Practice English Listening Test for B1 with answer and audioscript – Test #11

1 B   2 C   3 A   4 C   5 A   6 C   7 C

Audioscript

1   How did the woman get to work today?

Woman:   Oh, I’m so sorry I’m late – I missed the bus. I was trying to decide whether to walk or go back and get my bike when I saw my neighbour. Luckily he offered me a lift, because he works near here.

2   Where does the pollution come from?

Woman:   The stream is really dirty by the time it reaches the valley but we’ve discovered where the pollution comes from. We already knew that the water was pure in the mountains at the top so we realised the pollution must come from somewhere in the forest. There is a village above the forest but we tested the water there and it was fine.

3   When must the boys get on the coach?

Man:   The football match starts at 2.30 but we should get there at half past one. The coach will pick us up at ten to one as it’ll take us about 40 minutes to drive there. So we’ll meet in the school car park. Don’t be late, boys, will you!

4   What fruit do they take?

Boy:   Mum, have we got any fruit to take on the picnic? There were some oranges and bananas.

Mother:   Here are the bananas. Let’s take those. Oh … the oranges have all gone. What about taking some grapes or apples as well?

Boy:   OK, let’s take the grapes. That’ll be enough.

5   Which present has the man bought?

Girl:   Is the book in this bag for Mum, then? I didn’t think she was particularly interested in flowers.

Father:   I thought she’d like it – to give her some good ideas for the garden. And even if she never reads it – it’s got some lovely photos.

Girl:   I thought you were going to get those gloves I showed you in that shop last Saturday. They match the scarf I’ve bought her.

6   Where are the photographs?

Woman:   Have you seen my new passport photographs? I put them on the bookshelf. Oh here they are, with your coffee cups. I hope they aren’t dirty.

Man:   Oh sorry, I was showing them to Pat. He says they make you look like that newsreader on the television!

7   What did Ben break?

Mother:   Ben, what’s this broken cup doing here?

Boy:   Sorry, Mum, I had an accident when I was washing up. You know those big dinner plates?

Mother:   You haven’t broken them as well!

Boy:   Just a couple. They slipped out of my hands into the sink and the cup got broken as well.

8 B   9 B   10 C   11 A   12 B   13 C

Audioscript

Presenter:   And that was a lovely song especially for Sandra. I hope you were listening Sandra. Now, it’s time for our ‘What’s on around Carlisle’, this weekend. There are lots of things happening. First of all, Lambly school has contacted us to tell us all about the concert they are giving on Saturday evening, that’s the 8th. The music starts at 7.30 not at 7 o’clock as advertised, and will finish about 8.30 after which coffee will be available. They say it’s an evening of songs and dances for everyone. There’ll be light refreshments afterwards in the library. That will be included in the cost of the ticket. Do go along to this concert as the school will use all the money to buy some new sports equipment for the children. Last year’s concert was a great success and the school was able to buy a new computer for the children to use and also pay for a trip to London.

Next, I have some details of a regular weekend activity. The Walking Club are going for a long distance walk around the lake this Sunday. Everyone should meet at 10 am in the car park by the lake. Don’t forget you can get a bus from the market square if you don’t have any transport. Take a packed lunch and some warm clothes with you. If the weather’s nice you’ll be able to have a picnic by the side of the lake. Have fun!

On Saturday evening, there’s a talk for the International Club by a well-known local writer, Sarah Jones, who teaches at the university. You may have read her latest novel, it’s in all the bookshops at the moment. Well, she’s giving a talk at 8 pm on Saturday evening in the library. That’s the building next to the theatre, in the centre of town. I’m sure you’ll find it very interesting. Sarah has just returned from Africa and will talk about all her experiences there. She travelled through three different countries and met lots of interesting people, including a famous actor. Now, the International Club would like to remind you that the talk is for everyone, not just members. They say it’s a family evening and under 16s get in free. They also say it’s best to make sure you book a ticket first. I’m sure the evening will be very popular, so take their advice and have a great time.

14   walking/(to) walk/walks

15   picnic/lunch / picnic lunch

16   dinner(s)

17   (the) lake(side)

18   (English) cooking/food

19   (£)185

Audioscript

Woman:   Thank you for calling the National Park Hotel Information Line. We’re going to tell you about accommodation in Upton, Lakeside and Lowton. First, in Upton, is the three-star country house hotel, the Marston Hotel, which is in a wonderful position and is especially suitable if you enjoy walking. A double room will cost from £158, including meals. You can request a picnic lunch if you’re going out on the hills all day. The phone number to ring is 019655 469.

Our second choice in Upton is the Bristol Hotel, a one-star hotel with just seven rooms and set in its own pleasant gardens. A double room here is between £70 and £90, with dinner included. The phone number is 019655 592. It’s good value, but please note they are closed in January.

In Lakeside is the two-star Ferndale Hotel. There are 15 rooms here and the hotel is on a hill with a wonderful view of the lake. A double room here will cost from £130 to £220, although that does include use of the tennis courts. The phone number for the Ferndale at Lakeside is 019662 2635.

The last of our National Park selection is at Lowton, just seven miles south of Lakeside. Here we recommend the three-star Firtrees Hotel, which has already won two prizes for its English cooking. It has 20 rooms in all and is in a good position for touring in the National Park. A double room will cost £185 a night. The phone number is 01786 481601.

Thank you for calling the National Park Hotel Information Line.

20 B   21 A   22 A   23 B   24 A   25 B

Audioscript

Louise:   John.

John:   Oh Louise. Hi.

Louise:   I’ve just arrived for my singing lesson with Mrs Thompson. What are you doing here?

John:   I’ve come for a singing lesson too.

Louise:   Well, if it’s a secret I won’t tell anyone.

John:   It’s OK, Louise, I’m going to be in a musical show, so everyone will know soon.

Louise:   Really! But can you actually sing then?

John:   Well, I was taught to sing at school you know, but now I’m in the show I thought I’d better have a few more lessons.

Louise:   Good idea. What do you think of Mrs Thompson? She’s really strict, isn’t she?

John:   She is, but I think if you want to sing properly, then she’s the best teacher. You don’t have to like her to see that she’s really brilliant.

Louise:   Oh, I suppose so, it’s just that she makes me feel so nervous. How did you get chosen for the show?

John:   Well, I went to see a few musical shows before Christmas. I don’t know why, because I’d never really liked them before, and I thought I’d like to do that so I tried for a part in the show at The Regent Theatre and got it.

Louise:   Well done … so have you actually done a show yet?

John:   Yes, we’ve done a practice show just for family and friends.

Louise:   So, how did you feel?

John:   Well, when we’d finished I wanted to cry because I was so delighted that I’d actually got through it without making any big mistakes.

Louise:   But did people like it?

John:   Yes they did, and it was great to have an audience.

Louise:   I would love to be able to sing and have everybody listen and clap.

John:   It’s quite hard to do a musical show, actually. You have to dance as well as sing. It’s hard work to get it right.

Louise:   Oh, I wouldn’t be keen on that. I’m only a singer really. When does the show open?

John:   On the 9th of October. Would you like a couple of free tickets?

Louise:   Oh yes! Thanks!