IELTS® Listening Practice 54

The answer is motivation. Rachel explains that studying with the Open University required her to "maintain a high level of motivation, because it's so different from school." This clearly indicates that motivation was especially necessary for her success, as there was no one reminding her about assignments, making it all dependent on her own initiative.

Associated Text:
I found I needed to maintain a high level of motivation, because it's so different from school. There's no-one saying, 'Why haven't you written your assignment yet?' and that sort of thing.

The answer is time management. Rachel clearly states, "Another thing was that I got very good at time-management because I had to fit time for studying round a full-time job." This shows that managing her time was a vital skill that she developed as a result of balancing work and study.

Associated Text:
Another thing was that I got very good at time-management because I had to fit time for studying round a full-time job.

The answer is modules. Rachel says that the degree is made up of modules, which allows students some flexibility, such as taking time off between them. This structure is pointed out as a reason that made the course easier, directly answering the question.

Associated Text:
What makes it easier is that the degree is made up of modules, so you can take time off between them if you need to.

The answer is summer schools. Rachel describes how summer schools were beneficial, saying, "there are summer schools. They usually last a week. They're great, because you meet all the other people struggling with the same things as you. I've made some really good friends that way." This indicates that she enjoyed meeting other students at summer schools.

Associated Text:
there are summer schools. They usually last a week. They're great, because you meet all the other people struggling with the same things as you. I've made some really good friends that way.