Practice English Listening Test for B1 with answer and audioscript – Test #13

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

Audioscript

1   Which activity will the family do this year?

Woman:   We’re going to try an activity holiday this year, but we all want to do something different. The children want to go cycling but their father wants to go on a water sports holiday, you know, sailing and windsurfing, things like that. And I’d like to go walking. We all want to go together so we’ve decided to let the children choose this year, and we’ll choose next year.

2   Which is the woman’s house?

Man:   How will recognise your house when I call for you, Sue?

Woman:   Well, it’s the same as all the others in the street, but look out for a big tree. It’s by the front gate and it’s covered in lovely white flowers at the moment.

3   Why will drives have problems this morning?

Man:   And on to this morning’s local traffic news. Driving conditions have improved now that the early morning fog has gone. Rain is forecast for tonight but it will be fine during the day. The police have warned drivers to expect delays coming into town because of repairs to Victoria Bridge and advise lorries to find another route if possible.

4   What time will Robin leave the house?

Woman:   Oh Robin! Pete’s just rung to say that he’ll be here a bit later than he said. The plane’s going to take off at eight o’clock now so you don’t need to check-in until about quarter past seven. He said he’d be round to pick you up at half past six instead of six o’clock. Is that OK? It’ll give you some more time to pack anyway!

5   What did Simon do this morning?

Woman:   Oh Simon, you haven’t even washed the dishes. Have you done anything this morning?

Boy:   I’ve been really busy, Mum. I paid the window cleaner who called and I was going to put away all the shopping you bought yesterday but Pete rang and he kept me talking for ages.

6   What hasn’t the girl packed yet?

Woman:   Have you got everything you need for your holiday?

Girl:   Well, I’ve packed my soap and toothbrush if that’s what you mean, but I can’t find any toothpaste anywhere.

Woman:   There’s probably some in the bathroom cupboard. But what about a towel, have you remembered to pack that?

Girl:   Of course.

7   What has the woman just bought?

Woman:   What do you think? I found it in that new department store yesterday. I think it’s perfect. It’ll keep the sun off my face and it’ll go really well with the dress I’m wearing to the wedding. It’s the same colour as my bag, too. I just need a new jacket now.

8 B   9 B   10 C   11 A   12 C   13 B

Audioscript

Man:   And today I’m talking to Angela Morgan. Angela, what made you decide to fly round the world in a helicopter?

Woman:   People often ask me why I decided to do it but I’m surprised they don’t ask ‘Why did you wait so long?’ because I’m 57 now! I’m sorry I didn’t do it years ago, because it was such a wonderful experience. But the main purpose for going was to collect £500,000 for sick children by getting different companies to pay us money for each kilometre that we flew.

Man:   And now everyone calls you the flying grandmother!

Woman:   Yes, the thing about growing older is that you don’t feel any different inside, so you have to do as much as you can while you can. I’m healthy, and my own children are grown up, so I was free to go.

Man:   And what about preparing for the trip?

Woman:   Well, it took five months to plan. I was going to go with my husband, but he couldn’t take time off work. Instead I made the trip with my flying teacher who became a great friend while she was teaching me to fly three years ago. I passed my flying test after two weeks; found it quite easy.

Man:   And what was the trip like?

Woman:   It was really exciting flying over so many different countries. The only thing was that we weren’t able to spend much time sightseeing because we only stopped to get water and to camp. We took very little with us, but we did have tents and cooking things to use at night. We had to spend two days in Thailand because of an engine problem, but that was the longest we spent anywhere. Fortunately nothing else went wrong, so we just kept on going after that.

Man:   What did you enjoy most about the trip?

Woman:   The most wonderful thing about flying was seeing the differences in the countryside as we flew across 26 countries in 97 days. We flew over oceans and close to mountains; sometimes it was quite frightening, but we didn’t travel when it was dark. We spent several nights camping in the desert and the sky was just full of stars. I made a video of the trip; you’ll see it in a minute.

Man:   Was there anything that you missed while you were away?

Woman:   Well, to my surprise I didn’t miss going to work or going out to restaurants or films. The most difficult thing was sitting still all the time; I normally play tennis and swim several times a week, so I started to feel very unfit. I missed hot water and proper showers sometimes too, but not as much as I thought I would!

14   Monday afternoon/p.m.

15   America / U.S.A. / United States (of America)

16   £1.75

17   tourist office(s)

18   beach

19   computer(s)

Audioscript

Man:   This week in the local activities part of the show, we’re taking a look at Science World, the new place to visit for a family day out. During your visit you’ll be able to find out about all the latest developments in science, as well as trying lots of experiments for yourself. This is no ordinary museum, I promise you! There’s a programme of special events, which next week includes an Electricity Workshop on Monday afternoon, and the chance to do some experiments with water on Wednesday morning. Of special interest is the regular Saturday evening talk: next week Science World welcome a famous American scientist who is going to talk about space travel.

It isn’t expensive to visit Science World, with tickets priced at three pounds for adults and two pounds for children. Talks and other special events are extra, though, with an entrance fee of £1.75 for adults and there are reductions for children. If you want to go to a special event or talk, then book your tickets direct from Science World on 284311, or pick them up from the tourist office.

While you’re at Science World, you’ll be able to enjoy a snack in the Newton Café – it’s a bit small, but the food is good. It’s open all day and it has a lovely view because it’s beside the beach.

Still not sure? Well, why not give Science World a call on 284311? If you say you heard about Science World on this programme they will send you one free ticket to next month’s exhibition which is about computers. It’s suitable for families and school parties.

And now let’s look at …

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

Audioscript

Boy:   Guess what, Clare? I’ve been chosen for the school swimming team! What do you think about that?

Girl:   Well, I think it’s great, but I’m sure Dad won’t say the same when he finds out. You know how he feels about you doing all this sport and not doing your school work. You’ll never get all your homework done, especially if you have to travel to other schools for competitions.

Boy:   It won’t make any difference. I can do my homework on the bus.

Girl:   Honestly Tom, you know what your teacher said to Dad last term. You’ve got a good brain and you could improve your marks at school if you spent a bit less time thinking about sport. Sometimes I wonder if you ever think about anything else at all.

Boy:   Well, I work hard at everything I like doing, not just sport. I mean, take maths for example.

Girl:   Okay, it’s your life, but you know you have your examinations next year for college, and at most of the good colleges they have great sports facilities. If you aren’t accepted, then you’ll have to find a job and that won’t be easy.

Boy:   Oh I’ve thought about that already. I’m thinking of applying to do Sports Science at college and someone told me some of the colleges often take students with lower marks if they’re good at sport.

Girl:   Well, I wouldn’t depend on what one of your friends says if I were you.

Boy:   For your information it wasn’t one of my friends, it was a teacher at school.

Girl:   I’m only trying to help and anyway it doesn’t really matter what I say, it’s Dad you have to worry about.

Boy:   Yes, okay. I know you’re right about that. I’ll have a chat with him tonight and explain things again.

Girl:   Good luck!