised at the fact that there is a bin for "unburnable rubbish" such as vinyl and rubber, which is slightly different to Australia. You must not put food or paper in that bin.
Item 6
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates a good understanding of what is being discussed | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of what is being discussed | 1 mark |
Sample answer: There is an international conference in Kyoto (governments from various countries) to discuss environmental problems. No decision has yet been made but the male speaker strongly feels that something should be done about the environment.
Item 7
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of her concerns | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of her concerns | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of her concerns | 1 mark |
Sample answer: She feels that, worldwide, there are a lot of war torn countries and wonders why wars occur. She is concerned about the ordinary people who are affected by war: they don't get enough to eat, they are wounded or they die.
Item 8
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the mood with detailed, relevant supporting evidence | 4 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of the mood with relevant supporting evidence | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the mood with some supporting evidence | 2 marks |
| Gives some relevant information about this item | 1 mark |
Sample answer: Although the news item is factual, the mood is quite dark. According to a government survey, in twenty years time there will be many more old people than young people in Japan. The number of old people living on their own will also increase and this will cause many problems. No positive facts are given and the outlook seems grim.
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